First trip to DR

[aviguier]

Hi folks,

I'm planning to visit DR for the first time in my life at the
end of July from Paris, France. After browsing a bunch of
threads in the archive, I still have questions.

Our hotel is in Bayahibe but due to airline connexions, we
plan to arrive at the SD international airport, spend one night
in SD city and go to the final destination (Bayahibe) the day
after. Our hotel is the Coral Canoa Beach Resort.

So hereunder are my questions:

1. Could you recommend an average priced hotel in SD
city for just on night. Not really cheap but not expensive too ;-)

2. How much is costs to go to Bayahibe from SD by bus. I've
read in the posts it's about $6 USD. But is there a stop in Bayahibe or do we have to take a taxi from La Romana (which
is about $20 USD)

3. Is it necessary to take medecines against malaria? We do
not plan to take tours, and we have 2 kids.

4. I've read good and bads on Coral Canoa. Could you share
experiences?

5. US dollars is accepted by everybody? What about euro?

Thanks in advance for you answers and advices.

[Bugsey34]

I can only answer #3 and #5:
In terms of malaria medication, I have never taken any and I know tons of other people who go there every year and they never take it. And I don't know anyone who has gotten malaria. If you would feel that your kids would be safer by taking it, then make them take it, but if you are not worried about it, forget it.

In tourist areas, most will accept USD, I am not sure about the Euro, but in any case you can always exchange Euros or American Dollars when you get there.

Have a Great Trip!

[Ken]

The Euro is accepted in all tourist areas. At present the rate of exchange in Sosua is about 16.80 to 1

No need to take malaria medicine.

There has been a lot on hotels in Santo Domingo. Check the archives. Cheap and expensive are different from one person to the next. Approximately how much do you want to pay?

[PJT]

May I suggest to you, if you are arriving in the morning or afternoon at Las Americas airport you may opt to take a taxi direct from the airport to Bayahibe. Travel time should be 2 to 2.5 hours and the cost should be around RD $1200 to $1500, approx. US $85 .

Your planned option of going from Las Americas to Santo Domingo will cost by taxi about RD $250 to $400 to Hotel, US $22.

Plan on US $75 to $125 a night at the Hispaniola Hotel ( average price? ) in Santo Domingo

A taxi from Hotel to Bus Station RD $50 to $100, US $6. Bus from Santo Domingo to La Romana RD $100 to $120, US $7, per person. Taxi from La Romana to Bayahibe about RD $200 to $400, US $22. Plan to use up about a morning or afternoon traveling from Santo Domingo to Bayahibe.

Note: The prices for transportation are reasonable estimates based upon my own travels and information obtained from the board using the DR1 search option. Enjoy your visit. Regards, PJT

Web link for Hispaniola information follows.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Republic.html

[Hillbilly]

A more efficient use of funds. Way to go!

HB with a smile...