[QUOTE=Brother P;1408264]I have a galaxy as well. Did you get it unlocked in the dr? I have a claro minute phone I use in the DR.[/QUOTE]I bought mine at T-Mobile. Right after I bought it I called them and they emailed me the code to unlock it.
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[QUOTE=Brother P;1408264]I have a galaxy as well. Did you get it unlocked in the dr? I have a claro minute phone I use in the DR.[/QUOTE]I bought mine at T-Mobile. Right after I bought it I called them and they emailed me the code to unlock it.
[QUOTE=Mr Enternational;1408258]My Samsung Galaxy smartphone already had the Google Maps application installed when I bought it. Since I pay for Claro internet on my phone everyday while in DR there is no need to have another GPS. It definitely came in handy on this trip. It showed me shorter routes that I did not know existed. (eg. From Higuey to La Samana Highway using DR4 and from Moca to DR1 going south instead of west) It also helped me navigate around Santo Domingo with ease. Looking back, my first time going to Salcedo from Santiago was at night with no GPS. When I was using the GPS this time in the daylight hours, I thought to myself I don't know how I ever made it the first time. I must have been insane to even have attempted it.[/QUOTE]Thanks for that. Very helpful!
1. I use a second phone while there but without Internet. The man who spoke to me about GPS told me the Garmin map is apparently better than the Google maps. I have no way to judge. Speaking of going to Salcedo, I passed through Moca and Salcedo on the way to SFM and two times I did that, I did it during day time and I had to often ask people to get the direction right so yes, I know what you are speaking of.
[QUOTE=Mr Enternational; 1408244]I rent with Nelly as well. It was my wingman that I was with in Santo Domingo two weeks ago who actually introduced me to Nelly a couple of years ago. Before that, I always rented with Budget. When we arrived on the 23rd he was renting for 1 day and they put a $1500 hold on his card because he declined the insurance. I actually started getting the insurance about a year ago. I always rent the same Kia Picanto as well. The guy tried to give me a new Hyundai this time but I checked it out and declined. The reason being is that it had a factory radio with a CD player and no auxiliary jack to connect my ipod. The radios that are in the Kias do have the jack. My priorities for renting a car are 1. Auxiliary jack for ipod 2. Fuel comsumption 3. A / C. Other than those things I could care less.
My car cost me $318 for 6 days (Saturday 2pm to Friday 12pm. $53 / day) with all insurances included. The guy said he would put a $500 hold on my card. I asked why do I need a $500 hold when the total is only $318 and I have all of the insurances. He said that he would do $400 instead. I agreed with that. A while back I asked my credit card companies about the car rental insurance coverage that I have seen discussed here several times, but none of them seemed to know what I was talking about. Discover was the only one that said the insurance existed, but they said it was secondary insurance to cover any costs above the limits of the regular insurance. Maybe I will contact the other companies once more to inquire again.
In 7 days I drove 1394 km (866 miles). I spent 7500 pesos ($182) in gas. I started in Santo Domingo / Boca Chica and went to Higuey / Bavaro / Punta Cana. From there I drove to Sosua / Puerto Plata. From there I went to Santiago. From Santiago I went to La Vega, to Salcedo, back to Santiago, back to Salcedo, down to San Francisco and back to Santo Domingo. Total transportation: $318 rental + $182 fuel= $500/866 miles = 57. 7 cents / mile.[/QUOTE]1. Funny you mention the radio. I hardly ever play it indeed I did not even know how to operate it. It was one girl who came in and started fiddling with the radio which is how I found out. The women there need music. I have to think of it next time. More in the room.
2. I did not check the miles, given the unlimited mileage. And kudos for a mathematical mind and putting the numbers across. The Insurance is pricey. My base rate was if I recall, $17 plus applicable taxes. Question is why do they need a hold at all if you buy all the insurances which given the cost, I am assuming you did.
I had a long conversation with the Visa Card people. Here is an extract from the document they sent me for LDW. What Discover seems to have talked about is rental in the country of residence where you have a primary insurance as well. This MAY NOT BE applicable in a foreign country.
The Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver Benefit will reimburse the cardholder for.
Physical damage to, or theft of, a rental car up to the actual cash value of the.
Vehicle as it was originally manufactured if the following conditions are met:
1. The rental period may not exceed nor intend to exceed fifteen (15) consecutive.
Days within the cardholder's domiciled country and thirty-one (31) consecutive.
Days outside the domiciled country.
2. The Loss / Damage Waiver offered by the rental agency must be declined by.
The cardholder in any state or country except where prohibited by law.
3. The entire rental transaction must be secured and charged to the eligible card.
4. Anyone driving other than the person whose name is embossed on the card.
Must be listed as an authorized driver on the rental contract.
5. The damage or theft must have taken place while the vehicle is under the.
Cardholder's care and control.
Within the cardholder's country of residence the coverage is on a 'SECONDARY'
Basis. It does not duplicate insurance provided by or purchased through the car.
Rental company; it will not pay for losses reimbursed by the cardholder's own.
Insurer, employer, employer's insurance or any other valid insurance. However, it.
Will reimburse the cardholder for the outstanding deductible portion or other.
Charges not covered by the cardholder's primary insurance policy. Outside the.
Cardholder's domiciled country or if the cardholder does not have primary.
Insurance, coverage is primary where available.
[url]http://www.jetblue.com/[/url], JFK to SDQ, $387 in April and May. Other flight markets and other cities.
"Fares include government taxes and fees. Book by April 10, 2013 (the earlier of 11:59 PM ET or local time). Fares not available for purchase via Online Travel Agencies Orbitz, Travelocity, Expedia, Hotwire, CheapTickets, LowestFare or Priceline. Travel April 16 through June 19, 2013 (Day of week restrictions, travel window exceptions, and blackout dates apply and vary by route.)" :)
I purchased my online tourist card yesterday. The problem is that my printer is down. But my smartphone has the email with the scanner code. Can I just have them scan it from my phone on arrival, or do I need a printed copy to hand them to keep?
Thanks in advance
[QUOTE=Mr Gogo; 1409526]I purchased my online tourist card yesterday. The problem is that my printer is down. But my smartphone has the email with the scanner code. Can I just have them scan it from my phone on arrival, or do I need a printed copy to hand them to keep?
Thanks in advance[/QUOTE]This is a tough one. I am aware that in the US, we can scan boarding pass directly from the phone but I would be surprised if down there they are already are that ready with technology. I handed them the printout and after they scanned it, the guy waved me through. I think until you check it out, a print out is a safer plan.
[QUOTE=Tempoecorto;1408293]I had a long conversation with the Visa Card people. Here is an extract from the document they sent me for LDW. What Discover seems to have talked about is rental in the country of residence where you have a primary insurance as well. This MAY NOT BE applicable in a foreign country.[/QUOTE]Thanks man. I just called around to all of my Visa and Mastercard companies and each one told me that I would be covered if I rented a car with their card worldwide. They also told me to look at these sites. I have only been getting rental car insurance for the past year. I guess I was covered all those times I didn't get the rental company's insurance but did not know it. Now it's back to my old ways. No more of that rip off stuff for me!
From Mastercard: CAR RENTAL COLLISION DAMAGE WAIVER INSURANCE.
Pays for covered damages (physical damage and theft) to a rental vehicle when your eligible MasterCard card is used to initiate and pay for the entire rental transaction.
[url]http://www.mastercard.us/card-benefits.html[/url]
From Visa: [url]http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/benefits/bft_dmg_waiver_personal.html[/url]
Another successful trip to the DR.
I rented from Budget at SDQ.
Cost $20 / day car rental $13 / day for liability coverage and $8 / day for tires and glass. I use AMEX and I am covered for collision and damage to the rental car but not covered for liability or damage I might do to others if the accident is my fault. I assume any accident I might be in would be my fault in the DR. This is the reason for the $13 / day liability insurance. My VISA also only provides collision and not liability. On this trip I hit a curb and damaged the tire and rim a little the tire insurance covered this damage I assume since I was not charged anything.
When renting a car (either US or International) I always take pictures if the front, rear each quarter panel and the windshield before excepting the car. I always make sure I include the person checking out the care to me to in at least one of the pictures as documentation. When I returned the car this time the guy tried to say I damaged the rear bumper since the damage was not marked on the rental document. I showed the guy the picture of the rear bumper clearly showing was there when I accepted the car. Turns out there was also a small dent that was also not documented on the rental documents but he didn't ask to see the picture for this damage. Funny thing I learned this lesson in Houston and not some foreign country.
Used my Garmin GPS which worked flawlessly for the whole trip. After the trip, I upload my tracks to the GPSTravelMaps site and I get a free update the next time the DR maps are updated. If you already have a Garmin GPS I highly recommend the DR maps.
If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone on either At&T or T Mobile you can download an app from the Playstore that will give you the unlock codes for your phone. Of course your phone has to be [B]rooted[/B] In order for the app to find the codes.
[QUOTE=Bogiemaker; 1413514]Another successful trip to the DR.
I rented from Budget at SDQ.
Cost $20 / day car rental $13 / day for liability coverage and $8 / day for tires and glass. I use AMEX and I am covered for collision and damage to the rental car but not covered for liability or damage I might do to others if the accident is my fault. I assume any accident I might be in would be my fault in the DR. This is the reason for the $13 / day liability insurance. My VISA also only provides collision and not liability. On this trip I hit a curb and damaged the tire and rim a little the tire insurance covered this damage I assume since I was not charged anything.
When renting a car (either US or International) I always take pictures if the front, rear each quarter panel and the windshield before excepting the car. I always make sure I include the person checking out the care to me to in at least one of the pictures as documentation. When I returned the car this time the guy tried to say I damaged the rear bumper since the damage was not marked on the rental document. I showed the guy the picture of the rear bumper clearly showing was there when I accepted the car. Turns out there was also a small dent that was also not documented on the rental documents but he didn't ask to see the picture for this damage. Funny thing I learned this lesson in Houston and not some foreign country.
Used my Garmin GPS which worked flawlessly for the whole trip. After the trip, I upload my tracks to the GPSTravelMaps site and I get a free update the next time the DR maps are updated. If you already have a Garmin GPS I highly recommend the DR maps.
If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone on either At&T or T Mobile you can download an app from the Playstore that will give you the unlock codes for your phone. Of course your phone has to be [B]rooted[/B] In order for the app to find the codes.[/QUOTE]Lots of great info, but how good could your trip be without one reference to a chica, presidente, ass, tits, pussy, or BJ? LOL
[QUOTE=Bogiemaker; 1413514]Another successful trip to the DR.
I rented from Budget at SDQ.
Cost $20 / day car rental $13 / day for liability coverage and $8 / day for tires and glass. I use AMEX and I am covered for collision and damage to the rental car but not covered for liability or damage I might do to others if the accident is my fault. I assume any accident I might be in would be my fault in the DR. This is the reason for the $13 / day liability insurance. My VISA also only provides collision and not liability. On this trip I hit a curb and damaged the tire and rim a little the tire insurance covered this damage I assume since I was not charged anything.
When renting a car (either US or International) I always take pictures if the front, rear each quarter panel and the windshield before excepting the car. I always make sure I include the person checking out the care to me to in at least one of the pictures as documentation. When I returned the car this time the guy tried to say I damaged the rear bumper since the damage was not marked on the rental document. I showed the guy the picture of the rear bumper clearly showing was there when I accepted the car. Turns out there was also a small dent that was also not documented on the rental documents but he didn't ask to see the picture for this damage. Funny thing I learned this lesson in Houston and not some foreign country.
Used my Garmin GPS which worked flawlessly for the whole trip. After the trip, I upload my tracks to the GPSTravelMaps site and I get a free update the next time the DR maps are updated. If you already have a Garmin GPS I highly recommend the DR maps.
If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone on either At&T or T Mobile you can download an app from the Playstore that will give you the unlock codes for your phone. Of course your phone has to be [B]rooted[/B] In order for the app to find the codes.[/QUOTE]Good information, thanks for the post.
A propina (tip) to the rental guys can be useful. I walk around the car with the guy and point out any damage and hope he marks it on the paper. One time a rear door had about a 5 inch by 5 inch dent (maybe happened in a parking lot with an adjacent car door). I showed it to a Dominican guy I know, he hit near the dent with the palm of his hand and metal popped back to normal.
[QUOTE=Bogiemaker; 1413514]Another successful trip to the DR.
I rented from Budget at SDQ.
Cost $20 / day car rental $13 / day for liability coverage and $8 / day for tires and glass. I use AMEX and I am covered for collision and damage to the rental car but not covered for liability or damage I might do to others if the accident is my fault. I assume any accident I might be in would be my fault in the DR. This is the reason for the $13 / day liability insurance. My VISA also only provides collision and not liability. On this trip I hit a curb and damaged the tire and rim a little the tire insurance covered this damage I assume since I was not charged anything.[/QUOTE]I've been looking for a comprehensive report on rental cars in the D. R. Many have reported on the topic, but the experiences vary and opinions inconclusive.
May I ask did you book the Budget car prior to your travels in the USA? Did you do so directly from their website? Did you do it through a 3rd party vendor like Orbitz (some have suggested AGAINST doing this). Did you do so only locally after you've arrived?
Thanks.
[QUOTE=Parkinsons; 1413555]I've been looking for a comprehensive report on rental cars in the D. R. Many have reported on the topic, but the experiences vary and opinions inconclusive.
May I ask did you book the Budget car prior to your travels in the USA? Did you do so directly from their website? Did you do it through a 3rd party vendor like Orbitz (some have suggested AGAINST doing this). Did you do so only locally after you've arrived?
Thanks.[/QUOTE]I'm a bit confused, weren't you the guy that said catching the gua gua was so easy that you don't need Spanish? Now you want to rent a car this trip? Rent the car prior to the trip at their website but keep the confirmation number. I actually make two reservations at the airport with Alamo and Avis. Remember its the DR and they could fuck up even a reservation. Things arent always as simple in the DR as people make them to be.
[QUOTE=Mr Gogo;1413727]I'm a bit confused, weren't you the guy that said catching the gua gua was so easy that you don't need Spanish? Now you want to rent a car this trip? Rent the car prior to the trip at their website but keep the confirmation number. I actually make two reservations at the airport with Alamo and Avis. Remember its the DR and they could fuck up even a reservation. Things arent always as simple in the DR as people make them to be.[/QUOTE]Avis and Alamo are American companies. With over 30 rentals in the DR, neither Avis or National/Alamo, never screwed up a reservation. Avis is a partner with Budget in the DR.
Lots of people take the bus and/or the guagua in the DR. Some people may want to rent a car once in a while or for one trip or part of a trip, nothing wrong with taking the bus or renting a car or doing both. I may have a rental car and I may still use the bus, motoconchos and the metro in the DR.
[QUOTE=Jaosousa; 1413862]Avis and Alamo are American companies. With over 30 rentals in the DR, neither Avis or National / Alamo, never screwed up a reservation. Avis is a partner with Budget in the DR.
Lots of people take the bus and / or the guagua in the DR. Some people may want to rent a car once in a while or for one trip or part of a trip, nothing wrong with taking the bus or renting a car or doing both. I may have a rental car and I may still use the bus, motoconchos and the metro in the DR.[/QUOTE]Shame on me for trying to advise the flock of King Jao. Reminds me of Jim Jones leading his flock to the promised land, and we all know how that turned out. I've rented cars over 20 times in the DR and problems do happen. But since King Jao says its all perfect, no needrfor me to say more.
[QUOTE=Jaosousa;1413862]Avis and Alamo are American companies. With over 30 rentals in the DR, neither Avis or National/Alamo, never screwed up a reservation. Avis is a partner with Budget in the DR.[/QUOTE]Sure they are American companies, but the corporate office in the USA has no bearing over what is done in DR. When you rent in DR you have to deal with the people in DR if something goes wrong. Avis in Santo Domingo charged my card $18 for some reason. I called the number in the states and the lady said it was for gas. I always fill the car up on the way to the airport though. She said the system will not let her do anything about it and I would have to deal with them in the DR directly. The next time I was in Santiago at the airport I told the Avis guy what had happened and he offered me a 5% discount on my next rental. This particular day I had a reservation with Nelly and they told me they didn't have a car for me, but Budget will take care of me for around the same price. I think they may have the same owner.