General Info

[QUOTE=Helpmann]If I was unclear in prior posts, the concept is simple. One should not match long-term assets (a home) with short-term stability. I would discourage Americans from purchasing retirement homes in non-investment grade countries. Rent instead.

By the way, you wrote that these "scuffles" occur frequently in Ecuador. For the life of me, I can't recall the last time the president of Ecuador was "kidnapped" by the police; however, maybe you can.

-Helpmann :)[/QUOTE]
Thank you for your courteous reply. I am not a big fan of buying property in Third World countries. If you ever need to move on you could lose a packet. But you don't have to buy a home to retire there. I live in the DR, a well-known property buyer's graveyard, but my money is better off invested while I pay rent. If the original article was an incitement to buy property then I am with you 100%.

Regarding the scuffles, I didn't mean exactly similar. I was thinking of:

2005: President Lucio Gutierrez deposed after two years, following massive protests in response to his attempt to overhaul the Supreme Court
2000: Jamil Mahuad, elected 1998, forced to step down as president after two years following indigenous protests led by Col Lucio Gutierrez
1997: President Abdala Bucaram, nicknamed "El Loco" ("the crazy one"), declared mentally unfit to rule after a year in power
1987: President Leon Febres Cordero kidnapped and beaten up by the army in protest at policies of privatisation and public expenditure cuts (some time ago but the nearest situation to the present).

I see they are picking up SW's and some of the girls have this substance on them. Please, what is it?

[QUOTE=Vics Picks]I see they are picking up SW's and some of the girls have this substance on them. Please, what is it?[/QUOTE]
[url]http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2010/9/23/37060/Spate-of-attacks-leads-to-ban-of-drain-cleaner-devils-acid[/url]

[QUOTE=Vics Picks]I see they are picking up SW's and some of the girls have this substance on them. Please, what is it?[/QUOTE]

It's the plumbing liquid used to unclog pipes in bathrooms and sinks. Apparently the one manunfactured in the DR has a higher acid level, causing more skin damage. I have read reports on the increased used of this product by girls, mostly to other girls to deform their faces.

What is the intended use by street prostitutes? Bad clients? Thieves? Guys with cheap ham and cheese sandwiches?

[QUOTE=BoricuaOnline]It's the plumbing liquid used to unclog pipes in bathrooms and sinks. Apparently the one manunfactured in the DR has a higher acid level, causing more skin damage. I have read reports on the increased used of this product by girls, mostly to other girls to deform their faces.

What is the intended use by street prostitutes? Bad clients? Thieves? Guys with cheap ham and cheese sandwiches?[/QUOTE]
They always claim they carry weapons to protect themselves against other putas. But then I suppose it would undermine their sales promotion if they said they were for use on clients.

It is wicked stuff. The buildings manager where I live nearly suffocated himself just pouring down a toilet. You need to hold it at arm's length then clear the area fast.

I have to laugh when I think of the sometimes ridiculously over-protective health and safety regulations in Europe. The safety officers there would faint with shock if they saw some of the products on sale in the DR, the propane gas cylinders being ferried round on motoconchos, and let's not get onto the electrical wiring.

[QUOTE=Vics Picks]I see they are picking up SW's and some of the girls have this substance on them. Please, what is it?[/QUOTE]From Dominican Today:

[quote]Santo Domingo.- The drainpipe cleaner known as “the devil’s acid,” similar to the brand Drano and which has caused deaths and serious injuries to a large number of people nationwide, will no longer be sold to the public.

Consumer Rights Protection Institute (ProConsumidor) resolution 101-2010 bans the product’s sale to the final consumer, a measure to be enforced by its inspectors starting today Thursday.

The Hardware Dealers Association (Asodefe) and the Dominican Retailers Federation voiced their immediate support of the resolution, pledging to collaborate to discontinue its sale, also sold as the brand Plomerito (little plumber).

Because of the heartbreaking images, the victims’ testimonies, the acid of the devil isn’t a simple weapon, it’s a deadly weapon because the people are not only scarred for the rest of their lives, the substance penetrates the skin and affects the brain and vital organs, said ProConsumidor director Altagracia Paulino, who called on citizens to denounce the stores that continue its sale.

Numerous deaths and thousands of injuries are attributed to the caustic product in the last 10 years.[/quote][url]http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2010/9/23/37060/Spate-of-attacks-leads-to-ban-of-drain-cleaner-devils-acid[/url]

From Jetblue: "Plus, for a limited time, when you book a Getaways vacation package including JetBlue flights and a five-night or more hotel stay, you'll get $200 off, Use Promo Code CARIB200 (case sensitive). Book now through October 6, 2010 for travel between October 1 and December 15, 2010."

Jetblue has $79 flights to SDQ from JFK, total round trip price for October departures on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: $291.

Using the above code and the $79 each way fare, I found a six night all inclusive package (air and all inclusive hotel) in Bayahibe for $436 dollars. Jetblue Promo code expires October 6.

Hotels.com has a promo code that takes 10% off when you book for two or more nights, the code is OCTOBER10, it worked on some Dom Rep hotels, the code expires October 10.

[QUOTE=Jaosousa]From Jetblue: "Plus, for a limited time, when you book a Getaways vacation package including JetBlue flights and a five-night or more hotel stay, you'll get $200 off, Use Promo Code CARIB200 (case sensitive). Book now through October 6, 2010 for travel between October 1 and December 15, 2010."

Jetblue has $79 flights to SDQ from JFK, total round trip price for October departures on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: $291.

Using the above code and the $79 each way fare, I found a six night all inclusive package (air and all inclusive hotel) in Bayahibe for $436 dollars. Jetblue Promo code expires October 6.

Hotels.com has a promo code that takes 10% off when you book for two or more nights, the code is OCTOBER10, it worked on some Dom Rep hotels, the code expires October 10.[/QUOTE]American Airlines has fares for $79 each way as well. However, I usually only fly continental unless the prices are outrageous. The price difference between JB AA and Continetal is only $80 and with Continental due to my status I always get upgraded and I can bring up to 3 bags up to 70lbs each for free. I always bring plenty of stuff for my apartment and my girls.

[QUOTE=Cagep1967]American Airlines has fares for $79 each way as well. However, I usually only fly continental unless the prices are outrageous. The price difference between JB AA and Continetal is only $80 and with Continental due to my status I always get upgraded and I can bring up to 3 bags up to 70lbs each for free. I always bring plenty of stuff for my apartment and my girls.[/QUOTE]For the dates I was looking at in October, American Airlines wants $531 (jetblue $291). The cheapest one way fare I found in October on American is $125 each way. American from what I see has only one direct flight per day to SDQ from JFK.

Jetblue has several non-stop flights from JFK to SDQ per day. Bigger seats and more legroom on jetblue than the economy seats on continental or american.

Early morning departures from JFK and evening departures from SDQ, using jetblue, I get more time on the ground in DR.

Flying in to Sti on Oct 21, does anyone know how much a taxi cost to get to Purto Plata airport, or that area. I know about Carib tours, I don't like being a crowded bus. Or is there a Airport transfer system?

[QUOTE=Bkgee]Flying in to Sti on Oct 21, does anyone know how much a taxi cost to get to Purto Plata airport, or that area. I know about Carib tours, I don't like being a crowded bus. Or is there a Airport transfer system?[/QUOTE]

Get acab to Metro or Caribe. They are modern, air-conditioned and not crowded. Easily as comfortable as your coach plane seat down and always with good looking chicas.

[QUOTE=Jaosousa]......Bigger seats and more legroom on jetblue than the economy seats on continental or american........[/QUOTE]
For actual seat comparision between Airlines and planes use seatguru.com.

[QUOTE=Koki9290]Get acab to Metro or Caribe. They are modern, air-conditioned and not crowded. Easily as comfortable as your coach plane seat down and always with good looking chicas.[/QUOTE]I second that! take a taxi to the bus station Metro or Caribe tours. The metro tours have less departures but drop you right in the heart of Sosua. Caribe tours are more frequent.

I am going to DR first time and like to know which city will be the best option for fun and all nighters.

1. Puerto plata

2. Punto cana

3. Sousa

4. S domingo

Or any recomendation. Usually how much is for all nighter in dollars. Thanks

Fellow mongers,

I am looking for help with determining my cost of living part time in the DR, POP to be specific. I now visit almost monthly for a week at a time but due to certain changes in my life I will be spending more time in the DR than in Colombia over the next year or so therefore I will be renting an apartment in POP on my next visit in a few weeks. I will spend about a third of my time in POP and the rest in the USA

I know asking what the cost of anything is can be very subjective and prices vary but any thoughts are welcome. I have asked some of the locals during my visits and have an idea but the more answers I get the more informed I will be.

Apartments, two bedroom, nothing fancy in one of the "local" barrios, not in the worst area and not a complete shithole but not a gringo palace either. I have lived amongst the locals both in Colombia and the DR, so I know what to expect.

Electricity for above apartment

Cable service

Internet service

Weekly food costs: yeah I know this one is an unfair question due to many variables but I thought I would throw it out there. I am used to eating the local cooking but don't know what to expect on cost.

Can someone point me to where I should go to look for furniture, appliances and general household furnishings as I have nothing there at the moment.

Any helpful comments are welcome,

Thanks