Punta Cana / Dominican Republic?

shilala · 01-10-2011, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

I would not rent a car in DR without being Hispanic or fluent in Spanish. Private driver is much better in your instance. If you have GSM phone, it should work and make sure that your phone is not pulling down data while there. Talk to your cell provider to make sure you are on the right plan while there and your phone is configured correct to save money.

From what I understand of DR, it's a resort only kind of place unless you are visiting someone. I doubt you'll end seeing much of the island outside of "to - from" travel.

Thanks about the car, Moses. I kinda guessed that was out. I wasn't even sure if it was possible, not being licensed there, and all.
We do have GSM phones, iPhones. I'll make note to see if I need to change anything. I'm sure I can do a quick search and get a lot more accurate info than calling AT&T.

On the "seeing" part, I understand all of Punta Cana(or nearly all of) is new since 90-91. It's a brand new county. I think "walking distance to town" is part of the beauty of this place. A bit of shopping and junk buying would be fun if it's local craft rather than Chinese junk.

Once I mine all the info I can out of the brothers here, I'll check some vacation message boards and see more about what to expect.

mosesbotbol · 01-10-2011, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shilala

Thanks about the car, Moses. I kinda guessed that was out. I wasn't even sure if it was possible, not being licensed there, and all.

You can drive and rent a car with a US license.

01-10-2011, 01:04 PM

Dominican Republic is awesome!

fissure · 01-10-2011, 01:18 PM

Scott,

Stayed here http://www.applevacations.com/hotels...es-resort.html, last march. Sugar sand beach with no rocks or anything in the area you'd swim. Absolutely beautiful. On the way from the airport the bus dropped off at lots of other resorts and there were only a couple that looked like they compared to the one we stayed at. Some looked down right knarly and we were glad we weren't staying there.

We stayed on the resort except for a few excursions. Just like any other tourist trap country it was hard walking in any store. They pestered you to buy stuff and watched you like a hawk. A few stores the owner was sitting at the front step with a shotgun/assault rifle. Kind of turned us away from going shopping on our own.

Snorkeling/diving is pretty non-existent on the north side of the island. We did a snorkleing tour on the south side of the island one day that was pretty good, but the reefs are pretty algae covered and was more softies and fish, but it was cool. We did do a tour to the local zoo, and to the Don Lucas cigar spot. (http://donlucascigarsoriginal.com/) Cigars are pretty good if you like dominican sticks. I usually don't and I think they were good. They have a small factory and a big store you can buy cigars, rum, local knick knacks in.

Phone wise we just used a calling card that you can pick up just about everywhere down there.

All in all it was a great trip, and I'd go back, but there are a lot of other places I'd like to see. Any questions just ask.

01-10-2011, 01:04 PM	#3
mpd340 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Punta Cana / Dominican Republic? Dominican Republic is awesome!

01-10-2011, 01:18 PM	#4
fissure DHC Black Ops Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Steve Location: Grand Blanc, Mi Posts: 1,185 Trading: (48)	Re: Punta Cana / Dominican Republic? Scott, Stayed here http://www.applevacations.com/hotels...es-resort.html, last march. Sugar sand beach with no rocks or anything in the area you'd swim. Absolutely beautiful. On the way from the airport the bus dropped off at lots of other resorts and there were only a couple that looked like they compared to the one we stayed at. Some looked down right knarly and we were glad we weren't staying there. We stayed on the resort except for a few excursions. Just like any other tourist trap country it was hard walking in any store. They pestered you to buy stuff and watched you like a hawk. A few stores the owner was sitting at the front step with a shotgun/assault rifle. Kind of turned us away from going shopping on our own. Snorkeling/diving is pretty non-existent on the north side of the island. We did a snorkleing tour on the south side of the island one day that was pretty good, but the reefs are pretty algae covered and was more softies and fish, but it was cool. We did do a tour to the local zoo, and to the Don Lucas cigar spot. (http://donlucascigarsoriginal.com/) Cigars are pretty good if you like dominican sticks. I usually don't and I think they were good. They have a small factory and a big store you can buy cigars, rum, local knick knacks in. Phone wise we just used a calling card that you can pick up just about everywhere down there. All in all it was a great trip, and I'd go back, but there are a lot of other places I'd like to see. Any questions just ask.