• Discounts

A look at the problems the tourists have & the things they say?

This is intended as a lighthearted article, most of the expats. you talk to will have, or make the time to answer all of your questions. Especially if you are serious about living here. Enjoy your stay and visit the Dominican Republic soon.

Upon arrival: At the Hotel
Do leave all your bags in your room {The Hotel Malateros (luggage porters) helps, but tipping is optional} and head for the nearest bar to start working through the all-inclusive cocktails list. Don't be concerned about the ice in your drinks, in the Dominican Republic, all ice is made with purified water.

Don't ask questions about the weather, cast your eye over the bar and check out the various suntans and sunburns. (You often see some nice views as well, especially if it's a pool bar)

Do attend your welcome meeting, If you haven't already learnt everything there is to know about the Dominican Republic from the other guest's. They, of course, have been here much longer than your Rep. and know absolutely everything about the resort. (Most have never left the all-inclusive Hotel)

Out and About
Do get out of your all-inclusive resort. This can be done through organised excursions or for the more adventurous, on your own. Please take care, whilst the Dominican Republic is generally safe, it is much the same as the rest of the world. WE DO NOT encourage you to walk around the seedier districts at four A.M. dripping in gold! (would you at home?) Seriously the Country is very beautiful and having come this far on your holiday we suggest you take the time to get out and meet the people (some of the friendliest in the world) and see the sites.

Public transport includes:
Local buses, normally crowded and with the odd Chicken or Goat onboard but very cheap!

Publicos, often somewhat dilapidated these vehicles are similar to buses, they follow set routes but drive considerably faster and therefore charge more! Often more overcrowded than the local bus!

Taxis, much the same as taxis in the rest of the world , some are even quite good drivers!

Motoconchos, gradually being phased out as a form of transport, these are nothing more than motorcycle taxis, current record (claimed by pegleg Mike) is seeing seven adults on a 125 Yamaha.

Do consider car hire carefully and talk to the Expat. residents before driving in the Dominican Republic. We all drive here but we know the rules! (There are none) Just ask your rep., which of the local bars the Expat. community uses and come along and meet us. We don't care we'll talk to anyone?

Food and Drink
Do have at least one attempt at the local 151 Rum. Comes under numerous guises and names. Most commonly called Dominican gasoline, even by the natives, this is almost pure alcohol, and we the residents have yet to meet a tourist (or an expat.) who can drink half a bottle and remain standing. Our excuse is we're too clever to drink it?

What do you blame for your upset stomach?(should you get one!)
Whatever you do: Do not admit to over indulging in the Dominican Republic's all-inclusive alcohol & waking up with a hangover.

Do not admit that because of the hangover you have drunk gallons of the all-inclusive fruit juice and that your system is not used to it.

Do not try and deny either of the above.

When out and about exercise reasonable caution as to what you eat and where, hygiene standards (outside of the Hotels) do not compare with what you, and your stomachs, are used to.(Check out the Bars & Restaurants Page)

Ice can normally be considered safe; it is probably cheaper to buy it here than it is to make your own?

VISIT THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC &
ENJOY YOUR VACATION!!

The questions you ask? and the answers we never give!

Do you live here? No we commute everyday!
Is it always this Hot? No, funnily enough, we do get seasonal variations!
Is our Plane on time next week? Haven't got a bloody clue, it hasn't taken off yet!
Do you like living in here? No, but we are all on the run! OR Yes, its why we live here!
What made you come here? See previous answer! OR Choice!
What trips/excursions should we go on? Knowing nothing about your likes and dislikes etc., how should we know!
Do you drive here? No we have a Donkey tied up outside!
Where do you live? In a tin shed!
Is it difficult to live here? No, you just breathe in and out!

Reiteration - This is intended as a lighthearted article. We have endeavoured to include all of the relevant points to ensure you enjoy your Holiday in the Dominican Republic. If you feel we've missed something or you would like to comment on the article, stop by the Dominican Republic Message Board.