Security

2time · #1 07-13-2004, 12:43 AM

What is the security like at SDQ(airport) ? With customs and everything...since 9/11
When I went Bahamas it they had dogs,army personal at the gates.

I want to bring some liquor with me but don't want to have a hard time.

Lambada · #2 07-13-2004, 12:50 AM

Airport security is not looking for a few bottles of booze! Actually, alcohol is pretty cheap here, especially rum, so why bring with you? Or are you talking about taking it out with you? That is not a problem at this end (the DR end) but might be if you exceed what you are allowed to take into the states.
P.S. Drugs are a COMPLETE no-no, in or out, (just in case that was another part of the question!)

2time · #3 07-13-2004, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lambada

Airport security is not looking for a few bottles of booze! Actually, alcohol is pretty cheap here, especially rum, so why bring with you? Or are you talking about taking it out with you? That is not a problem at this end (the DR end) but might be if you exceed what you are allowed to take into the states.
P.S. Drugs are a COMPLETE no-no, in or out, (just in case that was another part of the question!)

I know the liquor is cheaper but I heard they don't really have name brand stuff...which I like....

ooorrr · #4 07-13-2004, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2time

I know the liquor is cheaper but I heard they don't really have name brand stuff...which I like....

You can bring some w**d and stuff ...just not a lot ...bring a handful in your pocket you'll be fine...they don't check your pockets and you....just maybe your luggage or if they have a reason to check you like someone rats you out..

Lambada · #5 07-13-2004, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooorrr

You can bring some w**d and stuff ...just not a lot ...bring a handful in your pocket you'll be fine...they don't check your pockets and you....just maybe your luggage or if they have a reason to check you like someone rats you out..

This is NOT good advice. If you did it & got away with ooorrr, thank your lucky stars, but please don't post this as advice to anyone else. It is not responsible behaviour. I have now been involved in helping 2 people in the DR who were held on Habeas Corpus in drug cases. Both were innocent as the Courts here EVENTUALLY decreed. One was in jail 4 months, the other 14 months. It is a lot longer if you are guilty. Do not attempt to bring drugs in or take them out. Marijuana is classed as a drug here.

Ladybird · #6 07-13-2004, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooorrr

You can bring some w**d and stuff ...just not a lot ...bring a handful in your pocket you'll be fine...they don't check your pockets and you....just maybe your luggage or if they have a reason to check you like someone rats you out..

I absolutely agree 100% with Lambada, your advice is foolhardy to a newcomer, how dare you risk the safety of a new visitor by such stupidity. I see its your first post, I hope after encouraging people to carry drugs into this country its your last.

DOMIERICAN · #7 07-13-2004, 11:06 AM

When we arrived to SDQ from JFK, the customs officer told my mother that a visitors card was not necessary for her if she was willing to give him a small "regalo" (gift). Good thing my mom had a great come-back and of course her required tourist card, which one does in-fact need.
On the way out of the country I did see a customs officer give a Pakistani man a hard time because he had the same first name as someone on the FBI terrorist list. Maybe they were running low funds and wanted money from him(who really knows...).
IMHO,customs at SDQ is like customs anywhere else in the world.

toneloc24 · #8 07-13-2004, 11:34 AM

This is some of the dumbest advice I've ever read on this site. You're telling this person to risk trafficking illegal drugs on an open website? At probably the most hard-up on security airport in the island? 2time, please do not follow this advice.

Regarding liquor, you can buy most top-shelf liquor in DR. It may cost a little more, but it's available. It's much more expensive in the bars and clubs, but cheaper than in the USA. If you're into rum, try out the local rum, Brugal (Extra Viejo). It's pretty decent, gives you a nice buzz, with no ill side effects in the morning. I usually drink cognacs, vodkas, or whiskey, depending on my mood. Brugal in between several Presidentes normally does the trick, and for much cheaper. It's up to you.

Bringing back liquor from the DR, you are limited to a max of 5 bottles without being taxed. Found that out in Santiago last week.

If mind-altering substances is built into your question, I really wouldn't advise it, because much more negative comes into play in DR. You may get set up for extortion from the police by whoever sells it to you. Jail in DR is not what it is in the USA or Canada. If that doesn't deter you, get cool with a taxi driver or motoconcho dude, and have them buy it for you. I still wouldn't advise it, but it beats the hell out of trying to bring it into the country.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooorrr

You can bring some w**d and stuff ...just not a lot ...bring a handful in your pocket you'll be fine...they don't check your pockets and you....just maybe your luggage or if they have a reason to check you like someone rats you out..

BigCity27 · #9 07-13-2004, 11:42 AM

I agree, security's not going to give you a hard time about a couple bottles of booze. Bringing in bottles of top-shelf booze is quite foolish, as many liquor stores have the same stuff. The only time I'm traveling with booze is on the flight back with Brugal Extra Viejo, and I'm always over the limit by a lot, but have never been charged the duty.

ricktoronto · #10 07-13-2004, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooorrr

You can bring some w**d and stuff ...just not a lot ...bring a handful in your pocket you'll be fine...they don't check your pockets and you....just maybe your luggage or if they have a reason to check you like someone rats you out..

One post and it is the stupidest one in living memory. This is the dumbest advice you can give a tourist unless you think it's funny to suggest they won't be caught - hell they may get caught in the USA connecting, but going to the DR with drugs is just a dumb-a_s-s thing to say.