Escott said:
Sure I can. Price it in pesos at what ever rate you want. I look at these people and ask, am I in the US? I only carry pesos my friend. I don't carry dollars. Cabarete is a rip off as far as I am concerned although it doesn't stop me from going there I find it insulting to pay 2x the cost of a simple beer and pay the same price for water I pay for beer in Sosua the next town.
You think it is me?
Scott
I agree with Scott. I tend to leave establishments when they change their prices to something other than the national currency. Stupid gringo prices!!!
It's similar to going into an English pub here in the US, and everything is priced in British pounds. Does that make sense? RD is not a dollarized country. I would venture to guess that non-Dominican businesses comprise most of the culprits of this practice, and take advantage of the ignorance of many tourists.
Business people should make business adjustments to fit the economy, even if it takes a little more time to adjust the menu pricing in pesos.
For example, I have this problem with Moura Mai in Sosua. Nice people, nice establishment, great food, good service.......but they rape you on the exchange from pesos to dollars. In January, I took two friends to dinner there. Cost me about 1700 (approx. $35-40 USD) pesos for 3 dinners plus a bottle of wine etc. Went back in February, pricing changed to dollars, pretty much the same deal, but it cost me $77!!!! Never went back. Only succumbed to it that time because it was Valentine's weekend, and my other choice, The Waterfront, was fully booked. By the way, The Waterfront was still priced in pesos, and still reasonable.
In Cabarete, I did notice the same lower-than-market rate at several casas de cambio. What did I do when I needed money? Use the ATM. Or get change wherever else I'm headed. Or even stop in Sosua, just to exchange money. Several places with better than bank rates. If Cabarete casas de cambio are not "mobbed-up," then wouldn't it make more sense to be that casa that offers the best rate? Would definitely mean more foot traffic, esp. as tourists will refer others there.
Just my opinion.