Puerto Plata

[QUOTE=BigSmile].......And does anyone kow if there is an ATM at POP, or Sosua, that gives out USD?

Thanks[/QUOTE]Curious, why do you want USD in the DR when the peso is the currency widely accepted?

I have never seen an ATM anywhere in the DR that gives out USD.

[QUOTE=Bq Ribs]Curious, why do you want USD in the DR when the peso is the currency widely accepted?

I have never seen an ATM anywhere in the DR that gives out USD.[/QUOTE]
Hi BigSmile

I am from England but live in Puerto Plata now. If you pay in dollars you will probably end up paying slightly more because of "rounding up" and their using old exchange rates.

One very good and frequently encountered example is a puta who will quote you "50 dollars" (over 1800 pesos) but will happily accept 1500 pesos which is the price she had in her head anyway.

Same applies for restaurants, taxis, etc. They are not sure of the exchange rate and most are barely numerate, so they round up to be on the "safe" side.

Hello, gentlemen. I'm not a newbie, with at least 30 D. R. Trips, having visited Blackbeards early on, with the intention of getting some much needed experience. Needless to say, I fell for someone after spending 4 great days with her. She has since gone to Spain, and I found a great Chica in one of the small northcoast towns who will soon come here. My girl has an open mind, especially since she is coming here, and will permit me to be with 'working girls', (less risk). SInce she is giving me some real freedom on my next trip, I was thinking about returning to Blackbeards, even though I think it's for newbies. The newsletter has some cute babes. I'm just curious as to what the current rates are?

Second question: I've been to Sosua 100 times, but really haven't seen any cabanas. This would make things much easier than renting a room from one of the mediocre hotels. Does anyone know if there is a cabana close by?

[QUOTE=Bq Ribs]Curious, why do you want USD in the DR when the peso is the currency widely accepted?

I have never seen an ATM anywhere in the DR that gives out USD.[/QUOTE]I am going to be staying at two different hotels during my forthcoming trip. They both want cash USD for payment. BB also give you a DOP alternative but the exchange rate thay have previously applied has been poor.coming from the UK if I buy USD in the UK I get a lousy rate at home.

Have no problem paying girls and hotels just don't want half my budget going to the banks.

Just got back from four nights at blackbeards (Mon-Thu night, left Fri morning). This place rocks. It was pretty quiet during the first part of the week, but a lot of people started coming in on Wed/Thurs. The staff (bar/kitchen/managers) were all fantastic and the chicas were great too (my first time to DR, don't speak much Spanish, and I still had a blast with almost zero drama). Highly recommended, especially to nubs like me. Bring a lot of cash, the ATMs in the area were unreliable, and paying the extra 20% for using a credit card sucks (this isn't BB's fault, this was par for a lot of businesses around the area I noticed). When I wasn't with the chicas I did the waterfall tour, also pretty awesome, but don't go if you're way out of shape or have a major hangover as it can get a bit crazy if you go the day of a major rainstorm like I did. Anyway, I'll be back!

Charles Pooter has just informed me that FOD has not been "shut down". I thought this info should be posted here instead of the "politics in the DR" board.

To maintain my good standing(didn't know I had that) and to keep from being sued, I should say the "NEW FOD" is a success. All ten rooms were rented and they are more than breaking even(wink). The restaurant has great food and they cut deals long term.

Also the new owners felt having girls hanging around the beautiful pool waiting for clients, violates the original agreement they had.

So if you want a chica friendly hotel in the middle of nowhere, please go to the "NEW FOD". Remember soon there might be a waiting list.

[QUOTE=Mr Gogo]Charles Pooter has just informed me that FOD has not been "shut down". I thought this info should be posted here instead of the "politics in the DR" board.

To maintain my good standing(didn't know I had that) and to keep from being sued, I should say the "NEW FOD" is a success. All ten rooms were rented and they are more than breaking even(wink). The restaurant has great food and they cut deals long term.

Also the new owners felt having girls hanging around the beautiful pool waiting for clients, violates the original agreement they had.

So if you want a chica friendly hotel in the middle of nowhere, please go to the "NEW FOD". Remember soon there might be a waiting list.[/QUOTE]

I was there for 5 minutes on the afternoon of 7/14. Stopped by on my way into BB's. There were no girls there and i was told by the bartenders and an old BB's girl named, "Josey" that the girls were kicked out. Josey was there on a date with a regular client. I speak Spanish and Josey told me that she thinks that the owners refused to pay the cops off. Her opinion not mine. I'm glad to hear its back in business as the former American manager was doing a pretty good job. Josey said that the girls were asking and getting $2,500 pesos a shot. Market right now is $1,500 on the street for something decent. Yeah, I know, you can get it for 1000 yadda yadda but I hate the HIV/AIDS thing, etc.
I was in error on my previous post below about BB's changing pesos back to USD. I spoke with management and "Tim" told me they simply recommend spending your remaining pesos to settle your bill. If you have any leftover consider taking it home and bring it back on your next visit. If you don't plan on returning, try selling the pesos back to another monger staying there or you might even try exchanging the pesos with one of the chicas who are often paid in USD and would be happy to exchange with you, saves them a trip to the cambio after work.
I'll post a trip report in a few days once i get my images dumped into my PC. Stay thirsty my friends.

[QUOTE=Mr Gogo]Charles Pooter has just informed me that FOD has not been "shut down". I thought this info should be posted here instead of the "politics in the DR" board.

To maintain my good standing(didn't know I had that) and to keep from being sued, I should say the "NEW FOD" is a success. All ten rooms were rented and they are more than breaking even(wink). The restaurant has great food and they cut deals long term.

Also the new owners felt having girls hanging around the beautiful pool waiting for clients, violates the original agreement they had.

So if you want a chica friendly hotel in the middle of nowhere, please go to the "NEW FOD". Remember soon there might be a waiting list.[/QUOTE]
LOL. I enjoy your sense of ironic humor.

I replied to your original post in the "Politics in the DR" section before I saw this. A bit confusing carrying on the dicussion in two different threads.

I think we have covered all the facts and opinions now so I won't say more except that I would like to be on good terms with you as you are a top poster here.

Hi all,
I have been to POP several times, The longest I ever stayed was 10 nights.
I am thinking of getting an apartment for a little while, which may be longer than the three months allowed.
What does one do if you want to stay longer than three months?
Thanks in advance.

[QUOTE=FirstDude]Hi all,
I have been to POP several times, The longest I ever stayed was 10 nights.
I am thinking of getting an apartment for a little while, which may be longer than the three months allowed.
What does one do if you want to stay longer than three months?
Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]

The tourist Visa is good for 30 days, you can stay as long as you like, just have to pay an overstay fine upon departure, which is minimal, like RD1000/3 months to a year. If you drive, you are not insured without a cedula once the 30 days has elapsed.

All this info can be found on the other Dominican sites.

[QUOTE=FirstDude]Hi all,
I have been to POP several times, The longest I ever stayed was 10 nights.
I am thinking of getting an apartment for a little while, which may be longer than the three months allowed.
What does one do if you want to stay longer than three months?
Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]
You pay a small overstay fee when you leave the country. It is a formality, but be aware of the correct rates as the official may try to overcharge you. I once paid the (correct) 1000 pesos for staying over three months and the official put the money straight in his back pocket.

De 30 dias a 3 meses 800.00
De 3 meses a 9 meses 1,000.00
De 9 meses a 1 año 2,500.00
De 1 año a 1 año y 6 meses 4,000.00
De 1 año y medio a 2 años 5,000.00
De 2 años a 2 años y 6 meses 6,500.00
De 2 años y medio a 3 años 9,000.00
De 2 años a 5 años 14,000.00
De 5 años en adelante 17,000.00

I recently briefly left the country to visit Haïti. I have been here now nearly a year on my three month tourist visa so I expected to have to pay 2500 pesos. I got away with it, and with a new entry stamp when I came back into the DR I may have ducked it for another three months. But at an airport you will not get away with it. Things at the Haitian border are chaotic.

Just a general question How much for a chica at blackbeards overnight.

I have not been to the dr and was planning my first trip and possibly blackbeards.

[QUOTE=Don Smith]Just a general question How much for a chica at blackbeards overnight.

I have not been to the dr and was planning my first trip and possibly blackbeards.[/QUOTE]

Hi Don. I was there 5 nights from 14-18 July. Short time is 1,500 pesos or $40.82 USD and toda la noche (all night) is exactly double that. If she show you a really good time you might tip her a few bucks but she can't ask for it. I just posted some pics in the photo thread. BB's is a great place for the noob traveler to the DR. Safe and well run, American owned and operated. Take care

[QUOTE=Geolopes]Hi Don. I was there 5 nights from 14-18 July. Short time is 1,500 pesos or $40.82 USD and toda la noche (all night) is exactly double that. If she show you a really good time you might tip her a few bucks but she can't ask for it. I just posted some pics in the photo thread. BB's is a great place for the noob traveler to the DR. Safe and well run, American owned and operated. Take care[/QUOTE]
I would not recommend BB for the all people. BB is generally good for people who do not want to hunting for girls, experience the art of seduction or who want to experience the thrill of the chase.
BB is for laid back people who enjoy readily availale house girls. There is no art of bargaining, no thrill of meeting normal girls or semi pros. The price and everything else is pretty structured. Yes, it is safe and well run. But you do not get your monger wings by staying there.
I rememer the first time I was in Sosua. It was a definite thrill when I went to High Caribe Disco. There were wall to wall beatifull girls. The Disco was very spacious and even if you are not looking for girls can dance away the night with other tourists. I was sorry to see it closed.
To experience DR you need to be in Sosua, not hiding in BB.

[QUOTE=Sammon]I would not recommend BB for the all people. BB is generally good for people who do not want to hunting for girls, experience the art of seduction or who want to experience the thrill of the chase.
BB is for laid back people who enjoy readily availale house girls. There is no art of bargaining, no thrill of meeting normal girls or semi pros. The price and everything else is pretty structured. Yes, it is safe and well run. But you do not get your monger wings by staying there.
I rememer the first time I was in Sosua. It was a definite thrill when I went to High Caribe Disco. There were wall to wall beatifull girls. The Disco was very spacious and even if you are not looking for girls can dance away the night with other tourists. I was sorry to see it closed.
To experience DR you need to be in Sosua, not hiding in BB.[/QUOTE]
Yes, I kinda agree but:
--- BB is excellent for newbies to give them confidence, especially if they have no Spanish.
--- Sosúa is totally untypical of the DR, so I would say "to experience the DR" keep your ass out of Sosúa.