I felt the same way on my first trip to the DR. Each subsequent experience has been better and better. There will always be people who will totally take advantage of you. You just have to learn to be more assertive, learn what the fair price of things and services are, and insist that you pay that and no more. Some tips:
1)Motoconchos do not cost 200 pesos. They will charge as much as they think they can get away with. Learn what the going rate is and just hand them the 20 pesos or so when you get off and confidently walk away. If you show any uncertainty, they will take advantage of it.
2) If you don't now that much Spanish, a good phrase to learn for Customs (in my experience) is "no te dare ni un centavo."
3)whatever a beach vendor quotes you, offer half (or less) Don't be afraid to negotiate.
4) Don't be bashful when they deliberately take a long time to bring you your change back after paying your bill at a restaurant. This is nothing but a ploy. I waited 15minutes at a certain restaurant on the strip in Sosua for the girl to bring me the change for my 1000 peso note. (It was a 450 peso bill) She just seemed to be wandering around the restraurant ignoring me and chit chatting. Finally I get up and head back towards the kitchen and ask for mi cambio. All of a sudden she acts like she "forgot" about the 550 pesos just sitting on a little tray behind the bar and quickly gives it back to me. Don'tbe shy!
5)Always ask the price of everything beforehand!!!
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