General Info

[QUOTE=Nicko]Thanks for the info. Very helpful. What is the best City to fly into for first timer. I am going to learn more spanish I know its needed. I know some basics but going to pick up more. Just want to go an experience the island. If anyone else has some useful info let me know.

Thanks again New World Order[/QUOTE]

Your very welcome! :)

In post #664, Ford has answered your question.

It depends on your level of Spanish. Santo Domingo and Santiago are great cities to meet up with non-pros. But you need to be able to speak in Spanish.

I have never been to Sosua. But I heard you will have no problem with the language barrier because many of them speak English. And like Ford has said, there will be many foreign tourists who can help you out! :)

Remember to stay at a hotel that has a safe. Put all of your important belongings in a safe such as your credit cards, passport, camera, etc.

Santo Domingo is a legitimate international business destination and afer DR-CAFTA is passed I have no doubt it will also be home to many multi-nationals and busines conglomerates.

As such, "our" hobby is wide-spread and is generally tolerated but takes a back seat to various legitimate business ventures such as tourism and other service and manufacturing related ventures.

Sosua and Cabarete is home to many quality all-inclusive hotels and is an enjoyable family vacation destination for both Europeans, Americans and Dominicans However, Sosua and Cabarete has developed (for better or worse) an internationally known reputation for prostitution. It is rampant in the salida bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels (heck, if you can speak any Spanish you can even pick up the check-out girls at the Playero Supermarket or the waitress wherever you eat your lunch! :D)

On a "per capita" basis there may not be a greater proliferation of working girls per tourist anywhere on the earth outside of Amsterdam and the Philippines. As a result of this, there is a continuous stream of agreeable, American and European "players" who will be happy to take you under their wing and show you the ropes.

I can't stress enough that none of the girls can speak a word of English! Its the atmosphere and monger-tourist that make Sosua "user-friendly". The girls are generally pleasant enough and can be very gfe but they aren't going to be speaking English. Don't expect this.

The one rather sad paradox of the Dominican Republic is that although many parts of the country have a "trampled-through" feel to them because of the tremendous number of International tourists that arrive at its shores every year - the percentage of English speaking residents is very small. This is unquestionably a product of a poor, underfunded and underdeveloped education system - perhaps one of the worst in the western hemisphere.

I have traveled to 12 latin american countries and the English speaking ability of the indigenous Domincan people is the worst of them all. I mean to be honest people in Nicaragua, Honduras and Venezuela are as poor as church mice but even they laugh at the education system in the Dominican Republic!

I have traveled to Sosua 5 times, had a novia there and she introduced me to probably around 8-10 of her girlfriends. Some were working in the "business" other weren't. I'd be suprised if there were 20 English words between the whole group!

Santo Domingo is a city of 3 million, it is a city that is very difficult to chop down into bite sized pieces and (IMO) is not a good first time/newbie place. Sosua on the other hand is a small town with a couple of main roads and after a few days you'll feel right at home! Follow the "monger-crowd" around at about 10pm and they'll show you the way!

(You can trust me, mates - I've been known to give out some good advice from time to time!) ;)

cheers,

FORD

Hi,

I noticed there is no info that comes up in a "dentist" search, but several travel sites say that many people go there for "dental tourism" ... So, can those of you who've used a DR dentist or know the email or tel. of dentists anywhere there, please post the info for those of us who are dentally-challenged and in need of help.

Thanks

[QUOTE=Straddler]Hi,

I noticed there is no info that comes up in a "dentist" search, but several travel sites say that many people go there for "dental tourism" ... So, can those of you who've used a DR dentist or know the email or tel. of dentists anywhere there, please post the info for those of us who are dentally-challenged and in need of help.

Thanks[/QUOTE]Straddler,

You might want to look at some "legitimate" non-monger DR sites such as:

[email]Sosuadominicanrepublic@yahoogroups.com[/email]

The latter is a group of DR fans living in and out of the country.

Most are ex-pats living in the Sosua/PP area.

Yanqui69

The longtime bartender at Rocky's in Sosua is Ted. He is Canadian, and has been a resident for about nine years.

He was telling me that last year he had all his teeth yanked and a set of dentures made, for an incredibly low price. I forget how much he told me, but I'm sure he would share the info with you.

His address is [url]www.rockyted@hotmail.com[/url]. Good luck!

Thanks for the contact in the DR. Although I am certain that toothless Ted could give the silkiest BBBJ on the island, I think I will refrain from contacting him. :-))

[QUOTE=Silver Shadow]The longtime bartender at Rocky's in Sosua is Ted. He is Canadian, and has been a resident for about nine years.

He was telling me that last year he had all his teeth yanked and a set of dentures made, for an incredibly low price. I forget how much he told me, but I'm sure he would share the info with you.

His address is [url]www.rockyted@hotmail.com[/url]. Good luck![/QUOTE]

I am planning to go to the DR in March and feel like I need to brush up in the slang of the DR.

I have been to many spanish speaking countries and have found that to each country his own slang.

If someone can recomend something to ease the transition it would be much appreciated.

I have seen the "alternative spanish speaking dictionary" but alot of that applies to SA and CA.

Thanks,

Max 7

Anyone know of a credit card (visa) that doesn't charge you extra when you use the damn thing out of the US???? Seems everyone wants a piece of the pie, and my pie is for the ladies. M&M

Cute response, but I don't think this guy would be interested in blowing you, or anybody else. He's totally straight, and has a long line-up of women waiting to service him.

The comment was made for STRADDLER, who is looking for a local dentist.

I've used all the major bank credit cards and they all charge a few dollars for the currency conversion if I remember correctly. However, just a few dollars each time. Somewhere around 2% of the total transaction to convert plus any finance charges??? It isn't much for the convienence that you get.

I strictly cash checks, use the ATM, or use my bank debit card or PayPal debit card. Double check with your credit card company on the transaction cost I suppose.

If you must use your credit card everywhere you go, I suppose you may want to consider staying at an all inclusive and then just paying the 200-300 pesos for a quickie hotel each time plus your fun.

MISTER NYC :D



[QUOTE=Mimonger]Anyone know of a credit card (visa) that doesn't charge you extra when you use the damn thing out of the US???? Seems everyone wants a piece of the pie, and my pie is for the ladies. M&M[/QUOTE]

Hey guys, for those who plan to use your credit card in the DR, call your credit card company (before you leave for the DR) and tell them that you plan to use it.

One time, I used my VISA credit card and because of the security I had with it, I was unable to use it in the DR. So I had to call my credit card company and tell them that I was going to use it in the DR.

I have notified the bank (via email because they dont seem to loose the proof as easy as a phone call). But I shouldn't have to pay the assholes anything to use the credit card. I am giving them business, they are charging the business I am using the card at, for them to have a machine. They are like blood sucking wifes...that suck you dry...then leave you. I was hoping that someone would have a man friendly...country friendly credit card. Like I always say.... my money is my play money, M&M

I was looking at the DR for a trip this year. I noticed that there is not a crime section on the board for this country. Can I safely assume that it is because the country is relatively safe?

I am also attracted to women that are considered to be "morena clara", will I find plenty of them in the DR?

Last question, for anyone that has been to Rio, is this a destination that will be as enjoyable?

I'm a big fan of the DR coming from new york there is this mutual understanding of our cultures which brings me closer to people than most foreigners.I love the music and I also know enough spanish.I find that they treat you how you treat them.I can only speak about the north coast I've heard the south can be a little rough since it's next to santo domingo.
There are credit card and atm scams so bring travelers checks and try to find a hotel with in room safes.I also recommend to set up a taxi to pick you up at the airport .Dress down but dont over do it.
Sosua at night can be rough especially if your out to monger be careful of the hatian girls if thats your thing.I've heard stories firsthand that they have knifes etc.Be careful where you use your credit card.
Most of all make an effort to be courteous and you will meet some really nice people.I find dominicans to be very welcoming like mexicans.
The girls are pretty dark (yum!) even darker in the south dont expect to find light skinned honeys selling themselves.It's all about skin tone in the DR The darker you are the less respect you get and the lower you are on the income ladder.If your a light skinned guy going for dark meat you come out on top because you elevate them to a more important level(being seen with a white guy etc.)Suerte

Sosua is very safe. Nothing to worry about here. I prefer Dominicanas myself, but most Haitianas are okay too, just stay away from the street rats.