My experience leaving the DR via Puerto Plata airport

[Lambada]

I also think one has to distinguish between Customs and Security people. Years ago at PP airport coming in, Customs doing the suitcase search did try to purloin a few small items, under my nose. Didn't work because hawkeye here just held her hand out when they'd finished searching, & kept it held out until said purloined items were placed in it. I think the guy realised I was quietly determined, but could get noisily so if required .

My last time of leaving the DR was May/June 2007 from PP airport - my suitcase had shown up 'something dark' on the Xray and so prior to boarding, I was taken downstairs & the suitcase was brought from the aircraft. Security doing the search didn't attempt to steal anything - I offered my keys so they could unlock the case but the security man turned the lock to face me, so that I could do it. He was clearly only after locating the 'something dark' although they did bring round a female officer, I presume for a body search if required. They were obviously looking for drugs and drugs only, not any side benefits for themselves.

The 'something dark' btw was my 10 pounds of coffee for friends in UK. And although the security man would have been well within his rights in cutting each bag open to check, he merely shook them & felt them. Nice of him because otherwise by the time I got to the UK there would have been coffee everywhere BUT in the bags. We had been chatting in Spanish throughout & I think by then he had come to the conclusion I wasn't a mule of any sort. Throughout all of this I never once got the impression that they were after stealing anything from my case. They probably didn't trust the baggage handlers though because security were insistent that I should relock the case after the search.

I see the OP of this thread never came back to give details. Really can't expect to be taken too seriously if they're not prepared to supply info.

[DAKRA]

14 Trips to/from the DR into SDQ. Lots of people on the go. Nothing out of the ordianary. The airport staff appeared to be professional. Treated me like a traveling tourist. No stealing, and they were nice.

My advice: Go Back to the DR. It's a great place to visit

[Kyle]

Originally Posted by La Verdad

I am glad you practiced safe sex with Miguel.

L V

maybe Miguella....

[Coco_Chanel]

My airport experience:

First, let me qualify my two cents with the fact that this was my first post and first time reading this site.

Second, despite the fact that this was my first trip to the DR, that I have traveled to over 40 countries (several more than once) and lived in two countries other than my country of birth -- the USA.

When I went through security on January 4th at POP, the security agents were particularly interested in my laptop computer, the Verizon wireless card, my camera, and GPS. At first, I thought that they were only interested and looking as if they had never seen a Verizon wireless wireless card as they wanted me to pull it from my laptop and were looking at it carefully.

I speak enough Spanish (being fluent in another latin-based language helps a lot) to communicate what it was. When extra attention was paid to my GPS then to my camera the light bulb began to illuminate.

At that point, my demeanor changed and instead of smiling and offering "friendly" information, I leaned forward, looked the two security guys directly in thier eyes with if looks could kill daggars, and said that these items were for my job, and that I had to leave directly from my vacation to go to work in another city before returning home. In order to set them up to see if they knew what the items were used for (Verizon card and GPS -- I'm sure they knew what my laptop and camera were) or whether they were trying to steal them, I stated that by the way they were handling them, they could have possibly damaged my Verizon Wireless card by touching the metal end and grabbed back from the security guy.

At that point, he said that he had a job to do and was just doing his job as well and quickly handed me back my stuff and even helped me pack up my laptop so I could be on my way. If you let them know you're smart and won't be taken advantage of, they can read your body language, tone of voice, etc. and will leave you alone.

I ended up taking a bump on my flight in echange for a travel voucher. When I returned again to the airport the next day, the two security guys recognized me and I heard them mumble in Spanish -- she was here yesterday, leave her alone.

Anyone who claims to be a world traveler and states that this type of situation has never happened to them before is either (1) naive; (2) lying; or (3) had limited travel to only G-8 countries.

[pyratt]

Originally Posted by Coco_Chanel

My airport experience:

If you let them know you're smart and won't be taken advantage of, they can read your body language, tone of voice, etc. and will leave you alone.

Anyone who claims to be a world traveler and states that this type of situation has never happened to them before is either (1) naive; (2) lying; or (3) had limited travel to only G-8 countries.

Amen to that

[FernieBee]

Which is the more disconcerting search: arriving into Puerto Plata or leaving it? I would imagine it would be when one arrives, since that's usually when a person is carrying more cash.

[d.angrove@sympatico.ca]

I've been down to POP at least 5 times over the last few years and have never had any problems at the airport there.
Now if you want to ask about STI airport I came thru there once and waited % days for my suitcase to arrive but have never been shaken down at either airport except for the skycap grabbin my suit case once that cost me a few bucks
Maybe lookiing like Santa's Twin does pay off!!!
Matter of fact last trip I wore a golf shirt from BB's and the guy at customs took one look at it and sent me on my way didn't even look at my bags.
Santa

[rortiz79]

I never had any crazy things like that happen to me. I do however make it a point to start talking spanish as soon as I hit land, so they don't get this tourist feel. Once some customs officer asked me something in english, and I responded in spanish. He said "Ahhh pero tu eres Dominicaaaaano", I replied with "claro primo" (I am Dominican anyways) and off I went. No bag checks or anything, BADAO!

[senorblanco]

I agree that if you are a gringo, speaking Spanish, even if it is bad Spanish, is a good way to scare off the parasites.
I have however had a few minor incidents where I have been asked for money.
I was even held once for contesting the 10 dollar exit fee when the guy asked me for 20 and I said, " Sorry but I happen to know it is only 10 dollars."
Well they rushed over a guy in military uniform and had me walk to a small room, I had to sit in there for about 1/2 hour while they tried to figure out what to do with me. I just laughed and made light and tried to make them laugh. They tired of my smiling face and just let me go.
Once I had the girl stamping my passport repeatedly tell me that today was her daughter's birthday and she needed money for a gift for her. That is when I went from speaking Spanish to being a stupid gringo , " no comprende" 4 or 5 times and I was on my way.
These incidents were at POP.
I generally think the best approach when arriving is to act determined, no smile, walk fast, firm "No's" to maleteros, taxistas, everyone.
In this way they quickly write you off as a possible target.
And knowing what it costs to get where you are going before you land in POP is key.
You pay first, always, then there is no debate when you get where you are going.

[jrhartley]

my my coco what a long post ...I always suspect when people tell me its a first post that it probably isnt