First Trip to Sto. Domingo

Peter el Calvo · #1 06-17-2008, 10:22 AM

Hello to All. I'm new to the forum and am taking my first trip to the DR in 2 weeks. I'm flying into Sto. Domingo and have 10 days total. No real plans and so far no hotel reservations. I'll certainly make some day trips using Caribe Tours around the south coast and possibly even head up to Santiago and/ or the north coast.

I have some general questions and appreciate the input from any DR veterans.

Money: From the info I've gleaned reading this forum it seems that it's best to bring dollars and change at the casa de cambios. In my past travels I've found that using my low fee Capital One ATM always gave me better rates, apparently in the DR no? I was thinking of bringing a mix of US $ and a few ATM cards (Cap 1, Citibank, HSBC). Any problems changing $100 notes at the cambios? What time do most cambios close on el Conde?

Cell Phone: I've got an unlocked quad band and just buy a chip from the local carrier. Is Orange the best way to go and will I have any problems purchasing a chip as a non-resident?

Hotels in Sto. Domingo: I saw the list compiled here and was clicking on the links but was somewhat overwhelmed by the many options. I tend to stay in basic budget hotels or aparta hotels in the $30 - $50 range. As long as it's clean and there's A/C I'm happy. Is there a benefit to staying in Gazcue vs. Zona Colonial? Specific recommendations are welcomed.

Thanks all in advance. If anyone wants to meet up the first cold presidente is on me!

RonS · #2 06-17-2008, 04:02 PM

I wouldn't call myself a veteran, but having visited the DR for a few years now, I'll take a stab at your questions.

Money: You will get the best rates of exchange at the casa de cambio. I have never had a problem exchanging $100 bills. I have found that the Pollo Rey on El Conde has one of the better rates. Just ask anyone on El Conde where it is located.

Hotels: I suggest staying in the Zona Colonial. Gazcue is very nice and it is quite there, however, the hotels in the ZC are close to the historic sites which are an absolute must for any first time visitor. I recommend either the Mercure or the Discovery, both of which are within your price range.

Traveling north to Santiago, or the north coast, may be a little more time consumming than you think. Having said that, the north coast has the best beaches in the country and well worth the time. I suggest that if you can fit in a north coast adventure, choose one of the wonderful towns on the coast; Sousa, Carbarette, Rio San Juan, Las Terranas, Samana or Las Galaras. While you are in SD you can do day trips to Boca Chica, etc.

Lastly, don't be afraid to use the local buses to travel around the country. The guaguas, Caribe Tours, or the Metro, provide a great means of transport, cheaply, and they introduce you to a small slice of the DR that you do not get in a taxi or car rental.

Enjoy! The DR is a beautful country, filled with wonderful people. It may be a poor country, and it certainly has its share of problems, but, if you come with an open mind and a heart of love, you will be richly rewarded. I know that I have!

SJC0009 · #3 06-17-2008, 05:14 PM

Also try the Hostal Colonial on Calle isabela Catolica. its $40 for a dbl rrrom, Clean, good AC and right next to the 14 century catherdral, hard rock cafe etc

Jan · #4 06-18-2008, 01:01 PM

If you want to check out the Colonial Zone I can be of service. I know a few places that are quite cheep but they don't take reservations so you have to be here to check them out. If you want you can send me a message here and I can help you out.

Peter el Calvo · #5 06-19-2008, 11:26 AM

Thank you all for your suggestions and assistance.

Aurora del sol · #6 07-08-2008, 11:23 AM

Hotel: there is a new hotel in santo domingo, in the zona oriental, name Aurora del sol Hotel & casino, very nice and with a excellent customer service, with pool, casino restaurant, bingo, disco,ect. you have to come and see what they offer.

sherri · #7 07-09-2008, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aurora del sol

Hotel: there is a new hotel in santo domingo, in the zona oriental, name Aurora del sol Hotel & casino, very nice and with a excellent customer service, with pool, casino restaurant, bingo, disco,ect. you have to come and see what they offer.

Don't stay in the Zona Oriental...its too far from all the good stuff! Stay in the Zona Colonial, it has alot of tourist areas to visit and great night life!

I live about 15 minutes away from the zone..and its a beauty. Oh and if you want to change your money Viminca alwys has great rates.

Have fun!!

Tallman1818 · #8 07-09-2008, 10:02 PM

Cell Phone: I've got an unlocked quad band and just buy a chip from the local carrier. Is Orange the best way to go and will I have any problems purchasing a chip as a non-resident?

You will able to buy a chip without a problem at any Orange shop.

dwilhelm · #9 07-10-2008, 09:37 AM

If you are planning to be in Santo Domingo on a budget, you should get as many coins and smaller bills as possible. It is very challenging to get change back for a 5, 10 or 20 peso purchase. Many shops, colmados and vendors have little to no pesos to provide exact change. I am going back check with local banks in the states to have some coins on hand when I return in August.

jrzyguy · #10 07-10-2008, 12:07 PM

one more thing about the ATM...there is an internation fee as well as any local bank fee. The max i could take out was 2,000 pesos per transaction...sooo..those fee's add up! Never had a problem with the cambios..just look around to see has the best rate.

I used to also get a non-fee exhange rate from my bank here in nYC (but i worked for their investment banking division)...it's nice to arrive with pesos in pocket so i can grab some brugal and presidentes before having to go to a cambio

btw....have a BLAST!!!!