Sosua Reports

[QUOTE=Nite_Runner;2940248]Fellas,

I neglected to add this to my report. Popular Bank has changed its ATM disbursement policy. No withdrawals over $100 (5 K). I tried two different bank cards and no success. This past April, I was able to withdraw 20,000 at a time. Not so anymore. I thought there was something wrong with my card / machine, so I went inside the branch and was told there has been a policy change. Note: I use Chas Schwab for international cash withdrawals as the fees are 100% reimbursable as I do not like to use my everyday bank for such (too much risk). So I just pulled 2-3 transactions back to back.

As mentioned above, completely agree that you need 2-3 options to withdraw cash. Having lived / traveled abroad extensively, I can't impress enough the old adage "cash is king". I always bring $700-$1,000 in 100's, however, I only use it as a fallback. I rely on Chas Schwab first and I have another account as my backup. Too much shit can go wrong in foreign countries.

N_R.[/QUOTE]I had a buddy just tell me that he went to Banco Popular by Bailee's to withdraw money yesterday 9/20/2024. Usually at some point you get to choose DOP or USD currency for your rate of exchange. My buddy said the only option offered was US currency as the exchange rate, the DOP option was unavailable. I'm not sure if he proceeded with the transaction or not. But if that is what is going on at Banco Popular, that's fucked up.

Back in June, we both went to a Banco Popular in Puerto Plata. At the time the DOP or USD exchange rate option was available on those machines. My buddy unintentionally withdrew the money and was charged at a USD rate, instead of DOP. Cost him $23 more, just for hitting the wrong button.

My go to machine is Banco Nacional in Puerto Plata. That machine used to never charge a withdrawal fee. But now it does. Also since I haven't used it in a few months, I have to check and see what other withdrawal stipulations exist now. Like decreased withdrawal limits etc.

It seems the cousin mongering website to ISG may have been shut down permanently. Anybody trying to visit that site should get "YOUR ACCOUNT HAS BEEN SUSPENDED". I asked a non-member to try to go to the site, and that's what he got. I guess this is another area where the powers that be in the DR, are cracking down. Unless there is some other reason for the site going off the grid?

[QUOTE=Turgid;2946214]How much do short time cabanas like Dulce Secreto or Urban Cabanas charge per hour?[/QUOTE]For Dulce Secreto it may be about 700 pesos to 900 pesos for about 3 hrs.

I'll try to pass through, and get an update. I haven't used DS in over 8 yrs. Last time it was about 600 pesos for the room without a jacuzzi. You don't want the jacuzzi, it takes too long to fill, and you may have to clean it before you get to use it.

[QUOTE=Turgid;2946214]How much do short time cabanas like Dulce Secreto or Urban Cabanas charge per hour?[/QUOTE]790 pesos for a regular room, and 890 pesos for a room with a jacuzzi. Either room is for 3 hours.

[QUOTE=Sabor;2945984]Sabor is feet dry in the Su and I can say a lot has not changed. It is currently hot with continuation of Africa hot for the time being. For the fellow who inquired about massage I've gone twice to M&M by Bailey's. You go past Bailey's and past the bank, there's a small mini mall across the street. Go in and it's in the back on the left near the bathrooms. I picked up an stunner during the day 23 why / o with a banging body and settled on 3 k DP. Tapped it for the full hour and afterwards she demanded another 1 k because I hit it hard, After a few minutes I remember the old sayin "you pay them to Leave" so I threw a few insults in a calm manner and ejected her away. Saw her later in the street and offered her an ice pack but she gave me a dirty look. (I'm so hurt) I changed some dollars at the place right by the Vet health center and the faggot tried to stiff me 200 pesos. Always count your money in front of them before you leave. Been eating at Bailey's and New Garden since I don't trust no where else and this is a critical time in not getting the hersheys squirt. I met a nice light skin MILF at night and she could take a pounding. Going to stay with this one till I leave because I've slowed down on the hunting. It's still a fun town and you have to laugh at some of these skanks here. I was propositioned by a cute midget by spidey sense told me nahhh.[/QUOTE]In that mini-mall next to Banco Popular, there is a cambio, no signage or nothing. It is in the back. You have to be buzzed in but they give the best rates I got in the Su so far for USD. If you are not happy with the ATMs outside, the coral reef casion has a ATM that let me take out 20000 for a 500 DOP fee (better than two 10 ks at 300 a pop at Banco Popular).

[QUOTE=Wrx2005;2946568]790 pesos for a regular room, and 890 pesos for a room with a jacuzzi. Either room is for 3 hours.[/QUOTE]Thanks. I'm planning to chill out in an all exclusive in Puerto Plata and make occasional visits to the Sue.

[QUOTE=Wrx2005;2946536]It seems the cousin mongering website to ISG may have been shut down permanently. Anybody trying to visit that site should get "YOUR ACCOUNT HAS BEEN SUSPENDED". I asked a non-member to try to go to the site, and that's what he got. I guess this is another area where the powers that be in the DR, are cracking down. Unless there is some other reason for the site going off the grid?[/QUOTE]I was wondering if anyone else was getting the same message. It might not not be the powers in Sosua. In the past (I am talking about within the last 6-7 years) I have seen it shut down like this as well. It eventually came back online with the moderator saying something about the website hosting service. Maybe they did not pay the bill, who knows. The last time or two the site would come back up with 2-3 days but I did see older post where fellas have said that they have seen the site down for as long as a week. Don't know what's going on this time around but I guess eventually we'll all find out.

[QUOTE=Sabor;2945984]Sabor is feet dry in the Su and I can say a lot has not changed. It is currently hot with continuation of Africa hot for the time being. For the fellow who inquired about massage I've gone twice to M&M by Bailey's. You go past Bailey's and past the bank, there's a small mini mall across the street. Go in and it's in the back on the left near the bathrooms. I picked up an stunner during the day 23 why / o with a banging body and settled on 3 k DP. Tapped it for the full hour and afterwards she demanded another 1 k because I hit it hard, After a few minutes I remember the old sayin "you pay them to Leave" so I threw a few insults in a calm manner and ejected her away. Saw her later in the street and offered her an ice pack but she gave me a dirty look. (I'm so hurt) I changed some dollars at the place right by the Vet health center and the faggot tried to stiff me 200 pesos. Always count your money in front of them before you leave. Been eating at Bailey's and New Garden since I don't trust no where else and this is a critical time in not getting the hersheys squirt. I met a nice light skin MILF at night and she could take a pounding. Going to stay with this one till I leave because I've slowed down on the hunting. It's still a fun town and you have to laugh at some of these skanks here. I was propositioned by a cute midget by spidey sense told me nahhh.[/QUOTE]Sabor,

How's the talent / service in M&M's? Since you frequented 2 x, I assume it wasn't all bad? Any insight on prices, services offered, etc?

N_R.

[QUOTE=ErectusIndicus;2946690]In that mini-mall next to Banco Popular, there is a cambio, no signage or nothing. It is in the back. You have to be buzzed in but they give the best rates I got in the Su so far for USD. If you are not happy with the ATMs outside, the coral reef casion has a ATM that let me take out 20000 for a 500 DOP fee (better than two 10 ks at 300 a pop at Banco Popular).[/QUOTE]Erectus,

That's a handy tip as I never thought about going to the casino to use the ATM.

NR.

[QUOTE=Wrx2005;2946533]I had a buddy just tell me that he went to Banco Popular by Bailee's to withdraw money yesterday 9/20/2024. Usually at some point you get to choose DOP or USD currency for your rate of exchange. My buddy said the only option offered was US currency as the exchange rate, the DOP option was unavailable. I'm not sure if he proceeded with the transaction or not. But if that is what is going on at Banco Popular, that's fucked up.

Back in June, we both went to a Banco Popular in Puerto Plata. At the time the DOP or USD exchange rate option was available on those machines. My buddy unintentionally withdrew the money and was charged at a USD rate, instead of DOP. Cost him $23 more, just for hitting the wrong button.

My go to machine is Banco Nacional in Puerto Plata. That machine used to never charge a withdrawal fee. But now it does. Also since I haven't used it in a few months, I have to check and see what other withdrawal stipulations exist now. Like decreased withdrawal limits etc.[/QUOTE]I am returning to the Su in a couple of weeks, I'll post an update on the ATM situ. What is super frustrating is that it seems the withdrawal rules are not universal. During my last visit, I was at the ATM at Super Polo and while I was limited to 5 K DOP, a RoK dude that went right after me was able to pull out 10 K DOP. More DR BS.

Lastly, I have mentioned this previously and will mention it again as it has certainly saved me a boat load of fees over the years. I (strictly) use a Chas Schwab account / card for all ATMs when I travel abroad as all transaction fees are 100% reimbursable.

NR.

[QUOTE=Nite_Runner;2946937]I am returning to the Su in a couple of weeks, I'll post an update on the ATM situ. What is super frustrating is that it seems the withdrawal rules are not universal. During my last visit, I was at the ATM at Super Polo and while I was limited to 5 K DOP, a RoK dude that went right after me was able to pull out 10 K DOP. More DR BS.

Lastly, I have mentioned this previously and will mention it again as it has certainly saved me a boat load of fees over the years. I (strictly) use a Chas Schwab account / card for all ATMs when I travel abroad as all transaction fees are 100% reimbursable.

NR.[/QUOTE]I strictly use Charles Schwab as a debit card as well. Or I use it in my digital wallet on my phone. I usually don't use any ATM's in Sosua anymore. Just yesterday, I went to PP to use the Banco Nacional ATM I usually withdraw from. That machine was down for awhille three times I vistited PP. But now it's working. In fact the machine is brand new. It used to be a fee less machine. Now it charges 150 pesos per withdrawal transaction. No big deal for me, since I'm using a Charles Schwab card.

Months before, this ATM allowed me to withdraw up to 30 k pesos per transaction. I used to be able to make 4 withdrawal transactions of 30 k pesos. But something eventually happened. The machine was re-programmed to allow maybe only one 30 k transaction. So what I did the next time, was only shoot for 20 k per transaction. If I was lucky, I could get three 20 k withdrawals.

Yesterday, I knew better than to get greedy and shoot for a 30 k withdrawal. Because if I did, I'm sure 30 k would have been rejected or it would have been the max I would have been able to get.

Instead, I started and settled for 20 k withdrawals. And was able to make three 20 k withdrawals. I attempted to make a fourth 20 k withdrawal, and it was rejected. Later, I checked my CS account for the exchange rate of the withdrawal. I got 59.95 which was pretty good. I've come to the conclusion that ATM wihdrawals with my debit card or using my digital wallet on my phone to make purchases at the supermarket or gas stations is more cost effective than going to using exchange kiosks in Sosua. The exchange places in Sosua arent beating the ATM withdrawal rate I'm able to get from the machine I use.

[QUOTE=Wrx2005;2946533]I had a buddy just tell me that he went to Banco Popular by Bailee's to withdraw money yesterday 9/20/2024. Usually at some point you get to choose DOP or USD currency for your rate of exchange. My buddy said the only option offered was US currency as the exchange rate, the DOP option was unavailable. I'm not sure if he proceeded with the transaction or not. But if that is what is going on at Banco Popular, that's fucked up.

Back in June, we both went to a Banco Popular in Puerto Plata. At the time the DOP or USD exchange rate option was available on those machines. My buddy unintentionally withdrew the money and was charged at a USD rate, instead of DOP. Cost him $23 more, just for hitting the wrong button.[/QUOTE]I talked to my buddy to confirm his experience at Banco Popular in Sosua. I believe he was mistaken about something. When he got to the part of the withdrawal where an option pops up on the screen for one to choose BP to calculate the exchange rate or for your own bank to calculate the exchange rate, he said there was only one choice. The 2nd choice was unavailable. But, that may be a good thing.

Because when he checked his balance, he said that the rate of exchange that he got must have been the DOP rate. Because the rate was pretty high. If he would have been charged at his banks rate, he would have paid more for that withdrawal. Because he wasnt clear on what he saw on the ATM screen, I will have to investigate what he saw on my own.

Something related to this issue. When I use my Charles Schwab digital wallet or card to pay for groceries or gas, I used to get the choice of an exchange rate on the purchase. I could choose DOP (which is the best choice) or I could choose USD which is the worst choice. Now, when I make purchases with the card or my digital wallet, the exchange rate on many terminals automatically assigns the DOP rate. At some terminals now, you don't have to choose DOP.

It was a little scary at 1st, because I was used to choosing the exchange rate. Tying this all together, this may be something that is going on at a lot of banks, stores etc. The USD exchange option may mean the DR misses out on earning money off of those debit or CC purchases. And that maybe why that USD option is disappearing from many payment terminals?

[QUOTE=Wrx2005;2946536]It seems the cousin mongering website to ISG may have been shut down permanently. Anybody trying to visit that site should get "YOUR ACCOUNT HAS BEEN SUSPENDED". I asked a non-member to try to go to the site, and that's what he got. I guess this is another area where the powers that be in the DR, are cracking down. Unless there is some other reason for the site going off the grid?[/QUOTE]Cousin? Don't think ISG was related or had anything to do with that site? Perhaps, the guy didn't pay the provider. Always seemed like the same 20 people posting on that site and they probably weren't bringing in any revenue. Also lost a lot of its usefulness with the passportbros / youtube / creepcam explosion / social media.

Down here now, not looking good ghost town except locals at the beach a handful of mongers at flips this morning, the cops and the crack down are doing a good job of scaring chicas and mongers a like, Pedro Cilante last night dead a few brave chicas, was at bar central nobody there security flushing any chicas out and no one is allowed to stand by the front, Guys this is bad don't come waste of time unless you have a trusted repeat semo pro or \real main girl friend, Hate to say it for the time being, Stations of the cross, last rites RIP Sosua! Side mote Brand new dental Center Across from the New Garden one more old party spot gone forever, meaning the old night club from the 90's!

[QUOTE=Orgasmico;2946967]Cousin? Don't think ISG was related or had anything to do with that site? Perhaps, the guy didn't pay the provider. Always seemed like the same 20 people posting on that site and they probably weren't bringing in any revenue. Also lost a lot of its usefulness with the passportbros / youtube / creepcam explosion / social media.[/QUOTE]I was writing figuratively & metaphorically when I used the term "the cousin mongering website to ISG". Most people should know both sites have been in existence for years. And that they don't have any business affiliation with each other. They are related metaphorically only because they are both mongering websites. Each having sections dedicated to Sosua.