Sosua Reports

[QUOTE=SavePros321;1184808]I've only been to this cambia in the A. M. and there was always an older guy with glasses on and a chica. They also used the calculator, count the money out in front of you, and give you a receipt. Never had any problems with this place but after reading everyone else's experience with this place I will avoid in the future.[/QUOTE]It turns out that is where I change my dollars into pesos as well.

I will be there next week, any other place someone could recommend? I tried one of the banks before, but I waited forever and a day in line.

In my experiences with the (CHANGE) MEN the best spot during the day is at the corner at Bon Ice cream. They holler at you CHANGE- CHANGE- and it is pretty regular with the rate. If you have to change LATE not after 8PM go to the shop thats across the street from Baileys heading to the corner where the Happy Bar might be on the left side of the street. I heard the Happy Bar might have closed. Banco Popular is good for Debit withdrawl, not to much of a hit on fees and they have not frauded my debit card in 6 years- AMAZING.

[QUOTE=Tomjackin; 1184820]It turns out that is where I change my dollars into pesos as well.

I will be there next week, any other place someone could recommend? I tried one of the banks before, but I waited forever and a day in line.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Tomjackin; 1184820]It turns out that is where I change my dollars into pesos as well.

I will be there next week, any other place someone could recommend? I tried one of the banks before, but I waited forever and a day in line.[/QUOTE]Myself and folks I know always use Sergio, the main guy who hangs around the Happy Bar corner. Never had a problem and he gives the best rate, At least he does for the chicas.

But as always, count your change (and your fingers) before you walk away, and never change money after dark. It's not their best time, or yours.

[QUOTE=Tsunami911;1184765]I can tell you from past very enjoyable vacations with Arien, he is a first class stand up guy. I have stayed at his hotel many times and he and his wife has protected me many times when I had toooooo mucho fun. So this must be part of the deranged culture folks learn in that part of the world. But I will continue to go until I get an experience that tells me that its time to wake up. I am hoping he is OK. Lets try to keep having fun![/QUOTE]I stayed there my very first times in Sosua and they always looked out for me. They always managed to come up with a room if my buddy fell in love around the corner. After dark there was always a guard behind that iron gate, so I imagine it must have happened in the daytime, or off premises.

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpYYM24AI3s&feature=player_embedded[/url]

[QUOTE=Hillbilly69;1185035][url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpYYM24AI3s&feature=player_embedded[/url][/QUOTE]Guy got beaten by cops, as he refuses to cooperate?

[QUOTE=Frankypanky;1185056]Guy got beaten by cops, as he refuses to cooperate?[/QUOTE]No clue, just thought I would post Politur at it's best in Sosua.

[QUOTE=Tsunami911;1184830]In my experiences with the (CHANGE) MEN the best spot during the day is at the corner at Bon Ice cream. They holler at you CHANGE- CHANGE- and it is pretty regular with the rate. If you have to change LATE not after 8PM go to the shop thats across the street from Baileys heading to the corner where the Happy Bar might be on the left side of the street. I heard the Happy Bar might have closed. Banco Popular is good for Debit withdrawl, not to much of a hit on fees and they have not frauded my debit card in 6 years- AMAZING.[/QUOTE]The places I use have been rock solid for changing cash. Here is how to get to it. At NG coming out make a right. Cross to the left side. At the intersection make a left staying on the left. Pass Claro, a bar and some stores. You come to the corner of a small plaza at the left. That corner is the cambio, but I'm not good with names. Hay un salon del massaje alrededor esta esquina.

When one walks by Baileys Restaurant, on the way to Clisante, one passes by a bank (to your right). Beyond it is a gated area. Once you enter go straight and you will hit a massage place (I forget the name of it). Make a left and go straight until you reach a cell phone place that advertises unlocking phones (it will be to your right). Right before that place a guy is usually sitting outside a gate. Go through the gate into another gate and ring the bell, if necessary. Go in and a born again Christian guy will gladly exchange your money. In my opinion he gives the best rates in Sosua. I even saw a worker from New Garden go in there to exchange money.

The fellow used to work for Western Union and after leaving took the customer list with him. He likes to keep it low key and this is why he does not advertise. I would have never found the place if it wasn't for someone showing it to me. When I showed others even they asked me how the hell I knew about the place. The owner says that he does not like to deal with locals but rather with tourists, since he has less problems with them. He finds it better not to advertise. He actually give a better exchange rate than the banks.

Thanks all for the multiple money exchange options.

Boriman. I wish you could draw a map. Going through 3 gates, ringing bells, and so forth. Will Baileys be on my right, as to walking away from the NG street, or will it be on my left? Sounds like a fun scavenger hurt; I'm in!

One great thing about the Sosua thread, you can always get answers to your questions.

[QUOTE=Frankypanky;1185056]Guy got beaten by cops, as he refuses to cooperate?[/QUOTE]That dude was drunk and acting like a fool (seems he might be Dominican) , the cops were nice to him.

Hello, All,

Looking to plan a trip the week after Christmas. How is it during that week? Does everyone stay home like the rest of DR? Slim pickings?

Lex

[QUOTE=Buscemi;1184659]The exchange rate last month in Sosua was $RD38 to buy Pesos and $38.50 to sell them. I would have been a little suspicious if he accepted $3650 for $USD100. Are you sure this was this year?[/QUOTE]Yes I'm sure.

I will be in Sosua for Fri-Sun, Sep 16th-19th. Staying at the Coco Hotel. What are the must see bars? It is the off-season, what can I expect in terms of quantity? I know it is like asking what is the cost to build a home, it depends. But what can I expect to pay for a good time? Any info will be helpful.

[QUOTE=Tomjackin; 1185296]Thanks all for the multiple money exchange options.

Boriman. I wish you could draw a map. Going through 3 gates, ringing bells, and so forth. Will Baileys be on my right, as to walking away from the NG street, or will it be on my left? Sounds like a fun scavenger hurt; I'm in!

One great thing about the Sosua thread, you can always get answers to your questions.[/QUOTE]When you exit New Garden you make a right. Go to the corner (Where the Bon Ice Cream place is). Make a left and as you cross the street you will be heading towards Clisante. Baileys should be to your right. Walk on the side of Baileys and as you continue you will have the bank to your right. Continue walking and you will reach a gated area. Make a right and the rest is as I described.
If Omar is still working at the New Garden he can also tell you how to get there. If your still in doubt you can even ask Omar to get you the guy's business card, which the guy easily hands out to his customers. My apologies for all the confusing directions but I got the impression that the money exchange guy preferred it to be this way.

I heard of an excellent exchange in Cabarete. There is a bank in the area. Do not enter the bank but walk around and behind it. There is an exchange there. It has some of the best rates I've ever heard. I've never been to this place but a person I work with usually travels to DR for business and mentioned it to me. If you are interested I'll ask him for exact directions.

Another monger had mentioned to me of an excellent exchange in Charamicos (for the adventurous). I asked him to give me directions but he did not know so I do not know if this information is reliable.