Visitor Fee And Discrimination

[BushBaby]

Originally Posted by Alyonka

It is probably true about motoconcho/taxi rides, markets and small stores. But sometimes we stay at the chain hotels, go to the stores and gyms owned by foreigners, where it is not even expected to bargain. When I went to Gold's gym and asked for a daily pass - I was told it costs 230 or 260 pesos (don't remember). Was it a foreigner rate or local rate? I don't know. If I tried to bargain at the Golds gym in the US - they would probably decide I was crazy. Why would I think about bargaining in the same gym in the DR????? The same stands for hotels, restaurants, etc.

Sorry, I can't help you as to whether RD $230/260 was the correct price for Gold's gym - Sosua is not a place I visit regularly & gyms are a 'NO NO' as far as I am concerned - too much hard exercise for me!!

However, you are NOT in the US & Gold's gym is most likely not a part of the US operation (I could be wrong so someone put me right if I am). Regardless, I am sure if they were hit with you returning 6 times during your stay or not seeing you again, they would most likely have given you 'The sixth day free' or something like that. Do it with a smile & without rancour & it is amazing how you can negotiate reduced prices!! Being the absolute cheepskate that I am, I now negotiate in the UK!!! I find a reason (damaged box, no instructions, slightly soiled ........... anything plausible) & see what reduction I can get. It has almost become a game for me because it is SOoooo non British to 'TRADE'. I am not in a hurry agreed & the store owner IS (life is rush, rush RUSH in the UK) so normally they will give 10% or something just to conclude the deal & get shot of me!!

Hotel Chains & big restaurants I agree is much more difficult - there is normally a menu outlining the prices & you are expected to pay once you have eaten. However, you are able to see those prices BEFORE you eat, you can always say "Sorry, these prices are a bit too high against market prices" & then walk out or let them negotiate with you to stay!! As I said earlier, it is always a matter of taking the TIME to negotiate!!

Good bidding/negotiating next time you are in Hiltons Hotel!!!! ~ Grahame.

[Alyonka]

I was at the gym in Santiago. It is part of the American chain.

I have had it happed, that items I did not order were placed on my bill and I had to investigate the case and remove the charges afterwards. The hotel's name was Lina Barceló in SD. If you read reviews of that place on the Internet - you will understand what I am taking about. It is full of crooks. I am not against reasonable negotiation - I am against straight stealing and deception.

[Cabarete Jay]

This entire thread makes me laugh. This is simple economics. In a tourist economy, there is no true "price point". The price is whatever the buyer is willing to pay to receive a good or service. If tourists are willing to pay 500 pesos for something that a Dominican is only willing to pay 200 pesos for, then it is an acceptable price. This becomes even more true in a bargainning economy like the DR. If you are offended by the price you are given, ask for a lower price. That's part of the fun of the tourist experience!

[sparky11867]

let's see. In Chicago, I don't know of any tourist places that offer a discount to "locals". The "underprivileged" like students and seniors might get discounts, but not the locals. Based on some of the arguments above, maybe now that the Euro is worth more than the American dollar, we should charge more for a European to visit the Art Institute or the Field Museum. I'd be curious to see how they felt about that.

I've read most of the posts here and I don't see any indication or insuation of racism. Am I missing something? If so, please educate me.

R

[Cabarete Jay]

While I am new to this board, and will probably be flamed for arguing with other posters, I will still state my opinion, as I am a new resident of Cabarete and hope to contribute a lot to this community moving forward.

I keep seeing reference in this thread to how things are done in the US and a lot of "what-ifs" regarding doing this same practice in an American location.

When are Americans going to realize that things are not done the same way in other countries? As an American, I am sometimes embarassed by how Americans think that everything should be done in the same fashion as it is done in the US. So what if a museum in the US would never offer lower rates to a certain nationality just because it wouldn't be "politically correct". The Dominican Republic is not the US. I, for one, am happy that tourist attractions within the DR offer lower rates to Dominicans, who otherwise, would not be able to enjoy the fun and interesting things that are located in their own backyard.

[Brovo35]

Originally Posted by Cabarete Jay

While I am new to this board, and will probably be flamed for arguing with other posters, I will still state my opinion, as I am a new resident of Cabarete and hope to contribute a lot to this community moving forward.

I keep seeing reference in this thread to how things are done in the US and a lot of "what-ifs" regarding doing this same practice in an American location.

When are Americans going to realize that things are not done the same way in other countries? As an American, I am sometimes embarassed by how Americans think that everything should be done in the same fashion as it is done in the US. So what if a museum in the US would never offer lower rates to a certain nationality just because it wouldn't be "politically correct". The Dominican Republic is not the US. I, for one, am happy that tourist attractions within the DR offer lower rates to Dominicans, who otherwise, would not be able to enjoy the fun and interesting things that are located in their own backyard.

I totally agree with you!

[Chirimoya]

Originally Posted by Cabarete Jay

While I am new to this board, and will probably be flamed for arguing with other posters, I will still state my opinion, as I am a new resident of Cabarete and hope to contribute a lot to this community moving forward.

I keep seeing reference in this thread to how things are done in the US and a lot of "what-ifs" regarding doing this same practice in an American location.

When are Americans going to realize that things are not done the same way in other countries? As an American, I am sometimes embarassed by how Americans think that everything should be done in the same fashion as it is done in the US. So what if a museum in the US would never offer lower rates to a certain nationality just because it wouldn't be "politically correct". The Dominican Republic is not the US. I, for one, am happy that tourist attractions within the DR offer lower rates to Dominicans, who otherwise, would not be able to enjoy the fun and interesting things that are located in their own backyard.

I think you'll find that most here agree with you. Welcome to the board!

[simpson Homer]

What I believe when you go to a Country for a visit you should respect the culture and rules. I know that the same thing happen in the USA, Canada and Europe. certain thing you cant change from a country.

is like me like this look how much a Dominican has to pay for a Visito Visa
to the USA or Canada is Around U$150.00

and a Dominican Visa Tourist Card U$20.

Tourist and welcome in the DR, and better treated than the locals.

[Chris]

Welcome to the board. Many here share your viewpoint.

Originally Posted by Cabarete Jay

While I am new to this board, and will probably be flamed for arguing with other posters, I will still state my opinion, as I am a new resident of Cabarete and hope to contribute a lot to this community moving forward.

I keep seeing reference in this thread to how things are done in the US and a lot of "what-ifs" regarding doing this same practice in an American location.

When are Americans going to realize that things are not done the same way in other countries? As an American, I am sometimes embarassed by how Americans think that everything should be done in the same fashion as it is done in the US. So what if a museum in the US would never offer lower rates to a certain nationality just because it wouldn't be "politically correct". The Dominican Republic is not the US. I, for one, am happy that tourist attractions within the DR offer lower rates to Dominicans, who otherwise, would not be able to enjoy the fun and interesting things that are located in their own backyard.

[NALs]

Originally Posted by Cabarete Jay

While I am new to this board, and will probably be flamed for arguing with other posters, I will still state my opinion, as I am a new resident of Cabarete and hope to contribute a lot to this community moving forward.

I keep seeing reference in this thread to how things are done in the US and a lot of "what-ifs" regarding doing this same practice in an American location.

When are Americans going to realize that things are not done the same way in other countries? As an American, I am sometimes embarassed by how Americans think that everything should be done in the same fashion as it is done in the US. So what if a museum in the US would never offer lower rates to a certain nationality just because it wouldn't be "politically correct". The Dominican Republic is not the US. I, for one, am happy that tourist attractions within the DR offer lower rates to Dominicans, who otherwise, would not be able to enjoy the fun and interesting things that are located in their own backyard.

You hit the nail!

If people want fixed prices, then by all means shop in legitimate stores that have fixed prices on the merchandise. No trinket shops, no street vendors, no open air markets, etc.

Go to luxury shopping malls. The prices are on the sticker and there is no haggling what-so-ever and everyone pays the same hefty prices for the same stuff.

Otherwise, the whiners should stop doing what they do best and focus on something else!

-NALs gre: