Best Places in Boca Chica

Dirty Girl · #1 06-15-2006, 07:15 PM

I'm going to be in Boca Chica from June 20th to the 24th, and just wondered which places on Duarte are the best as far as bars and restaurants. I just don't want to end up sitting in a hooker bar and not realizing it!
Also wondering if I can get a phone (rent? buy?) to use while I'm there. I'm going to be there again so it wouldn't be a total waste. My cell phone won't work there.

rellosk · #2 06-15-2006, 09:37 PM

Welcome to DR1!

Most of the bars in BC on Duarte are working girl friendly. If you are uncomfortable with that, than you shouldn't hang in BC at night.

In the distant past I've rented a phone from the Verizon center in the airport.

Some of the hotels also rent phones. Which hotel are you staying at?

Depending on how long you are going to be in the DR, another alternative might be to buy a phone. If you can find a place that sells used phones, you can probably get one for under $50US.

Tamborista · #3 06-15-2006, 09:55 PM

Buy any CDMA phone off of eBAy for under $20 including shipping, go to the kiosk near the access road to Hamaca for a free activation, look for the "Verizon" sign. You just need to buy a card.

rellosk · #4 06-15-2006, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tamborista

Buy any CDMA phone off of eBAy for under $20 including shipping, go to the kiosk near the access road to Hamaca for a free activation, look for the "Verizon" sign. You just need to buy a card.

It may not be that simple. A few years back I tried to bring an old Sprint phone and they weren't able to activate it in BC. It's possible the guy didn't know what he was doing.

It was in the place across the street from the MadHouse, I mean Gibbys, I mean The Liquor Store.

DavidZ · #5 06-15-2006, 10:40 PM

Any CDMA phone can be activated, but most sprint, virgin, us cellular, etc have to be reprogrammed, which Verizon doesnt do, but they usually know where to send you (costs about 300 pesos). I think all, or at least most Verizon US phones can be activated right at the Verizon kiosk.

rellosk · #6 06-15-2006, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidZ

Any CDMA phone can be activated, but most sprint, virgin, us cellular, etc have to be reprogrammed, which Verizon doesnt do, but they usually know where to send you (costs about 300 pesos).

That sounds about right. The guy wanted to send the phone to the Capital because he couldn't get it activated. Unfortunately I didn't have enough time to have it done.

Tamborista · #7 06-15-2006, 11:27 PM

This guy is an authorized VZ Dominicana dealer, I have activated StarTacs, T720's and others here gratis, just up the hill from Duarte on the Hamaca side.

Dirty Girl · #8 06-16-2006, 12:15 AM

I'm staying at El Caucho. Last time I was there I stayed at the Hamaca, but trying to keep the cost down this trip. Also want to try something other than an all-inclusive. I thought it would be great to have a phone when I'm there, I have a friend there who will be working and it would help to keep in touch
As far as the bars go I just wonder if there are any that I should really try to avoid. It doesn't really bother me that there is prostitution, just want to stay away from the worst places, if there are any.
Anyone have favorite places to eat?
Thanks everyone!

jrzyguy · #9 06-16-2006, 01:22 AM

there is really one one working girls bar...it wont be hard to miss. older gringo tourists men outside...and well..nearly all girls inside. it is seedy...but i wouldnt call it dangerous.

The rest of the street is pretty quiet...with manly euro's and families hanging out till about 11pm.

As a single tall 40 year old guy i have never had problems getting to my hotel in the middle of the night...are you traveling solo? IF you are traveling as a single woman i would exersise some caution getting back to your hotel at night. Not sure exactly where it is located. If you are traveling with a friend or two...not a problem at all.

For eats...Fernando's...it is near the central parque...turn the corner on duarte and its right on the left. Nothing fabulous...but good traditional food and very reasonable prices (get the camarones creole...but make sure to ask for the camarones grande). Decent pollo guisado, pescado frito etc.

another good budget bet is the german place right in the middle of duarta @ plaza bonita. Pizza for two is a not a bad deal...and the pizza (while not to NYC standards) aint bad. They serve a decent breakfast as well. (a simple pork loin dinner tho took nearly 3 hrs from start to finish...ahhhhh...dominican waiter service!! lol)

if da nancy (behind the hamaca) is still around...decent italian...a little pricier...but very good (get the rice with seafood).

Not sure if Neptuno's is worth the price (i hear around 40-50 usd PP). I am just very fussy when it comes to food...and for that price i am going to expect something exceptional. I hear it is quite good tho...but i am a frugal traveler :-)

good luck! and be sure to give us a brief trip report when you get back!

gary short · #10 06-16-2006, 01:47 AM

jrzyguy....do you write for the travel industry...if not you should.