My experience leaving the DR via Puerto Plata airport

[Ezequiel]

At POP airport when you arrived and they see you're Dominican, the immigrantion officers that check you passport ask you for money, it happened to me a couple of years ago, and i asked a friend of mine that she travels three time a year thru POP and she told they asked her for money too, she hates that. I don't know if they do that to tourist too!!

[CFA123]

Originally Posted by Beads

I dont understand why you would even take your wallet out of your pocket for inspection? If you know your going through a metal detector make sure all metal is out of your wallet. If your carrying cash why not keep it separate in your pocket? Credit cards too. They don't set off the metal detectors why bothering even flaunting that crap in their faces?

Beads,
I don't think your post was addressed to me, but heading out last time I had cash in my front pocket (not in a wallet, just folded). They decided to do a pat down after going thru metal detector, felt the money & asked that I remove whatever was in my pocket. Then they wanted to know how much it was, blah blah blah. No alarm had been set off by the metal detector.

So... one doesn't have to 'flaunt that crap' in anyone's face to have security check it.

[augustus]

Last Time, first time going to DR and a few times afterwards they looked like they wanted to search my bags thoroughly because I look Dom, but as soon as they realize I don't understand a word of spanish, they leave me alone. I was questioned about why I had 6 - 8 cell phones, and 2 were gifts, but I told them with an attitude I am in business and those phones have my business numbers in them and I let them know I came to spend money, with an attitude................Everything is mine to be used by me, no gifts, just money to spend.............. When I'm leaving I don't have enough momey left to arouse interest, let alone suspicion.............

Just a bunch of peso cigars to give to my friends and family ....................

My paper money always stays in my pockets, coming or going .............. and I would never have my money where it can be seen ....................in my wallet or conveyer belt............ Be glad you were at the Airport .............

You are in a Country, where the monthly salary is around $200.00 and maybe better, and that includes Police and possibly airport employees .............So handling your money that openly could create a problem, anywhere you go................I have seen the NY newbees in Sosua, ready to pay $70.00 rather than $7.00, or handing their money out, telling someone to pick out the right amount ........because they don't understand the dollar/peso ratio...............

[headnerd]

In 14 years of traveling through POP - about once per month - I have never had a problem either. If this happens to anyone, they should report it to the US Consular Agent in Puerto Plata - he is also the head of AeroDom, which runs the airport and an exceedingly good person (honest, straightforward and always eager to help). PM me if you want the contact info.

[POP Bad Boy]

Originally Posted by Ezequiel

At POP airport when you arrived and they see you're Dominican, the immigrantion officers that check you passport ask you for money, it happened to me a couple of years ago, and i asked a friend of mine that she travels three time a year thru POP and she told they asked her for money too, she hates that. I don't know if they do that to tourist too!!

........seem to be living in a "dream" world..........OR WE CAN POST A PHOTO OF WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE AND CHANCES ARE YOU ALL LOOK THE SAME!!! ..................LIGHT SKINNED AND BALD/BLONDE/GREY HAIR

......Most people at the Puerto Plata airport will ask you for $$$ both leaving and coming.....We have been here over 15 years and NOT once has it NOT happened............and at least one of us is on a flight every two weeks one way or another.......

Friends / Family etc..............and it has happened to all of them...........

IF you look anything like a Dominican, have dark hair and/or olive to dark complexion you will be asked.........They will ask you when they stamp your passport and then again once you get your bags..........

You have to be blind not to see money crossing hands especially at customs when returning on a flight from New York or Miami...............AND if you give them $$$$, chances are they won't open your bags and give you a problem, which you shouldn't have anyway........(as long as you don't have electronics etc).............

.......maybe it is just those flights...........It starts from the minute you walk toward the custom counters and is usually from the two people standing on the end of it, not the person behind the counter............but he gets some of it.............

.........Even the people standing next to the doors on the way out will have their hands out...............

This is NOT the first time this has been written about and you can find it on many different message boards/blogs, not just DR1.............

Operations at the airport could care less...........If they stood downstairs (incognito, of course) near customs, ONE TIME when a Miami or NY flight came in, all of the airport staff would have to be fired for violating their regulations.............

[simpson Homer]

Honestly to many tourist or expats wont happen but for the local that's a usual
thing. If any one doub about it just go to the airport any of them in DR and ask
each local coming out how was their experience at least 4 out of 10 will tell you
same thing, Some Dominicans just let the situation happen because all they want is
to leave the airport after 3 to 5 hours flight plus the 2 to 3 for depart.
after all that hasle some Dominicans give the Immigration officer the tip$.

Going to Puerto Plata with a Canadian Passport I avoid 100% talking to the airport staff at any DR airport, I even tell my wife not to talk to them in Spanish.
well after I landed POP one of the Immigration guy asked me if I was Dominican
I ask the guy why was the question? he responded "you are silent you dont speak"
told the guy clear Yes Im Dominican but I have not interest of talking to people ready for "Tips" La propina.

Another guy in Punta Cana, that time I was travelling with a Dominican Passport asked
me if I was Dominican, I couldnt take it I told the guy I was from Haiti travelling with a
machete. The guy just let me go.

Im always ready for them to attemp asking or try to get something from me.

Again this is usual thing, I try STI airport but I heard that this airport has signs all over enforcing all traveller to report who ever ask for money "That's what I heard"

Expats or Tourist that extortion case havent happen to you in DR, be ready that
your turn can come any time. Its doesnt matter if you travel experience to DR is for the past 50 years. Corruption, extortion, thief, thats a day to day life at the DR Airports that's why many Dominican wish to work at airports "Por la busqueda"

[Charlielyn]

When I left POP 3 weeks ago to go back to canada for Christmas, they rifled through everything - even all the sections of my small travel size jewelery case. I was ticked. When we arrived in Canada, were were met with major security as we left the plane. They were definetely looking for something. When I flew back to POP the grilled all of us as we got on the plane. They were looking for people leaving the country with large amounts of cash.

[The Traveler]

Flew in/out of POP during my last trip in December. It was my 2nd time in the DR and first time going through POP. Being as though I can speak some Spanish and had a quick conversation with them in Spanish, I think it surprised them a little and they just barely glanced at my passport and waved me through without problem or incident. I guess sometimes its the luck of the draw in terms of whom they"ll try to "pull one over on" .

[jrhartley]

which planet were you travelling to

[TOOBER_SDQ]

Originally Posted by edwarda

...... i was given a high intensity aluminum cases 6 inch flashlight that the general public does not have cant buy and was never seen before by them...

NO WAY Edwarda!!! The same thing happened to me !!! They gave me some aluminum cases, but mine were low intensity, not high like yours. PM me so we can get together and talk about it. I would love to eat some of those pineapple thai cookies till I drop. I will bring my P.J.'s with the footsies. And then you can tell me where you buy your dope.