Car rental in POP - Is it too much trouble?

[stalino55]

Hey guys,
I am planning for a trip to BB's in the fall and would like information from you vet's that have experience in car rental
at POP. I plan to pickup & return at airport.
My main concern is it worth the cost of the fee and how easy is it to be overcharged?
I would like to have the freedom of being able to get up and go whenever I wish and play tourist in POP and local area locations.
What do ya think? I will be staying 4-5 days
Any information, suggestions and advise will be truly welcomed and appreciated!

[culoamaro]

Hey guys,
I am planning for a trip to BB's in the fall and would like information from you vet's that have experience in car rental
at POP. I plan to pickup & return at airport.
My main concern is it worth the cost of the fee and how easy is it to be overcharged?
I would like to have the freedom of being able to get up and go whenever I wish and play tourist in POP and local area locations.
What do ya think? I will be staying 4-5 days
Any information, suggestions and advise will be truly welcomed and appreciated!

I don't really understand what you are saying.. what do you mean overcharge?
I rented last week and I paid $219 for 5 days.
I made a reservation through internet website ( any website, they are pretty much the same)...

[stalino55]

I don't really understand what you are saying.. what do you mean overcharge?
I rented last week and I paid $219 for 5 days.
I made a reservation through internet website ( any website, they are pretty much the same)...

Howdy Culoamaro,
I had previously read that there were some additional charges on the bill when the renter showed up to pick up the car.
Your price was for a midsize with liability/collison etc insurance, right? I have been checking the net for comparison shopping, where did you get yours?

[BorisDaBulletDodger]

gas is 200 pesos a gallon btw

i am assumming you wamt to go back and forth to sosua.

how many people are splitting the bill?

i hope you realize you will be gettimg a scratched up dented car take pictures of all damage upon inspection

renting a car isnt too expensive. the insurance costs more then the car. if you have rental insurance on credit cards it will be cheaper. i use amex.

you can read my resume and report of my driving e periences

[stalino55]

Thanks Boris,
Will read your report, I assume it is in this section.

Best regards!
:iconTU:


gas is 200 pesos a gallon btw

i am assumming you wamt to go back and forth to sosua.

how many people are splitting the bill?

i hope you realize you will be gettimg a scratched up dented car take pictures of all damage upon inspection

renting a car isnt too expensive. the insurance costs more then the car. if you have rental insurance on credit cards it will be cheaper. i use amex.

you can read my resume and report of my driving e periences

[BrooklynBeas]

I dont think I ever rented from POP airport, but I rented from STI a few times and drove to POP/Sosua, and never had an issue... I went through Alamo/National, reserved back at home on the internet, brought my printed receipt to the counter and got my car for the price I paid... I always went compact and most of the time, they only had a midsize so they upgraded me for free..

two questions for you... Do you know your way around or plan on getting directions from people around? And if you dont know your way around, do you speak spanish enough to figure out how to get where you are going if you get lost and ask a local for directions "in spanish"??? Also, are you a great driver that can handle sick drunk drivers all around you? Cause thats DR if you didnt know... I live in NY and drive in the city alot, its crazy but got nothing on puerto plata drivers...

Also, I never rented a car that was busted up with dings and dents... They were always in good shape, or close to good shape...

[stalino55]

Thanks for the rental information on Alamo/National.
Both speak & read spanish. Plan on taking a (?) chica from BB's for day excursions, visit the usual tourist attractions and what she/they may recommend. Have driven in Mexico cities, should be the same crazy attitudes as there?
:iconTU:


I dont think I ever rented from POP airport, but I rented from STI a few times and drove to POP/Sosua, and never had an issue... I went through Alamo/National, reserved back at home on the internet, brought my printed receipt to the counter and got my car for the price I paid... I always went compact and most of the time, they only had a midsize so they upgraded me for free..

two questions for you... Do you know your way around or plan on getting directions from people around? And if you dont know your way around, do you speak spanish enough to figure out how to get where you are going if you get lost and ask a local for directions "in spanish"??? Also, are you a great driver that can handle sick drunk drivers all around you? Cause thats DR if you didnt know... I live in NY and drive in the city alot, its crazy but got nothing on puerto plata drivers...

Also, I never rented a car that was busted up with dings and dents... They were always in good shape, or close to good shape...

[BrooklynBeas]

Thanks for the rental information on Alamo/National.
Both speak & read spanish. Plan on taking a (?) chica from BB's for day excursions, visit the usual tourist attractions and what she/they may recommend. Have driven in Mexico cities, should be the same crazy attitudes as there?
:iconTU:

Never drove in Mexico but I was only there once... I have also been to DR 17 times and know my way around pretty well... Well enough to drive from STI-Sosua without help... Well that was about 6 years ago last time I did it, and was going pretty much every 3-4 months... If you are flying into POP and staying in Sosua, I wouldnt rent a car, dont think its worth it, especially if you plan on drinking.. What tourist attractions do you wanna see? If you dont have anything planned, I say fuck it... Get the hotel's driver or owner to pick you up or take a cab...

[stalino55]

Thats what I have been thinking about. But, if I stay at Blackbeards, is it cost effective to have a taxi every day?
I mean, what would be the taxi rates to & from the hotel to POP tourist attractions be?
Or is there a company (livery service) that would be less expensive or comparable to the car rental expense?



Never drove in Mexico but I was only there once... I have also been to DR 17 times and know my way around pretty well... Well enough to drive from STI-Sosua without help... Well that was about 6 years ago last time I did it, and was going pretty much every 3-4 months... If you are flying into POP and staying in Sosua, I wouldnt rent a car, dont think its worth it, especially if you plan on drinking.. What tourist attractions do you wanna see? If you dont have anything planned, I say fuck it... Get the hotel's driver or owner to pick you up or take a cab...

[BrooklynBeas]

Thats what I have been thinking about. But, if I stay at Blackbeards, is it cost effective to have a taxi every day?
I mean, what would be the taxi rates to & from the hotel to POP tourist attractions be?
Or is there a company (livery service) that would be less expensive or comparable to the car rental expense?

If you are the type that likes to get out and about, can speak spanish, and wants to go on the hunt for chicas, why the fuck are you staying at Blackbeards?!?!?!? That place is good for what its good for, and that's for the guys that dont like to try... Wanna sit by the pool all day, pick from the girls at the place, not have to negotiate price, not see whats out there in DR... From what it sounds like, this is not you... Stay in Sosua at one of the hotels... Maybe Rockies or the suites across the street... Rick (owner of Rockies) will pick you up and drive you back to the airport, give you great service, he speaks english, and will treat you more then just a guest but as a brother... You may wanna re-think what you have planned, forget about the chicas you are in touch with through the internet, cancel the room at BB's stay in Sosua, forget the rental, find some wingmen, and enjoy Sosua... Just my opinion and im pretty sure others would agree..

[stalino55]

Thanks guy,
As I mentioned, still in the planning stage, so I will look at all possiblities.


If you are the type that likes to get out and about, can speak spanish, and wants to go on the hunt for chicas, why the fuck are you staying at Blackbeards?!?!?!? That place is good for what its good for, and that's for the guys that dont like to try... Wanna sit by the pool all day, pick from the girls at the place, not have to negotiate price, not see whats out there in DR... From what it sounds like, this is not you... Stay in Sosua at one of the hotels... Maybe Rockies or the suites across the street... Rick (owner of Rockies) will pick you up and drive you back to the airport, give you great service, he speaks english, and will treat you more then just a guest but as a brother... You may wanna re-think what you have planned, forget about the chicas you are in touch with through the internet, cancel the room at BB's stay in Sosua, forget the rental, find some wingmen, and enjoy Sosua... Just my opinion and im pretty sure others would agree..

[Happyhorn]

I rented a car at the POP airport as an add on to my American Airlines Ticket a couple of years ago. I purchased Insurance thru American Express and declined the rental insurance without any problem. When I returned the car there were no added charges or suprises except for the price of gasoline when I filled up. In my opinion, if you stay in Sousa you do not need a car, but I prefer driving down the coast in the afternoons to hanging around the hotel. I am also not a heavy drinker, and would not drive drunk.

[stalino55]

Thank you sir,
I was also thinking of doing the same, at my convenience.


I rented a car at the POP airport as an add on to my American Airlines Ticket a couple of years ago. I purchased Insurance thru American Express and declined the rental insurance without any problem. When I returned the car there were no added charges or suprises except for the price of gasoline when I filled up. In my opinion, if you stay in Sousa you do not need a car, but I prefer driving down the coast in the afternoons to hanging around the hotel. I am also not a heavy drinker, and would not drive drunk.

[Rubicon]

stalino55,

As Boris mentioned, videotape the condition of the car (and the guy/girl showing it to you) before you sign off on it, that way, if there's any question about its condition upon your return, you can show the video.

Also, have a napkin or tissue with you and check the oil right there in front of them. Don't be embarrassed/shy about doing what you need to do to protect yourself. It just lets them know that you know what you're doing.

Outside of that, the only issue I had renting at POP airport once was finding the car I reserved was not available and having them try and rent me a more expensive model. Just tell them if they don't have the model you reserved, or an upgrade at the equivalent price, that you will go to the rental stand right next to theirs and rent from them. It's been 7 years since I've rented, but these were my experiences.

[weyland]

I love it when guys rent cars. Always the chance of another 8orBetter story!

[BorisDaBulletDodger]

stalino55,

As Boris mentioned, videotape the condition of the car (and the guy/girl showing it to you) before you sign off on it, that way, if there's any question about its condition upon your return, you can show the video.

Also, have a napkin or tissue with you and check the oil right there in front of them. Don't be embarrassed/shy about doing what you need to do to protect yourself. It just lets them know that you know what you're doing.

Outside of that, the only issue I had renting at POP airport once was finding the car I reserved was not available and having them try and rent me a more expensive model. Just tell them if they don't have the model you reserved, or an upgrade at the equivalent price, that you will go to the rental stand right next to theirs and rent from them. It's been 7 years since I've rented, but these were my experiences.

I tip the inspector dude some pesos too but that's me. Check the battery too.

[weyland]

Doesn't sound like much of a holiday. Check this, check that, tip him, tip her. I just jump in the publico and pay 45 pesos and never have to check anything. I guess I should check whether the brakes work but I am scared of what I might find.

[Rubicon]

Doesn't sound like much of a holiday. Check this, check that, tip him, tip her. I just jump in the publico and pay 45 pesos and never have to check anything. I guess I should check whether the brakes work but I am scared of what I might find.

All it takes is one check at the time of rental and, assuming all checks out, you're good to go for the rest of the rental if you're doing a week.

I just got home from POP today and the weather was pretty hot and humid this past week, unusually so, according to some Dominicans I know. I wouldn't consider it much of a holiday if I had to take a 10 minute walk from my apartment and stand on the main road dripping in sweat, only to have to wait another 5 minutes or so in the boiling heat just to be packed into a van like sardines with no air conditioning (and, no, I don't accept warm air blowing in through the window as being a form of air conditioning). My time spent on vacation has to be as comfortable, if not more so, and certainly more enjoyable, than my time spent at home. I don't spend thousands of dollars to travel anywhere to "rough it".

[DCIronman]

All it takes is one check at the time of rental and, assuming all checks out, you're good to go for the rest of the rental if you're doing a week.

I just got home from POP today and the weather was pretty hot and humid this past week, unusually so, according to some Dominicans I know. I wouldn't consider it much of a holiday if I had to take a 10 minute walk from my apartment and stand on the main road dripping in sweat, only to have to wait another 5 minutes or so in the boiling heat just to be packed into a van like sardines with no air conditioning (and, no, I don't accept warm air blowing in through the window as being a form of air conditioning). My time spent on vacation has to be as comfortable, if not more so, and certainly more enjoyable, than my time spent at home. I don't spend thousands of dollars to travel anywhere to "rough it".

Well said. Did the publico thing once and swore I'd never do it again.

I rent cars whenever I go to Sosua because I like to stay in accommodations that are generally off the main strip. And I don't like to be confined to just P. Clisante and the immediate area. There's so much more to see and do there.

But I don't recommend driving in the DR if you're inexperienced, unable to read and speak Spanish, or a "special" individual like 8 or Better.

[Rubicon]

Well said. Did the publico thing once and swore I'd never do it again.

In all honesty, I wouldn't mind doing it to get that true "Dominican experience" but, every time I think about what it entails, all I can think is "F" that.

A few days ago I had to stand out on the main rd. and the corner of Avenida Colon for about 15 minutes waiting for somebody, otherwise they wouldn't have been able to find the location where I was. It's no surprise my doctor asked me this morning how I got so tanned. :rofl::rofl:

[stalino55]

Thanks to all who have posted.
I am going to do more research on the pros/cons of Sousa (Rockys' or the other hotels there).
Question, what hotel in Sousa would be comparable to Blackbeards easy access & availability to chicas?
As to the car, regardless of where I do stay, I still like to have the liberty to come & go on a moments whim.
The reason I ask to the above chica question is that, I am not too particular to the club scene every night to get some pussy.
All suggestions and comments are welcomed, the more opinions I receive from you vets the better it is for me to make a wise choice.





In all honesty, I wouldn't mind doing it to get that true "Dominican experience" but, every time I think about what it entails, all I can think is "F" that.

A few days ago I had to stand out on the main rd. and the corner of Avenida Colon for about 15 minutes waiting for somebody, otherwise they wouldn't have been able to find the location where I was. It's no surprise my doctor asked me this morning how I got so tanned. :rofl::rofl:

[deezl]

Thanks to all who have posted.
I am going to do more research on the pros/cons of Sousa (Rockys' or the other hotels there).
Question, what hotel in Sousa would be comparable to Blackbeards easy access & availability to chicas?
As to the car, regardless of where I do stay, I still like to have the liberty to come & go on a moments whim.
The reason I ask to the above chica question is that, I am not too particular to the club scene every night to get some pussy.
All suggestions and comments are welcomed, the more opinions I receive from you vets the better it is for me to make a wise choice.

The most popular/main part of the strip is essentially 1 block long and there are at least a dozen hotels in town within a 2-5 minute walk of that part of the strip.

so, really - they're pretty much all fairly easy access. Most everything you'll want to get to in Sosua is within walking distance of that part of that area.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?t=h&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111798750051056722944.000486051286601e056d4&source=embed&ll=19.761309,-70.516123&spn=0.031099,0.018067&z=15

[weyland]

All it takes is one check at the time of rental and, assuming all checks out, you're good to go for the rest of the rental if you're doing a week.

I just got home from POP today and the weather was pretty hot and humid this past week, unusually so, according to some Dominicans I know. I wouldn't consider it much of a holiday if I had to take a 10 minute walk from my apartment and stand on the main road dripping in sweat, only to have to wait another 5 minutes or so in the boiling heat just to be packed into a van like sardines with no air conditioning (and, no, I don't accept warm air blowing in through the window as being a form of air conditioning). My time spent on vacation has to be as comfortable, if not more so, and certainly more enjoyable, than my time spent at home. I don't spend thousands of dollars to travel anywhere to "rough it".
Just kidding with you, Rubicon. I have friends here who drive me around, ErikS, Robert Zipcode, Sonrisa, and others, and I am very grateful to them.

But I would still advise those new to the DR to seriously consider whether they need a car. As DCIronman points out, there are many dangers and scams awaiting the unwary and they could get their holiday (or life) seriously fucked up. In particular they should ensure that their insurance policy contains admittance to the Casa del Conductor if the worst comes to the worst (as 8orBetter found out the hard way).



A few days ago I had to stand out on the main rd. and the corner of Avenida Colon for about 15 minutes waiting for somebody, otherwise they wouldn't have been able to find the location where I was.
Maybe one reason they couldn't find you is that it hasn't been called Avenida Colon for over 3 years. It is has a much better name now.

[Rubicon]

But I would still advise those new to the DR to seriously consider whether they need a car.

You're correct. No one new, or old, to the DR really needs personal transportation as there is so much public transportation available in the DR that you could literally get almost anywhere you need to go without personal transportation. BUT, it can be hell most times waiting out in the heat, humidity, dust, and exhaust waiting for that public transportation to come along. Those are the times I want personal transportation and am glad I am fortunate enought to have it.



As DCIronman points out, there are many dangers and scams awaiting the unwary and they could get their holiday (or life) seriously fucked up.

Therein, in my opinion, lies the real problem. Many of us come from large, metropolitan areas where the traffic is just as congested and dangerous as that experienced in the DR, minus the numerous motos and pasolas. But, as I've said before, if you get in an accident in the US it can be disputed. If you get in an accident in the DR, as a gringo you are almost automatically considered at fault. The biggest danger in getting in an accident in the DR is not so much having gotten into an accident, but experiencing a DWG (driving while gringo).

[snoozer]

Doesn't sound like much of a holiday. Check this, check that, tip him, tip her. I just jump in the publico and pay 45 pesos and never have to check anything. I guess I should check whether the brakes work but I am scared of what I might find.
In Santo Domingo you can visually check the brakes by looking through the holes in the floor of the publicos. Maybe you could suggest this improvement for the local publicos Weyland!!!

[weyland]

... it can be hell most times waiting out in the heat, humidity, dust, and exhaust waiting for that public transportation to come along.
Rubicon, I know nothing of your private life and upbringing (and I am not inviting you to tell me), so I could be quite out of order here, but you have never struck me as someone who had a pampered and sheltered upbringing or an easy ride since. I on the other hand did have (by world standards) a pampered and sheltered upbringing in a lower-middle-class family in a quiet, leafy dormitory town near London, England. I am congenitally lazy, and have always avoided discomfort, squalor or inconvenience. And I am now 72 and in poor health. But, apart the odd occasion when a friend gives me a lift, I rely on public transport here, motoconchos, publicos and guaguas, and I have never once found it to be hell. Sometimes it is a mild inconvenience, but that is compensated for by the extreme economy and the frequent entertainment derived from seeing Dominicans and Haitians doing and saying their thing in a non-gringo environment. So if it doesn't bug this pampered wimp I think it is a gross exaggeration to call it "hell".



Many of us come from large, metropolitan areas where the traffic is just as congested and dangerous as that experienced in the DR, minus the numerous motos and pasolas.
Not true. The traffic in the First World nations might be more congested and complex, but it is in no way as dangerous as in the DR. You only have to compare the death rates. I believe the chances of dying in a traffic accident are twelve times as high in the DR as in the UK per head of population despite the vastly greater vehicle usage in the latter. And the problem doesn't end there. If you are injured in the First World, you will probably get prompt and competent treatment which will minimise the risk of permanent disability. Over here treatment for even a relatively minor injury could be so delayed, or so incompetent, that you will suffer the rest of your life for something which you might have forgotten about within six months in a First World country.

That is not an argument for using public transport here, of course. In fact public transport is more dangerous. It is however an argument for considering "is your journey really necessary?"


If you get in an accident in the DR, as a gringo you are almost automatically considered at fault. The biggest danger in getting in an accident in the DR is not so much having gotten into an accident, but experiencing a DWG (driving while gringo).
Worse than the presumption of gringo guit is the way the incident might be dealt with. If someone is hurt, or if you damage the property of one of the elite (army officer, politico, or anyone connected) you will be taken to prison and kept in an environment which threatens your health and well-being, and you will be given no help in extracting yourself. You won't be given food, clean drinking water or access to a proper toilet or to a telephone unless you have sufficient cash on you for a bribe. Now people like Rubicon or Mr Happy or DCIronman may know the drill and have the contacts to manage the situation, but someone just visiting on holiday and who may speak little or no Spanish may fall over themselves to pay $US10,000+ to get out of jail after only a few days there, and will be only too glad to be put on the next plane out of the country and scrap the the rest of their trip. And all for something which in a First World country would be dealt with by exchanging insurance details or visiting the police station at your own convenience to fill out a report.

This is a worse case scenario, but it does happen (ask 8orBetter) and newbies should be aware of all these factors when deciding whether they really need to hire a car to enjoy their trip, when the great majority of members here manage very well without doing so.

[dquick]

I love it when guys rent cars. Always the chance of another 8orBetter story!

8orbetter story? Is this another isoc classic?

[dquick]

I rented a car at the POP airport as an add on to my American Airlines Ticket a couple of years ago. I purchased Insurance thru American Express and declined the rental insurance without any problem. When I returned the car there were no added charges or suprises except for the price of gasoline when I filled up. In my opinion, if you stay in Sousa you do not need a car, but I prefer driving down the coast in the afternoons to hanging around the hotel. I am also not a heavy drinker, and would not drive drunk.

The only downside of this insurance is that it is thru a third company, not eve n AA. If anything hAppens to the car, the rental car company will charge the full value of the damAge to your card. You would be responsible for collecting from the third party insurance company.

[stalino55]

Thanks for this great information Weyland,
It is obvious you are truly a well informed man of the world.
The more I am reading from this post, the more convinced that it is not wise for me to rent a car in the DR at this time.
Perhaps down the road when I have visited there more often & know the lay the land better.

From reading the blogs here, it seems to me that Sousa is more a pussy hunt & bag destination with easier access to the tourist spots in Puerto Plata?
Blackbeard's is more convenient/easier to score pussy, but more expensive & harder/pricier to get to Puerto Plata spots.
Puerto Plata is more of a truly tourist destination, that is your general non mongering tourist spot.
Am I correct or am I missing something?





Rubicon, I know nothing of your private life and upbringing (and I am not inviting you to tell me), so I could be quite out of order here, but you have never struck me as someone who had a pampered and sheltered upbringing or an easy ride since. I on the other hand did have (by world standards) a pampered and sheltered upbringing in a lower-middle-class family in a quiet, leafy dormitory town near London, England. I am congenitally lazy, and have always avoided discomfort, squalor or inconvenience. And I am now 72 and in poor health. But, apart the odd occasion when a friend gives me a lift, I rely on public transport here, motoconchos, publicos and guaguas, and I have never once found it to be hell. Sometimes it is a mild inconvenience, but that is compensated for by the extreme economy and the frequent entertainment derived from seeing Dominicans and Haitians doing and saying their thing in a non-gringo environment. So if it doesn't bug this pampered wimp I think it is a gross exaggeration to call it "hell".



Not true. The traffic in the First World nations might be more congested and complex, but it is in no way as dangerous as in the DR. You only have to compare the death rates. I believe the chances of dying in a traffic accident are twelve times as high in the DR as in the UK per head of population despite the vastly greater vehicle usage in the latter. And the problem doesn't end there. If you are injured in the First World, you will probably get prompt and competent treatment which will minimise the risk of permanent disability. Over here treatment for even a relatively minor injury could be so delayed, or so incompetent, that you will suffer the rest of your life for something which you might have forgotten about within six months in a First World country.

That is not an argument for using public transport here, of course. In fact public transport is more dangerous. It is however an argument for considering "is your journey really necessary?"


Worse than the presumption of gringo guit is the way the incident might be dealt with. If someone is hurt, or if you damage the property of one of the elite (army officer, politico, or anyone connected) you will be taken to prison and kept in an environment which threatens your health and well-being, and you will be given no help in extracting yourself. You won't be given food, clean drinking water or access to a proper toilet or to a telephone unless you have sufficient cash on you for a bribe. Now people like Rubicon or Mr Happy or DCIronman may know the drill and have the contacts to manage the situation, but someone just visiting on holiday and who may speak little or no Spanish may fall over themselves to pay $US10,000+ to get out of jail after only a few days there, and will be only too glad to be put on the next plane out of the country and scrap the the rest of their trip. And all for something which in a First World country would be dealt with by exchanging insurance details or visiting the police station at your own convenience to fill out a report.

This is a worse case scenario, but it does happen (ask 8orBetter) and newbies should be aware of all these factors when deciding whether they really need to hire a car to enjoy their trip, when the great majority of members here manage very well without doing so.

[Rubicon]

Rubicon, I know nothing of your private life and upbringing (and I am not inviting you to tell me), so I could be quite out of order here, but you have never struck me as someone who had a pampered and sheltered upbringing or an easy ride since.

I have no problem addressing that issue. I was born and raised in Third World squalor and poverty in the US, in much the same way you see in the DR. We were dirt poor, hungry most days/nights, ragged clothing with holes in the bottom of our shoes, unless we used cardboard or tape to serve as soles on the bottom of the shoes.

About 20 years ago things got much, much better financially and, eventually, I moved into a management position making very good money, and that is when I became lazy and probably less tolerant of the inconveniences that were previously tolerable. I like to have lights when I turn on a switch. I like a toilet that flushes. And, I like air conditioning when it's humid, although I have become accustomed to using a fan when I'm in my apartment instead of the ac. I have always been able to adjust to harsh conditions in life (and, believe me when I tell you, there have been some extremely harsh conditions along the way in addition to those I've already mentioned) but I've also worked hard to have a better life and that involves having at least some of the conveniences of life.


But, apart the odd occasion when a friend gives me a lift, I rely on public transport here, motoconchos, publicos and guaguas, and I have never once found it to be hell. Sometimes it is a mild inconvenience, but that is compensated for by the extreme economy and the frequent entertainment derived from seeing Dominicans and Haitians doing and saying their thing in a non-gringo environment. So if it doesn't bug this pampered wimp I think it is a gross exaggeration to call it "hell".

Of course the use of the word "hell" is an exaggerated term, but I find the experience certainly to be more than a "mild inconvenience" as well. :smile:


Not true. The traffic in the First World nations might be more congested and complex, but it is in no way as dangerous as in the DR. You only have to compare the death rates.

I could very well be wrong but I suspect the greater number of "death rates" per accident, as opposed to the number of accidents per capita (if that is what you are specifically referring to) in the DR versus, say, the US or UK, might be attributable to the greater use of motos/scooters, than if one were driving a car. I think it goes without saying that one is more likely to be killed on a motorcycle in an accident than in a car. Having said that, I do agree that driving habits in the DR certainly leave much to be desired.


I believe the chances of dying in a traffic accident are twelve times as high in the DR as in the UK per head of population despite the vastly greater vehicle usage in the latter. And the problem doesn't end there. If you are injured in the First World, you will probably get prompt and competent treatment which will minimise the risk of permanent disability. Over here treatment for even a relatively minor injury could be so delayed, or so incompetent, that you will suffer the rest of your life for something which you might have forgotten about within six months in a First World country.

That is not an argument for using public transport here, of course. In fact public transport is more dangerous. It is however an argument for considering "is your journey really necessary?"

Worse than the presumption of gringo guit is the way the incident might be dealt with. If someone is hurt, or if you damage the property of one of the elite (army officer, politico, or anyone connected) you will be taken to prison and kept in an environment which threatens your health and well-being, and you will be given no help in extracting yourself. You won't be given food, clean drinking water or access to a proper toilet or to a telephone unless you have sufficient cash on you for a bribe. Now people like Rubicon or Mr Happy or DCIronman may know the drill and have the contacts to manage the situation, but someone just visiting on holiday and who may speak little or no Spanish may fall over themselves to pay $US10,000+ to get out of jail after only a few days there, and will be only too glad to be put on the next plane out of the country and scrap the the rest of their trip. And all for something which in a First World country would be dealt with by exchanging insurance details or visiting the police station at your own convenience to fill out a report.

This is a worse case scenario, but it does happen (ask 8orBetter) and newbies should be aware of all these factors when deciding whether they really need to hire a car to enjoy their trip, when the great majority of members here manage very well without doing so.


The rest of this I wouldn't argue against. In fact, I recall previously stating in another thread that the problem is not so much driving here, but getting into an accident because, then, you're screwed.

[weyland]

8orbetter story? Is this another isoc classic?
Indeed it is. Second only to "The Ballad of Threesomefan and Michelle" on the all-time hitlist.

[weyland]

Thanks for this great information Weyland. It is obvious you are truly a well informed man of the world.
The more I am reading from this post, the more convinced that it is not wise for me to rent a car in the DR at this time.
Perhaps down the road when I have visited there more often & know the lay the land better.
A lot of guys have being renting cars to enhance their holidays for a decade or more with no problems. Just be aware of the issues before you decide. If do you get one, offer me a lift. Save me getting squashed in a fuckin' publico. :)


From reading the blogs here, it seems to me that Sousa is more a pussy hunt & bag destination with easier access to the tourist spots in Puerto Plata?
Blackbeard's is more convenient/easier to score pussy, but more expensive & harder/pricier to get to Puerto Plata spots.
Puerto Plata is more of a truly tourist destination, that is your general non mongering tourist spot.

I live in Puerto Plata, and I quite like it, but I would hardly call it much of a tourist destination except for those who spend all their holiday inside an AI (and even that business is shrinking fast).

There is the cable-car (three hours at most, nothing much to see at the top except a nice view, and try to go up as soon as they open at 8.30am so long as the sky is clear. If you go later in the day, the mountain-top can suddenly cloud over out of nothing and you will see zilch. However hot it is at the bottom you may be glad of a light sweater at the top).

There is the Fortaleza at the Puntilla (west end of the Malecon). Half hour at most.

What else is there to see tourist-wise in Puerto Plata itself that you cannot find elsewhere? Nothing that I can think of. There are things like the rum bottling plant and the amber museum that you could do to kill time if you are already in the vicinity, but hardly interesting enough to influence where you stay.

If you want to go Latin dancing (bachata, merengue, salsa, reggaeton), Puerto Plata has far more places to offer than Sosua. In fact if you want to try your luck at pulling non-pros then Puerto Plata is far better than Sosua, but you will need reasonable Spanish and some assets (good dancer, young, or good-looking, etc). Your rented car might come in useful here so long as it looks fairly impressive.

Blackbeards is less than four miles from Puerto Plata city and Sosua is 17 miles away, but timewise there is not much in it and costwise it is cheaper from Sosua.

Sosua is for the whore hunt. But they do the hunting, not you. Blackbeards (and now also Field of Dreams) is fish in a barrel. Ideal for the older man, the unfit man, the bone idle man, or the congenitally shy.

[weyland]

Rubicon. Thanks for the glimpse of your earlier years. All the more credit to you that you now choose to "give back" in the way you do.

[stalino55]

Blackbeards is less than four miles from Puerto Plata city and Sosua is 17 miles away, but timewise there is not much in it and costwise it is cheaper from Sosua.

Sosua is for the whore hunt. But they do the hunting, not you. Blackbeards (and now also Field of Dreams) is fish in a barrel. Ideal for the older man, the unfit man, the bone idle man, or the congenitally shy.

Oh hell!I fit three out of four!!

[Robocock]

8orbetter story? Is this another isoc classic?

Yes. I believe it concluded with him spending a day in jail with 20 naked Dominican men. The number increases each time. :lol:

[DCIronman]

Yes. I believe it concluded with him spending a day in jail with 20 naked Dominican men. The number increases each time. :lol:

I still don't understand why his cellmates were naked. But it definitely makes for a funnier story.:rofl:

[TNT72]

I still don't understand why his cellmates were naked. But it definitely makes for a funnier story.:rofl:

He blew up every story bigger than the reality. Just like how big and bad he was. Standing 5 foot nuthin, 140 soaking wet. But don't cross him, because his family hated when he showed up at a family reunion, because he would always kick someones ass!:rolleyes::rolleyes:


MAN!! I love guys with short dick syndrome!!:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Jimmydr]

He blew up every story bigger than the reality. Just like how big and bad he was. Standing 5 foot nuthin, 140 soaking wet. But don't cross him, because his family hated when he showed up at a family reunion, because he would always kick someones ass!:rolleyes::rolleyes:


MAN!! I love guys with short dick syndrome!!:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

I got that syndrome.

[jacknback]

Myself also!!!

[Jimmydr]

I still don't understand why his cellmates were naked. But it definitely makes for a funnier story.:rofl:

It gets very hot in there. They don't have air conditioning.

[Irie]

He blew up every story bigger than the reality. Just like how big and bad he was. Standing 5 foot nuthin, 140 soaking wet. But don't cross him, because his family hated when he showed up at a family reunion, because he would always kick someones ass!:rolleyes::rolleyes:


MAN!! I love guys with short dick syndrome!!:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Yeah, they're usually drama kings! :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[TNT72]

Yeah, they're usually drama kings! :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

There's a big difference between guys like us, and guys with Napoleon complexes........

I crack a good joke on you, I laugh. You crack a good joke on me, I laugh the loudest!

8 was one of those guys that wanted to crack on everybody, all day. But the first time you cracked a good one on him, he wanted to fight.

Gotta suck to not be able to crack on yourself!

[Irie]

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

There's a big difference between guys like us, and guys with Napoleon complexes........

I crack a good joke on you, I laugh. You crack a good joke on me, I laugh the loudest!

8 was one of those guys that wanted to crack on everybody, all day. But the first time you cracked a good one on him, he wanted to fight.

Gotta suck to not be able to crack on yourself!


......i've been meaning to tell you......


......you weren't so kind a few times to me in my tr's or posts..........:mad:......:fight::guns::bash:


:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[stalino55]

Easy fellas,
Just looking for information on good times, not good fights!:rofl::rofl::rofl:
Lets all just talk pussy!!:iconTU::iconTU:


......i've been meaning to tell you......


......you weren't so kind a few times to me in my tr's or posts..........:mad:......:fight::guns::bash:


:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Sidney]

USA Geico does not cover driving in the RD:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

[frisky46]

The only downside of this insurance is that it is thru a third company, not eve n AA. If anything hAppens to the car, the rental car company will charge the full value of the damAge to your card. You would be responsible for collecting from the third party insurance company.

I rented a car in sosua thru a friend that worked at remax and went all the way down to samana and back and stopped at varies towns like rio san jaun and mangua and also drove into puerto plata and never had a problem ; mind you in puerto plata I did park the car by the macelon and got out on foot and used moto conchos ; I made seveal trips to caberete and a fellow there trying to sell puppies by the beach offered to watch my car when Iwas at the beach ; I gave him $5 the 1st day and $10 the next couple times and he was always there toi show me nothing happened to my car ; I always paid him before I returned back tososua ; I had the car for 1 week and if not for this car I'd not see what life is beyond sosua ; I never had any issues at all but i;d not recommend driving very far in the dark some roads at night are just dangergerous with the many pot holes and people walking on the roads ; drove in day time and the odd nite trip from cabarete ; I was stopped only once between cabarete and sosua by the police they were looking for weapons ;I showed them my passport and they waved me true ans that time my car was loaded with stuff that I was bringing for a friend that was moving from cabarete back to sosua ; any how if you look both ways when crossing street even if u have the right of way plus at green lights u are careful and take off your hubcaps and throw them in the trunk and you;ve bought the no deductible insurance you should be ok ; you just have to exercise more attention and care here ; I never drove in very busy cities like santo domingo or puerto plata or santiago ; I;ve been to santiago but took the bus there and hooked up with good friends there after ; hope this helps ; like the other guy said in sosua u need no car u take the motoconcho ' or walk or take the gau gua between caberete and sosua but if you are in caberete after 10 or 11 pm ; I think the only way back is by taxi ; I got lucky a couple times and was talking to a waiter at a resturant about cheap taxis to sosua and he said he got offwork at 11 pm and if I wantred he drive me back as he was going home to puerto plata ; that was very nice of him and I gave him a nice tip ; appinboy {frisky46}

[tonymd]

I rented a car at the POP airport as an add on to my American Airlines Ticket a couple of years ago. I purchased Insurance thru American Express and declined the rental insurance without any problem. When I returned the car there were no added charges or suprises except for the price of gasoline when I filled up. In my opinion, if you stay in Sousa you do not need a car, but I prefer driving down the coast in the afternoons to hanging around the hotel. I am also not a heavy drinker, and would not drive drunk.
but everyone else drives drunk