My experience leaving the DR via Puerto Plata airport

[last time]

I went through what we all refer to as airport security to get to the gate.

The security officers were anything but security. I needed security from the security.

I don't think any of the, for lack of a more appropriate word, "employees" were ever trained in any security related guidance.

So back to the alleged security professionals...(I have to laugh even writing that) asked if I had liquids. I pointed out the bag of liquids in its airport approved size. Instead of acknowledging the bad, the guy chose to rifle through my wallet as though he was going to find a waterfall. Then another man came over and decided to go through my wallet AGAIN. They found my cash and credit cards very interesting...and it was a blatant attempt to rob me of anything they could get away with.

The second guy, laid the wallet on its side, money side up and out of my view, I could see the wheels churning in his head how he was going to get the cash and cards out without my seeing him do it. At this point I had had it and reached around and grabbed my wallet saying they had searched it well enough and they were not going to find liquid in my wallet although to them I believe they thought this was going to be easy pickings.

It was clear as a bell they wanted to rob me. The security at the airport was prepared to rob me! Isn't that reassuring?!? Sickening... What scam artists do they hire to steal from the tourists!?! Good job airport authority! Way to go on your process to hire. Do you make sure they have a criminal record before you hire them on?

After going through all my stuff, the two security officers decided they wanted my camera and I know enough Spanish to know they couldn't figure out a way to get that from me too.

Finally, the one who knew they weren't going to be able to rob me blind, picked up a condom out of my belongings and held it up and said, "I'm gong to keep this for myself." So weird it was surreal.

I just could not believe this was happening.

These thieves were all about how to rip me off not about keeping the airport safe.

The girl after me said they pinched her behind and tried to steal her money too.

The most unprofessional group I have ever laid my eyes on. I felt violated and insulted. If this is how they want to keep tourists from coming back they have succeeded.

I have never been so relieved to leave a country. I will never return.

I have traveled the world over and never seen such behavior in my life.

If the Dominican Airport Authority think this is ok and we should expect people who are hired to secure the airport to steal from and sexually assault the passengers they have another thing coming.

NOTE: Even though it is a federal requirement of the US Government that ALL luggage going on board to the USA be x-rayed before being checked...this did not happen either.

Their idea of security is not providing any.

[korejdk]

I travel on monthly basis in via STI and out via POP - never had a problem.

[BushBaby]

I have never had any problems either over the last 15 years. We DID have a (very) small problem when coming IN to the country but that was so minor as to be laughable (& we overcame that with a smile & a joke!!).

I am NOT saying that what you say happened to you is an isolated case but I am sure if you would be so kind as to quote date, time & flight that this occurred then someone will be able to take the matter a bit further. Maybe (at a later stage) you would like to give a description &/or names of the security guards that attempted to rob you. ~ Grahame.

[curlando]

Dominican security at airports will try to rob and steal from most individuals. The month of December is when the wolves come out.
I think their main purpose at the airport is to steal from tourist. I don’t speak spanish but I usually open my passport to show how many times I have visited the Dominican Republic and they leave me alone. Once they tried to keep my rechargeable batteries and I stood my ground and said no way. Another time a customs agent told me I had to pay him US $10.00. I told him I paid for the tourist card and I don’t have to pay no more.
I never had any problems at Puerto Plata airport. I have experienced the majority of problems at Santo Domingo airport.
My last trip to Dominican Republic was in Sept. 2008 and usually tourists are waved through SDQ customs. This time I was detained by Dominican customs and two English speaking guys walked over to me and searched my luggage and asked me if I was carrying US $10,000.00 into the country. I had a stack of one dollar bills in one of my bags. I told him he is welcome count it. Then, he continued with the questioning which I found intrusive and I found myself become irritated. They never introduced themselves but I think they were working with the US federal government.
My two friends arrived a day before me encountered the same two guys at SDQ customs and were asked the same questions.
I have visited the Dominican Republic over 30 times for the past five years and I look at these incidents as a learning experience and hazards of traveling to DR. Just like experiencing panhandlers, rude behavior, bad drivers, really carefully crossing a street, everyone have their hand out for a dollar (that’s why I carry about 50 one dollar bill) and hookers that loves me.
My experiences of clueless Dominicans, beautiful women, the pool parties, ribs at Rockys, hanging at Classicos, the climate, a few good friends and the 3 ½ hour flight three times a year for some fun a middle age guy will not experience in the US is worth it.
Basically, fun in the sun and what happens in DR stays in DR. These days I don’t even travel to DR for the women. I like meeting new people and hanging with my friends.
We are not promised tomorrow, so have some fun today and move on.

[Hillbilly]

Without names, flight numbers and dates we can't do much. If it was Santiago I could almost guarantee action. In POP, the airport is now run by a Mexican company,and I don't know anyone there...but i am sure we can find someone..


HB

[CFA123]

With over 100 entry/exits to DR over last 18 years I've yet to have a 'problem'. I've had bags looked in on occasion - standard for any airport.

However, leaving POP last Sunday afternoon I got a pat down, requested to turn on my laptop (which the guy said 'ok' before the windows screen even came on) & my backpack was gone through thoroughly, to the point of the guy flipping thru the pages of my checkbook. It didn't feel "right" & I kept a constant eye on the guy's hands. Perhaps that he had the bag in front of him with his back to me was of most concern - and that I had credit cards, a watch, cell phone, and other small palmable items in there.

Anyhow, I can understand someone not being too comfortable with that. Were it done away from the area where everyone is picking up their bags from the conveyor belt, with the customs guy on the other side of the table so you can watch them - wouldn't be so suspicious.

[jrhartley]

how can you know they were going to steal your money if they didnt take anything ? and why let an airport experience put you off an entire country- I presume you didnt have a very good holiday either


he laid the wallet money side up, out of my view - milud how do you know if it was out of view

[bob saunders]

Never have had any issues coming or going at Puerta Plata Airport in my 10 years of coming or going.

[Gringo]

Never any issues for me in 19 years, some people just look like marks I guess...

[BushBaby]

Originally Posted by Hillbilly

Without names, flight numbers and dates we can't do much. If it was Santiago I could almost guarantee action. In POP, the airport is now run by a Mexican company,and I don't know anyone there...but i am sure we can find someone..
HB

That 'SOMEONE' posts on this board HB - that is why I asked for the details. Heck man, you even played golf with him in a fourball earlier this year!!!

Oh hang on though ..................... that was BEFORE your Christmas eve bash!!!!!!!!! ~ Grahame