mugged at POP airport!

Danny W · #1 03-31-2003, 10:09 PM

I just returned from a perfectly sublime trip to Sosua (I'll write a trip report) with one big exception. I was bringing a stereo (as a gift, and un-opened from the store) through customs. The inspectors, with big sadistic grins, opened it and started to take it apart, making sure that I knew they were f***ing with me. As I objected, someone came up from bechind me and said essentially that he was collecting for them. When a supervisor came over, I thought I could get some relief, but he was in on it as well. It was only $20 (US), but so outrageous! A US customs officer would be sent to jail for this. I love the DR, and think the country would be better off without this kind of crap. I want raise a stink. Whom should I contact now that I'm back in NY, Ministry of Tourism? I know nothing will happen, but I'll feel better if I don't just lay down for these punks. - Danny W

Tony C · #2 03-31-2003, 10:57 PM

So what?

You paid $20 for the right to import an electrical appliance! What makes you so damn special that you don't have to pay import duties?
Next time don't bring something like that in its box, un-opened!
Switch the power cord for one that looks used.
DON'T tell them it is a gift!
Haggle!
And most important of all.....Leave your NY attitude at home!

Jan · #3 03-31-2003, 11:30 PM

Now commom Tony...
The import taxes arn't the point. I know this is DR but its still not right and if people don't at least try to report a wrong and make the system right then this stuff will keep on happening. Just because its the normal happening here that these guys rip people off doesn't mean that people should just keep letting it happen.
I'm not usually one to repramand someone but I fwwl in this instance you need a smack up side your head Tony my friend!
I don't know where you can call to report this but I think you should at least try.
Bad! Bad! Tony!!!

Danny W · #4 04-01-2003, 07:33 AM

Tony - What do you mean NY attitude? Do you think it makes you a cool laid-back Dominicano if you put up with it? If I move to the DR one day, I'd like to be treated with the same respect I try to show to other people. One of great things about the DR is how nice the people are. I understand "bakshish", but this clown wasn't smooth about it; it was like he was spitting in my face. And by the way, isn't tourism the golden egg? So it's just plain stupid and bad business. - D

Escott · #5 04-01-2003, 08:15 AM

I find many Dominicans short sighted and only look out for the immediate payoff not caring about the future. Until the rest of the people instill morals into this group of people they will remain a country of wannabees, couldabees and shouldabees.

Tony is a Cuban and NOT a Dominican. He looks down from up high

Just tell him you are going to spend your next vacation in Havana and you may see him self destruct.

Jon S. · #6 04-01-2003, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jazzcom

Tony is a Cuban and NOT a Dominican. He looks down from up high Just tell him you are going to spend your next vacation in Havana and you may see him self destruct.

HAHAHAHA shutup man I got coworkers looking at me because I busted out laughing........

don't do it Tony!!!!! Hehehe

Well Danny the jib Tony threw at you about the NY attitude wasn't right but what he said about bringing stuff already opened works, it works for me every time.....my old man's been traveling to the US and back since the 60s and he always brings stuff opened up so the Customs pricks won't mess around with him

Escott · #7 04-01-2003, 07:32 PM

Yeah what he said Danny, I guess

They NEVER check my bags. I didn't even downshift on my way through last time and they didn't give a damn! Was wondering if they were ever going to go through my bags since they haven't since 9-11.

Maybe it is the honest face or the I don't give a crap thoughts that go through my head, who knows.

justme · #8 04-08-2003, 06:42 PM

I have been down several times and each time I have always taken electronic items such as coffemakers, stereo's etc. I really think it had a lot to do with your attitude Danny, it is their right to inspect stuff going in, that is what they are there for no different then your US custom guys. Maybe they just felt like making you pay for some of the attitude you dished out. As the old phrase goes"what goes around comes around".
Really Truly unfair to put your heading as 'MUGGED AT THE POP AIRPORT"

Danny W · #9 04-08-2003, 09:30 PM

My dear friend, I have so many questions I would like to ask you. It is so rare to have contact with someone truly psychic. Thank you for speaking about my attitude out of total ignorance. That seems to be a prominent trait of this web site. Too bad, because there are many intelligent and informative people who post here.

Bugsey34 · #10 04-08-2003, 10:49 PM

I gotta agree with JustMe, I was going to say something about the title of the OP when I first saw it.
It's bad for people who might come to the Travel section to read something like that when its not actually true. You make it sound like you were held at knifepoint by thugs at the taxi stand, come on, you could have titled it with Customs Robbed Me or something.