1st timer here: How to get around Santo Domingo without getting ripped off?

SunAndBuns · #1 03-29-2007, 12:24 PM

I am primarily interested in the clubs such as the Girl's house, the Lapsus, The Garden House, Tabu etc, but I would like to know Is there some kind of map that shows all of the Chica take-out clubs in the Santo Domingo area, so I could be on my own? Maybe a taxi service that is very reliable and effecient that I can call that wont rip me off for commissions? I am probably going to stay in the Hostel Riazor, a hotel that is supposed to be guest friendly, and is right on Independence Ave where all of the chicas are at. Has anybody been to this hotel before btw?
My plan is to party in the city at night, and go to Boca Chica in the day time for swimming fun. And is the city dangerous at night to walk through? I am a 220lb boxer, but I know that this is nothing when it comes to 5+ guys w/guns and knives.
Thank you in advance.
Dexter

Kyle · #2 03-29-2007, 01:06 PM

my advice: get all the info you can off this site and use common sense. all of us have been taken one time or another as a newbie so don't worry about it, just have fun...

cobraboy · #3 03-29-2007, 01:15 PM

Why not just rent a taxi/driver for the evening or a couple of days. It would be incredibly cheap. Heck, you might even find a driver with functioning English. Taxi drivers in the DR are like anywhere else: they know what's up and where.

My buddy and I did that many years ago in Santo Domingo, like 1987, and it wroked very, very well.

johne · #4 03-29-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobraboy

Why not just rent a taxi/driver for the evening or a couple of days. It would be incredibly cheap. Heck, you might even find a driver with functioning English. Taxi drivers in the DR are like anywhere else: they know what's up and where.

My buddy and I did that many years ago in Santo Domingo, like 1987, and it wroked very, very well.

I have used the SAME driver for the past two years. Prior to that I had another guy also for two years. Driver will wait for you outside wherever you go which elimenhates the walking in street buisness--and by using the same guy -befriend him so that when HE sees trouble he will advise you. If you're a little drunk and he thinks you're with the wrong people or the wrong part of town you get a driver and caretaker for the same price

DAKRA · #5 03-29-2007, 05:50 PM

The above post/reply is right on track! - Do yourself a favor and get a local taxidriver that you can hire for the day/evening who will take care of you. You can't imagine what a good deal this is how cheap it is. You will have a great time in Santo Domingo. Just remember one thing. Use common sense! - Those who leave SD after parting and such and claim to have a "Bad Time/Experience" is usually because they did not use common sense. Have a good, safe, fun time. I will be back there myself for the 5th time in 12 month soon. BTW - Be sure to post a Trip Report on how things went when you come back.

santobonao · #6 04-05-2007, 02:06 AM

It sound cool

nixonbd · #7 04-11-2007, 08:12 PM

Dexter, I'm also staying at the Riazor. Will be there the first week in May. But I digress....the Riazor is a block or two at most from both Girl House and Lapsus, so you shouldn't need a cab for thos places, except late at night.

johne · #8 04-11-2007, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nixonbd

Dexter, I'm also staying at the Riazor. Will be there the first week in May. But I digress....the Riazor is a block or two at most from both Girl House and Lapsus, so you shouldn't need a cab for thos places, except late at night.

BUT a cab ride for one block? Maybe you would be better off getting the $4.95 early bird special at 6PM, a newspaper, and be in bed by 9.
Hey, you never kn ow.

laurapasinifan · #9 04-11-2007, 11:51 PM

if you go out at night just take expendable cash. Any trouble..let them have it all....they wont kill you unless you try to resist and fight...

if you are bringing girls back to your hotel, even better to leave the extra cash locked up there.

the girls will ask triple from you what they would from a wise domincan man. You can negotiate until you are way past what you think is a fantstic deal...

and as long as you think that...its all that matters.

One driver being your guide is only as good as the guy is trustworthy... and you will have absolutely no clue wether he is or not.

unless you get a recomendation.. the driver could be taking you to a hosing for sure..and setting you up with HIS connections...maybe good maybe bad...

I have never had take out in Santo Domingo...so cant respond to the value.

I have had take it..and it was way more than I should have paid....even when the peso was 17 to 1, it was still the same price as when the peso was 30 to 1.....

bob

Kyle · #10 04-12-2007, 07:09 AM

and remember an intoxicated 220-lb boxer is no match for a would-be robber.

have fun and above all be safe !!