DR is nice but!

We just returned from the DR and had a great time. The weather was fantastic, almost boringly redundant. The Capella Beach Resort lived up to all we had read on the net before leaving. The staff and locals were freindly and warm for the most part. The food was plentiful and once you learned what to and not to take was ok. The Italian restaurant at the Capella was worth every penny of the $15 US surcharge. The Presidente beer and the Pina coladas were refreshing. The golf at Los Marlins was fine but a little pricey. And the local casino proved to be as good at fleecing my pockets as any I have encountered in other areas. BUT! The authorities should do something to control or eliminate the rip-off artists at the airport. Yes I read the cautions offered by others prior to leaving but was still shocked that such theivery was allowed to occur. We are not wealthy but compared to the living conditions and economic state of the DR we have it very good. We were prepared to be generous with our gratuities. but when your first exposure to the locals is being surrounded by a gang of money-hungry theives you become a little put off by the experience. As we had a fair amount of luggage, I accepted the initial offer of help with our baggage, fully expecting to tip. As we approached our transfer bus, our "greeter" asked if I had a good job in the staes and informed me that he expected a "Good Tip", showing me a laminated $20 US bill. I chuckled and thought to myself "RIGHT!". Two other associates of his then joined the fray and increased the menacing and hounding. Perhaps I was stupid to get myself in to that situation but it should not be allowed to occur. I would think the government, tourism industry, inbound tour packagers, etc. would be able to come up with some types of controls to eliminate this hassle. Add a few dollars to the package or increase the arrival tax or whatever to help provide a reasonable wage for those providing the service and you may elevate the destination's reputation in the travel community. You may say it is easy to say NO to them but one should not have to. The situation as it exists today gives this travel paradise a major "black eye" before you even settle into your bathing suit.

I agree wholeheartedly, if you are not coming in through a charter you have to get past this BS, I earnestly feel that Dolores should address this issue, as you know the squeaky wheel gets the grease, ask any Dominican coming back what they have to go through, they need to pay off almost everyone that they come into contact with at all the airports.

I still believe it is how YOU approach the situation.

I usually arrive with a crry on (Which no one gets their hands on). a large hardsided suitcase and a military duffle bag, weighing up to 70#. All of this has to be carried from the exit at customs to the NATIONAL rental desk at the rear corner of the other side of the terminal. It is always suggested that I "Pay" $20 or sometimes they try $20 PER BAG, but I always give them $5 and say if you don't want that, thanks for the service.

All it takes is a feww "$20 customers" to make their day. There are plenty of National Police around, the luggage people won't harm you, they may pretend to be angry or hurt, but it is up to you to "negotiate" what you decide to pay.

No, it is not a pleasant exeperience, but as you say, these people are very porr and if you are willing to pay wnat they ask, of course they won't say "That is too much!"

Tom

I totally agree. I live in Santo Domingo now full time and travel often. As I have a bad back I need help with my only suitcase, when I arrive I tip what is normal and customary in all of the airports anywhere in the world which is $1.00 to $2 per bags and many times I have been cursed, given the evil eye, etc. This airport mafiosi has to be disbanded. SOME COMESOLO SHOULD DO SOMETHING, ITS CRITICAL!

The joys of Las Americas...

Best advice, be firm. Pay them only what you concider correct. I have been hassled, I know the feeling. It's no real problem. Bottom line, no one is going to get physical with you, at worst they will look as if they are being cheeted. It's all amature dramatics, just smile and go.

Rob.

Re: The joys of Las Americas...

Great advice robert. Its only a game. They will try the same thing in New York, Miami or Detroit. Pay what's fiar and move on.