General Info

[QUOTE=PuntingGeorge;2113069]Hi and welcome to the forum.

I wouldn't. The intercity buses are excellent, ...[/QUOTE]I know buses are easy, and rental cars thus ill-advised, for the north-south Puerto Plata / Santiago / Santo Domingo corridor, but what about the Punta Cana / La Romana / San Pedro / Santo Domingo corridor along the southern coast? I'm flying into Punta Cana and I've yet to find a single reliable-looking bus company that travels that route on a non-charter basis. (I'm flying out of Santiago, so I only need one-way transportation from Punta Cana to La Romana and then Santo Domingo; I'll catch the bus north from Santo Domingo).

Anyone have input or recent experience? Gracias..

[QUOTE=JLMiami;2113074]I know buses are easy, and rental cars thus ill-advised, for the north-south Puerto Plata / Santiago / Santo Domingo corridor, but what about the Punta Cana / La Romana / San Pedro / Santo Domingo corridor along the southern coast? I'm flying into Punta Cana and I've yet to find a single reliable-looking bus company that travels that route on a non-charter basis. (I'm flying out of Santiago, so I only need one-way transportation from Punta Cana to La Romana and then Santo Domingo; I'll catch the bus north from Santo Domingo).

Anyone have input or recent experience? Gracias..[/QUOTE]A car is a must for me in DR. That first time of taking the bus from Boca Chica to Sosua was enough for me. A lot of people are afraid to rent cars for whatever reason. Even though you do not see many accidents, Dominicans are crazy drivers. From Punta Cana to Boca Chica there is nothing but open road though.

If you are doing a one way from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo there is around a $60 surcharge for dropping off at a different location. The farther you go the more it is supposed to be. I have rented with different companies and I have noticed that many times if I made the reservation saying that I would return it at the same place, but ended up returning it at a different place, then I was not charged the extra fee.

[QUOTE=JLMiami;2113074]I know buses are easy, and rental cars thus ill-advised, for the north-south Puerto Plata / Santiago / Santo Domingo corridor, but what about the Punta Cana / La Romana / San Pedro / Santo Domingo corridor along the southern coast? [/QUOTE]Never been to Punta Cana but I am aware of a bus line called Bavaro Express that run from that area to the Capital, many times each day. I presume you can check that on the web.

On a related note, your daily rate of 40 dollars per day of rental will more than double once you added the 18% or so of taxes, airport fees and most importantly, the insurance. Personally, I drive across the island but did not do that on my maiden trip and unless you are used to driving in third world countries, I would not recommend it until you get a hang of the place. My two cents!

[QUOTE=JLMiami;2113074]I know buses are easy, and rental cars thus ill-advised, for the north-south Puerto Plata / Santiago / Santo Domingo corridor, but what about the Punta Cana / La Romana / San Pedro / Santo Domingo corridor along the southern coast? I'm flying into Punta Cana and I've yet to find a single reliable-looking bus company that travels that route on a non-charter basis. (I'm flying out of Santiago, so I only need one-way transportation from Punta Cana to La Romana and then Santo Domingo; I'll catch the bus north from Santo Domingo).

Anyone have input or recent experience? Gracias..[/QUOTE]It's fairly easy to make the bus connection from PUJ to Santo Domingo but first you need to supply some valuable information. Is this your first DR visit? How is your Spanish? How much luggage will you have?

I also drive frequently in the DR but never at night. It's too many traps that come out way when " gringo driving at night". From potholes that ruin wheels that you never see coming to bandits waiting for a drunk gringo. Not to mention the cops trying to get rich on a gringo slipping at night.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2113111]A car is a must for me in DR. That first time of taking the bus from Boca Chica to Sosua was enough for me. A lot of people are afraid to rent cars for whatever reason. Even though you do not see many accidents, Dominicans are crazy drivers. From Punta Cana to Boca Chica there is nothing but open road though.

If you are doing a one way from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo there is around a $60 surcharge for dropping off at a different location. The farther you go the more it is supposed to be. I have rented with different companies and I have noticed that many times if I made the reservation saying that I would return it at the same place, but ended up returning it at a different place, then I was not charged the extra fee.[/QUOTE]Thanks for the reply. Not sure if it's inflation or because it's a busier time for rentals, but I haven't been able to find a one-way fee lower than $75 to $99, at least at the bigger-name rental companies. (The book-round trip trick is interesting — thanks.).

Some of the rental sites say that CDW is required in the D. R. I have credit cards that are supposed to cover rental insurance, so would that qualify, or do I need to pay for insurance anyway?

I'd only be driving from Punta Cana to the eastern edge of Santo Domingo, so maybe I'll brave it and rent a car if I can find a rental that isn't crazy expensive. Have you ever driven the highway from San Pedro to Santo Domingo after dark?

Thanks again.

[QUOTE]Some of the rental sites say that CDW is required in the D. R. I have credit cards that are supposed to cover rental insurance, so would that qualify, or do I need to pay for insurance anyway?[/QUOTE]I rented a car 2 weeks ago at Bavaro to go to La Romana, then Boca chica, Bayahibe, and then back to Punta Cana Airport (PUJ).

I rented through the concierge service of VISA Infinite, as it is cheaper. But if you don't have such service, it's better to book your car on the website than go to the office, you'll have better price. Also be aware that once the booking is made, you can call them to have your car delivered at your place, for free. It's not explained anywhere, but they do it!

Rental car office was AVIS: very pro, and no rip off.

My car was the smallest: KIA PICANTO, with radio and aircon. Mileage was 35.000 Km, and the car was like new. Full tank at delivery.

Even with a top bank card like Visa Infinite or AMEX Platinum, you should ALWAYS take the following insurances, that are NOT covered by the bank card, wherever you go:

LIA (liability) and PAI (Personal Accident Insurance).

AVIS quoted PAI 5,50 US $ / day and LIA 16 US $/ day.

Total cost for 5 days with pickup / return different places: 275 US $, then 55 $/ day, all included.

Don't be cheap with these insurances, they can save your life!

Regarding the roads between Punta Cana and SD, they are quite desert highways, in very good conditions. The danger is to fall asleep hahaha!

MR Gogo is right: never drive at night.

I rented a car one time in the DR and will never do it again. IYou are responsible for any ding or chip which is very posible on the DR roads. I have been to the DR over 20 times and have enjoyed every trip without renting cars. Mr E once totaled a car in the DR and has done some things sane people would not consider. I use the local services and get to everywhere I need with little trouble. Caribe Tours and Metro bus are 1st rate and cheap. Most times I do not know dtirections or where to park. I like to keep things simple. To each his own.

[QUOTE=JLMiami;2113174]Thanks for the reply. Not sure if it's inflation or because it's a busier time for rentals, but I haven't been able to find a one-way fee lower than $75 to $99, at least at the bigger-name rental companies. (The book-round trip trick is interesting thanks.).

Some of the rental sites say that CDW is required in the D. R. I have credit cards that are supposed to cover rental insurance, so would that qualify, or do I need to pay for insurance anyway?

I'd only be driving from Punta Cana to the eastern edge of Santo Domingo, so maybe I'll brave it and rent a car if I can find a rental that isn't crazy expensive. Have you ever driven the highway from San Pedro to Santo Domingo after dark?

Thanks again.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=OldKool;2113350]I rented a car one time in the DR and will never do it again. IYou are responsible for any ding or chip which is very posible on the DR roads. I have been to the DR over 20 times and have enjoyed every trip without renting cars. Mr E once totaled a car in the DR and has done some things sane people would not consider. I use the local services and get to everywhere I need with little trouble. Caribe Tours and Metro bus are 1st rate and cheap. Most times I do not know dtirections or where to park. I like to keep things simple. To each his own.[/QUOTE]This is the problem: Caribe and Metro don't operate between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, except by charter.

[QUOTE=MrGogo;2113120]It's fairly easy to make the bus connection from PUJ to Santo Domingo but first you need to supply some valuable information. Is this your first DR visit? How is your Spanish? How much luggage will you have?[/QUOTE]I've been to the Dominican about 10 times, but I've never rented a car there and I haven't been on the highway between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo in probably a decade, so I don't know the conditions, etc. I've heard there's a new, excellent highway between Punta Cana and La Romana and / or San Pedro. Coral Highway?

I speak fairly good Spanish and will have one large suitcase. (Do those guaguas have storage for luggage? I know those run from La Romana and San Pedro to Santo Domingo, but in the pictures they all look like converted schoolbuses with only rooftop storage, which I have no interest in using).

[QUOTE]I also drive frequently in the DR but never at night. It's too many traps that come out way when " gringo driving at night". From potholes that ruin wheels that you never see coming to bandits waiting for a drunk gringo. Not to mention the cops trying to get rich on a gringo slipping at night.[/QUOTE]I'll be landing in Punta Cana right as it's getting dark and I need to get to La Romana that night, so I might not have a choice about driving in the dark that first 30 miles. But I'll keep your warning in mind if I drive further west. Does your warning apply even to the highway between San Pedro and Santo Domingo? That looks like a 75-minute drive but all on the same road, and I wouldn't be driving in Santo Domingo at all.) Thanks.

[QUOTE=JLMiami;2113406]I'll be landing in Punta Cana right as it's getting dark and I need to get to La Romana that night, so I might not have a choice about driving in the dark that first 30 miles. But I'll keep your warning in mind if I drive further west. Does your warning apply even to the highway between San Pedro and Santo Domingo? That looks like a 75-minute drive but all on the same road, and I wouldn't be driving in Santo Domingo at all.) Thanks.[/QUOTE]I have driven that route plenty of times but only a few at night. If I am not mistaken, there is lighting throughout much of it. And like you said, the highway is fairly new. Just be sure to have some cash on you because there are 2 toll booths.

[QUOTE=JLMiami;2113406]I've been to the Dominican about 10 times, but I've never rented a car there and I haven't been on the highway between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo in probably a decade, so I don't know the conditions, etc. I've heard there's a new, excellent highway between Punta Cana and La Romana and / or San Pedro. Coral Highway?

I speak fairly good Spanish and will have one large suitcase. (Do those guaguas have storage for luggage? I know those run from La Romana and San Pedro to Santo Domingo, but in the pictures they all look like converted schoolbuses with only rooftop storage, which I have no interest in using).

I'll be landing in Punta Cana right as it's getting dark and I need to get to La Romana that night, so I might not have a choice about driving in the dark that first 30 miles. But I'll keep your warning in mind if I drive further west. Does your warning apply even to the highway between San Pedro and Santo Domingo? That looks like a 75-minute drive but all on the same road, and I wouldn't be driving in Santo Domingo at all.) Thanks.[/QUOTE]The road is fairly new from Punta Cana to San Pedro but you also have the toll road bypasses that avoid the cities like La Romana. The toll roads are mostly deserted so have change. My advice would be to gas up and get the personal cell phone number from someone who works at the checkout counter in case of a problem. The drive is pretty smooth but watch out for hookers on the side of the road between San Pedro and Boca chica.

Hi guys,

A few questions, I'm planning a solo trip on December 17th - 24th.

First off anyone that wants to meet up and hang out let me know.

I've heard this is a down / slow time. Is that accurate? How slow is it or when exactly does it become slow? When does it get slow exactly? Will I have a few days to enjoy myself?

I understand the Dominican woman are dark, I love Latin woman, but prefer the dark olive skin to the really dark black kind. Are there any girls from other countries (Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama etc) and how rare are they?

I have read thru the thread and I am hearing different prices / Some guys are quoting $35-50 whole others are stating $80-100. What is the normal price.

Also is I'm looking for GFE action (DFK / BBBJ) what is the going rate for that and how much will or should it cost me?

Finally, I'm mainly coming for the woman, the beach and sun and to party and go clubbing.

Are there any popular clubs to meet non pros or are they all filled with working girls?

Should I stay the entire time in Sosua or should I spend a day or two at another city?

Thanks in advance!

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2113506]I have driven that route plenty of times but only a few at night. If I am not mistaken, there is lighting throughout much of it. And like you said, the highway is fairly new. Just be sure to have some cash on you because there are 2 toll booths.[/QUOTE]Correct. One is 100 pesos, and the other one is 60 pesos, in cash.

If you intend just to travel between main cities, Caribe Tours and Metro Bus will do the job pretty good. From La Romana to SD, the Metro bus stop is inside Casa De Campo, at the Heliport parking. 500 pesos. On the Metro website, they say 'Servicio privado', but it's just a normal mini bus, and you don't need to book or pay in advance. Make sure you are on the parking few minutes in advance, as they respect the departure time at the second!

[URL]http://www.metroserviciosturisticos.com/horarios[/URL]

Between SD and Bavaro / Punta Cana, you have the Express Bavaro. It's straight without stop.

[URL]http://www.expresobavaro.com/[/URL]

Yes, all these buses have huge luggage storage, just as big tour buses.

But if you intend to visit the area, for example staying at Casa De Campo to visit Altos De Chavon (very recommended, see picture) or playa Minitas or playing golf, or going to Bayahibe and stay at Playa Dominicus, you have no other choice than renting a car. I understand that you stay at La Romana. If you rented a villa at Casa de Campo, DO NOT rent a golf cart, and rent a car. Distances are big in this resort, and you won't be able to go to downtown with your cart. At La Romana, have your breakfast at La Crema Pasteleria. I recommend their Hot Chocolate. P4 P is non existent at La Romana. If you bring a chica at Casa De Campo, you MUST register her in advance. IDs are required. There is a fee of 20 US $ / day / person, including you.

When your car is delivered, make sure to take a photo of the contract, and a video of the car with the company guy, pointing every scratch / bump with your finger.

My car had a lot of them, but when I returned it, they didn't say anything. Anyway, you just don't care if you take all insurances.

[QUOTE=NamasteParis;2113652]P4 P is non existent at La Romana..[/QUOTE]There is plenty of PFP in La Romana, Clubs Yajaira, Alto Rango, and Dubai all have working girls.

[QUOTE=NamasteParis;2113652]If you intend just to travel between main cities, Caribe Tours and Metro Bus will do the job pretty good. From La Romana to SD, the Metro bus stop is inside Casa De Campo, at the Heliport parking. 500 pesos. On the Metro website, they say 'Servicio privado', but it's just a normal mini bus, and you don't need to book or pay in advance. Make sure you are on the parking few minutes in advance, as they respect the departure time at the second!

[URL]http://www.metroserviciosturisticos.com/horarios[/URL][/QUOTE]Thanks for the info. Oddly, that site shows buses leaving Santo Domingo for Punta Cana, but it doesn't list any times for buses leaving Punta Cana heading west. It also lists prices for buses between Casa de Campo and Juan Dolio, but no schedule. (Typical for the the. Are. , I guess.).

I figured there'd be some sort of shared shuttle from Punta Cana to La Romana / Casa de Campo at least a few times per day, where maybe five or 10 people share a van or small bus and pay $30 each or something, but I've yet to see anything like that, and I really don't want to pay $100 from Punta Cana to La Romana and then have to scramble to find a bus or car to San Pedro and then Santo Domingo.

Do those guaguas have covered luggage storage or are they all still those old converted school buses that are okay for travelers but not great for travelers with luggage? Thanks again.