Driving in DR

Dave in West Chester · #1 05-16-2006, 05:55 PM

First trip to DR in June! Flying into Punta Cana, staying at Casa Del Mar in La Romana. We'd like to get off the resort and see some of the country.
How is the driving in DR? Where is it best to get a car; at the airport, hotel, etc.? Any hints and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

rellosk · #2 05-16-2006, 06:00 PM

Welcome to DR1!

It's not advisable for a first timer to rent a car in the DR. Here are a couple of recent threads dealing with the issue (There are many other threads on this topic, use the Search option).

Car accident with a rental...your thoughts
One more time: Driving in the DR is not for Newbies

You should be able to rent a taxi for about $80US for the entire day.

la_barbie · #3 05-16-2006, 07:28 PM

Good luck with your driving... I rent a jeep everytime I go and drive, but my drivings messed up to begin with so I fit right in with them !

Rick Snyder · #4 05-16-2006, 07:54 PM

Dave in West Chester,
As Rellosk said welcome to DR1. Also like he said I would suggest that you don't drive here either as this is your first trip here. Because you would be driving and watching the road the availability of you seeing the wonderful sights would be diminished. You will find many companies offering trips in and around your hotel and I would strongly suggest that you get out and explore as we have so many beautiful things to see.

If you should decide that the tours won't fill your demands then I too suggest that you rent a driver as they have the experience needed to drive here and it allows you to take in all the sights.

Once you get back home please do us a favor and give us a report in the "Trip Report Forum". Let us know how your vacation went. Take care and enjoy.

Rick

Hlywud · #5 05-16-2006, 08:00 PM

I have had 20+ trips and still do not rent a car......and I have a Canada AZ permit

boca chica dave · #6 05-16-2006, 08:18 PM

It's Just Very Simple!!!! Don't Do It!!

sweetdbt · #7 05-16-2006, 11:11 PM

I think it is simplistic to say that a "newbie" should never drive in the DR. A lot depends on the individual, their experience, and their confidence in their abilities to adapt to new situations. I rented a car on my first trip to the DR, and on each subsequent trip, and have driven all over the country. It demands concentration, and you cannot assume that anyone else on the road will obey laws, including those of common sense. Quite frankly, I feel safer behind the wheel than with someone else driving, but that's just me. If having a car fits your travel plans and budget and you are an experienced and skilled driver, I wouldn't rule it out.

There will be several companies with rental offices at the airport, and this is the most convenient, but there is a daily location surcharge. You will save money if you can get to an office in the city, but that may not be an option in Punta Cana. You can do a search for rates and locations on Travelocity or Expedia.

CyaBye3015 · #8 05-17-2006, 11:08 AM

A lot of overreaction here go ahead and get a car, just drive defensively!

Rick Snyder · #9 05-17-2006, 11:29 AM

Dave in West Chester,
There you go, 7 replies with 2 yes, 4 no and 1 maybe. Your choice.

Having lived and driven here for 10 years I can only say that I don't enjoy driving here and much prefer taking public transportation as I then don't need to worry about the "What If" factor and it allows me to get up close and personnel with the Dominicans which I enjoy.

From prior experience I will only say that a vacation is for enjoyment and should not have outside stresses placed on you or your loved one. Which ever way you should go we truly hope that you enjoy your vacation and as I said earlier we would really enjoy a report on how it went when you get back home.

If there are any other questions you may have then please feel free to post them as it is our pleasure and job to help you.

Rick

Chris · #10 05-17-2006, 11:38 AM

Have you driven in a developing country before? Yes, we drive every day, but it took me a year before I could actually drive without needing a drink and a shower at the end of the journey. It takes some getting used to and initially it is not fun. But if you are confident, and very quick to pick up on different driving styles, go for it. Just get the best insurance you can possibly get. If you do get into an accident, it will be one of the worst experiences of your life.