General Info

[MysterR]

Effective 1/26/21, all international travelers including US citizens, will be required to get a viral test within 3 days before departure and, show proof of negative Covid 19 test before being allowed to board the plane from the country of departure to the US. This obviously may cause changes to travel plans to the DR for some of us. For those on this board who are familiar with Covid 19 testing in the DR, is it easy to get the test in Santo Domingo? I am planning on going there in 3 weeks.

I had a similar question, and found the following information on https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/...m/coronavirus/

Where can I have a PCR test done in the Dominican Republic with results 48 to 72 hours before the trip back to my country?

The Amadita and Reference laboratories can perform the PCR tests at home so it is necessary to coordinate with enough time to schedule the visit of the specialists, since 48 hours are required to process the sample and deliver the result, according to the following guidelines:

If you are in a hotel outside of Santo Domingo, we recommend that you schedule the test from the moment you arrive in the country to ensure the availability of the specialists, so you can get the result when you need it.

If you are in Santo Domingo, you can schedule the test the same day or the next day.

Remember that you must present your passport to take the test. For home tests to be performed at the hotel, you must inform the reception staff so they can give access to the laboratory specialists.

You can make an appointment for the PCR test sample collection through the following channels:

Amadita Laboratorio CLnico.

It has 47 branches strategically located nationwide for general clinical analysis.

The COVID-19 PCR test is performed nationwide by requesting a visit to your hotel of a specialist or in person at the special collection points located in Santo Domingo and Santiago. You can request the test by completing the form required by the Ministry of Health through the following channels:

App Amadita (available for Android & IOS).

Web page www.amadita.com.

WhatsApp 809-682-5414.

In addition, COVID-19 antibody tests can be ordered at any of their nationwide branches and at-home service. Please check the nearest Amadita Clinical Laboratory branch and hours of operation on the Amadita App and website www.amadita.com.

For more information contact 809 682-5414 or www.amadita.com.

Referencia Laboratorio CLnico.

A network of 51 locations throughout the country.

Tel. 809-221-2684 ext. 50.

WhastApp Referencia: 809-221-5545.

planciacovid@labreferencia.com

COVID-19 KIT.

An easy and reliable self-collection set containing materials and instructions for collecting saliva samples. Our laboratory will manage the shipping and collection of the kit with an exclusive courier.

Santo Domingo (online request): https://www.labreferencia.com/kit-covid-19/.

La Romana, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Sosa & Saman: Tel 809-221-2684 ext. 50.

COVID-19 Auto service.

A method that consists of performing the test for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in your body from the comfort of your vehicle.

Appointment: www.labreferencia.com/auto-servicio-covid-19/.

HOME SERVICE.

A health care professional with personal protective equipment (PPE) is brought to the site for sampling.

Call Center: Tel. 809-221-2684.

Referencia WhatsApp: Tel. 809-221-5545.

[Darelax]

Sorry about the Spanish language link (you can use google to translate it).

Pfizer vaccines will be the first to arrive to DR.

https://eldia.com.do/las-vacunas-con...untario-en-rd/

[Cestme]

Effective 1/26/21, all international travelers including US citizens, will be required to get a viral test within 3 days before departure and, show proof of negative Covid 19 test before being allowed to board the plane from the country of departure to the US. This obviously may cause changes to travel plans to the DR for some of us. For those on this board who are familiar with Covid 19 testing in the DR, is it easy to get the test in Santo Domingo? I am planning on going there in 3 weeks.

[SubCmdr]

(And requires a trip to the grocery store).

Santo Domingo, DR

The prices of the Christmas gummies made three women in the supermarket aisle laugh as they bought the ingredients for the Christmas dinner. One of them took the cheapest one and said this is the one you will eat at home.
This Wednesday the lines were incessant and even to enter the supermarket parking lot you had to queue up. The aisles and checkout counters were full of women and men with their carts loaded with the basics for the traditional Christmas Eve.
Aluminum trays, lasagna boxes, raw and baked chickens, fabric, turkey, pork, sweets, potatoes, carrots, eggs, apples, grapes, almonds (coquitos), cans of pigeon peas, corn, mayonnaise, and ingredients to season the different dishes were on the shopping carts.
The murmur and complaints were frequent among the shoppers because of the prices. A pound of ground meat at RD$156.95, the frozen turkey at RD$129.00, a pound of fresh pigeon peas at RD$138.95, baked chicken at 310.00, baked pork at RD$360.00, and baked turkey at RD$330.
On average, the traditional Christmas dinner for a family of five is around RD$6,000 (USD $103), including the following menu: two baked chickens (RD$700.00), three pounds of baked pork (900.00), a pot of pigeon peas (RD$300.00), lasagna (RD$600.00), a ripe banana cake (RD$600.00), six-leaf cakes (RD$750.00) and candies RD$600.00.
Also included on the menu are a green salad RD$200.00, a mixed salad RD$300.00, a loom RD$79.95, two double liters of soft drink RD$120.00, two La Fuerza red wines RD$309.00, a Crema de Oro punch (egg nog) RD$314.00 and Brugal rum RD$350.00.
Dynamism
The sales dynamics in the stores have been remarkable during the last days and the social distancing protocols for the prevention of COVID-19 has not been observed in many cases, only the use of masks is visible in the riots.
People are crowding into the producers markets and into the importers markets seeking lower prices to ease the expenses of maintaining the tradition and gathering with their families to celebrate Christmas Eve and the Christmas holiday.
Products on the rise
The basic family grocery basket has seen prices increase this year-end. As of yesterday, a pound of rice ranged from RD$23.49 to RD$29.49 (40-50 cents), the five-pound sugar package from RD$124.00 (USD $2), and garlic from RD$54.00 to RD$120.00 (USD $1-2) per pound.
A 30 unit carton of eggs in the supermarket for RD$168.95 to RD$225.00 (USD $2.90-$3.90), a pound of Barcel tomatoes for RD$33.95, a pound of Cuban peppers for RD$47.95, a pound of cucumbers for RD$14.45 and a pound of red peppers for RD$59.95.

Drinks The consumption of alcoholic beverages is essential in the Christmas celebrations. The price of sangria is around RD$300.00, the price of wine varies from RD$300.00 to RD$5,000.
Figures 1,500 Government bonds. The government, through the Social Policy Cabinet, distributed a RD$1,500 bonus to people who do not receive state aid to guarantee the poorest people a Christmas dinner.
RD$360
A pound of pork. The pound of the traditional lechn (piglet) is sold in the streets and supermarkets between RD$300.00 and RD$360.00.
RD$330
Baked turkey.
The turkey, which for many families should not be missing from the table, sells for RD$330.00 per baked pound

https://dominicantoday.com/dr/econom...ican-republic/

My dinner bill far exceeds that and does not follow exact tradition (maybe because I am not Dominican). LOL!

I am breaking this years holiday message down for two different groups:

To my fellow men in the arena. I hope your holiday season is everything you want it to be!

To my critics, it is most unfortunate that you do not matter. But it is a situation of your own doing. Change your ways. And be a man in the arena!

Happy Holidays!

[Darelax]

Merry Christmas to all here in the ISG community!

[Sailor02]

E it must has been a long time. You taught me how to do this along time ago. Its *111# not *122#. The other will only reveal how many Minutes you have on your phone. 111 will allow you to choose packages of Internet services. You can go online to Claro to add minutes once you get a number from your Sim card. *369# reveals the telephone number of your Sim card with Claro.

Thanks GrownMan. I appreciate that you jumped in on this. Probably helped many of us. Sailo02.

[TomJackin]

E it must has been a long time. You taught me how to do this along time ago.

This is the same guy that taught me about the t-mobile North American plan. While traveling, I got it all!

Point being: Mr. E has a wealth of knowledge in this hobby.

[GrownMan1]

You don't purchase data first. You add credit to your phone then you use some of that credit to get your data by punching in *122# Call. Then a list pops up. Then I think you choose services. Then another list pops up. Then you choose free packages I think. Then another list comes up. Then it asks if you want 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 1 month and has the prices next to them. 1 day is 50 pesos, 3 days 95, 5 days 140, etc. So it is graduated down like that. You choose one then it asks if that is what you want. You choose yes. Then it sends the message that you have bought whatever data package. And you are all set.

I always add credit to mine on etopuponline. No need to go to any kiosks. You can add credit before you leave home. Then when the plane lands you can add data before you even leave the plane. You SIM card is good for only 6 months if you have not added credit during that time.

E it must has been a long time. You taught me how to do this along time ago. Its *111# not *122#. The other will only reveal how many Minutes you have on your phone. 111 will allow you to choose packages of Internet services. You can go online to Claro to add minutes once you get a number from your Sim card. *369# reveals the telephone number of your Sim card with Claro.

[Sailor02]

Thankd Mr E for the detailed explanation. I have been using an old style flip phone as my D R phone for 15 years (LOL) and I so I was never able to use whatsapp. I finally upgraded my DR phone to an older I phone that I was using as my U S phone. Since I want to use whatsapp on this new phone I did not know how the "Claro system" works. I didn't not know if I needed data or not for whatsapp to work on my I phone or if I could just use my pesos (minutes) for that purpose. Thanks again Sailor02.

[Mr Enternational]

If I need data in order to use whatsapp I will purchase it at the airport kiosk. I didn't know if it was necessary to have data in addition to the regular minutes or not to use whatsapp.

You don't purchase data first. You add credit to your phone then you use some of that credit to get your data by punching in *122# Call. Then a list pops up. Then I think you choose services. Then another list pops up. Then you choose free packages I think. Then another list comes up. Then it asks if you want 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 1 month and has the prices next to them. 1 day is 50 pesos, 3 days 95, 5 days 140, etc. So it is graduated down like that. You choose one then it asks if that is what you want. You choose yes. Then it sends the message that you have bought whatever data package. And you are all set.

I always add credit to mine on etopuponline. No need to go to any kiosks. You can add credit before you leave home. Then when the plane lands you can add data before you even leave the plane. You SIM card is good for only 6 months if you have not added credit during that time.

[Sailor02]

Yes. But you do it yourself from your phone.

If I need data in order to use whatsapp I will purchase it at the airport kiosk. I didn't know if it was necessary to have data in addition to the regular minutes or not to use whatsapp. I normally use a regular flip phone when in the the are. Thank you Mr E. Sailor02.

[Mr Enternational]

I would like to know if I need to add data to my iphone in order to use whatsapp on my iphone with Claro in the the D R.

Yes. But you do it yourself from your phone.

[Tempoecorto]

Hello to everyone. I would like to know if I need to add data to my iphone in order to use whatsapp on my iphone with Claro in the the D R.

So, back home, I use T-mobile and which has this international coverage that allows me to use it in the DR (and many other places) without spending any additional money for services like whatsapp. Prior to that, and it must have been 3-4 years back, when I used to carry a second phone and I used Claro. All that I needed to do is go to any phone place and add 1 day or multiple days for a given amount of pesos. So the long and short of this message is: adding minutes is good enough, no need for data. Whatsapp is not data intensive at all and it would work fine that way, calls might be a different matter. What might irk you, are the stupid and unwanted incoming messages sent by claro and associates, which costs you and bring your balance down. Perhaps one could go to a Claro location and ask for deactivating receiving such garbage.

[Sailor02]

Hello to everyone. I would like to know if I need to add data to my iphone in order to use whatsapp on my iphone with Claro in the the D R. I have a used Iphone that is unlocked that I plan to use exclusively in the the D R for calls and whatsapp only. It is my old phone that I used daily in the US and I since have replaced it with a newer model. Thanks for any replies. Be safe Sailoro2.

[SubCmdr]

It's not very noticeable to tourists. What you have to spend as a full time resident does not compare well with what you have to spend. And what you get in return. In other Caribbean / Latin America countries. It's a question of quality of life. Noise pollution, unreliable water and electricity supply, and zero customer service unless you spend New York / London / Paris costs at restaurant and other hospitality venues. For those who have traveled a bit a prime example of the customer service gap is noticeable if you approach an employee in a supermarket or hardware store and ask where something can be found. You are lucky if you can get employees to stop using their phones long enough to speak with you, and even luckier if you get a useful response.

I have mad respect for your posts Knowledge. They are so much more informative that much of the weak mess that is thrown up in here. But in this case I have to call a technical foul on you. Specifically your example of a grocery store and hardware store.

I live here. Full time. I am in a grocery store at least once a week. I am in a hardware store at lease once a month. I have asked many store employees for help during the entire time I have lived here and never failed to have one immediately help me with my needs. In fact, I have even had them seek out others for knowledge that they did not have. Or if I was in the wrong section have them stop the task they were working on and lead me to the area where I could find the good or service I was seeking.

Now, I do not know where you shop or the type of stores that you shop in. But my experiences in Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo este, Santiago, Punta Cana, Baharona, Vega, La Romana, Higuey, Monte Plata while shopping in major chains like Bravo, Ole, National, La Sierna, Carrefour, Plaza Lama, Garrito, IKEA, Unidos, Ferreteria Americana (when they were open) I have not experienced anything like you described. In fact, in Garrito and IKEA the are employees roaming the store looking to help you. The girls offering assistance in Garrito seem to be prettier than average. Somebody in personnel must have a eye for the ladies.

For the record, I stipulate that my experiences do not invalidate yours. But I offer alternate set of experiences for others to review. That is not to say that I have never had a problem with customer service in Republica Dominicana. It is to say that there are levels to it. And when people make sweeping generalizations they are usually wrong. Due to the exceptions. That is the social scientist in me emerging again!

In my opinion, problems with customer service in general in this country is not due to Dominicans. It is due to Dominican Business owners. The problem is that Dominican Business owners think they are better than everyone else. They think their customers and clients are privileged to be able to purchase their goods and services from them. As an example of good customer service I present: Punta Cana. Prices are not in the first world, first city range. Customer service is excellent and the customer service is being delivered by Dominicans. The difference is the training and objectives they receive from the non-Dominican business owners they work for that understand the expectations of the consumers of their goods and services from the western world. And don't throw the AI thing up in my face. I have never stepped foot in a AI in Punta Cana. Why would I need to? I can build a resort like vacation from the local economy have a great time. I have not need to be locked down in a minimum security prison (AKA: all inclusive resort).

Next issue surely to presented by somebody is that I have nothing to compare it against. That argument is valid if you wish to say I have no experience living in another country. I do not. I happen to like the Dominican Republic. Yes, it is not without it's challenges and frustrations living here. And because I point those out on occasion those like the King of Sosua read and declares from his throne that I am not happy living here. Nothing could be further from the truth. I just do not feel the need to spin everything positively when it is not. But just because I recognize reality it does not mean I am unhappy living here. Those who know me, know I am invested in Republica Dominicana far beyond any visitor and many posting up in here that live here.

Others have told me, that yes other places in Latin America has lower costs of living. But who wrote "Price is not everything"? I can agree with that. It is about perceived value. There are aspects of the financial system in the Dominican Republic that are not available to individuals living under the same circumstances in other Latin American countries. And in the end it all comes down to personal preferences and perceptions does it not.

Now, I am certain to hear that because I do not travel, I don't know anything about other places. It is a common refrain taken by a certain prolific poster consistently. But that position can only be valid if they don't count the 33 different foreign countries that I traveled to before I moved to Republica Dominicana. That is the only situation where any individual can make the argument that I am not well traveled. LOL! Haters going to hate. Players going to play. Mongers going to pay to play. But its all good in the end! Now who has some good bourbon up in here? My options are completely tapped out. I am back to searching for good rum to drink neat.

But once again, what the fuck do I know? I just live here!