coming to DR first time

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stanleyr

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Im coming this month for the first time. I booked a package for three days only at fun royale beach resort. I wanted to base there first. Im a senior xpat living in Antigua. Im by myself. I want to travel (back pack light) from there to la romana and then ? the trip is a little over two weeks. I have a birth certificate only (US). should i rent a car, or? I don't care for the all inclusives or the pricy hotels as i go, can live with clean, comfortable, and safe. Suggestions, on mode of travel or some little out of the way beach place to stay as I begin my experience with the DR?
Stanley:bunny:
 
Hlywud

Hlywud

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A two week trip less days at Fun Royale. Stanley how far do you walk in a day? Unlike Antigua the DR is a very large island. from Fun Royale to LaRomana via car is approximately 6 hours. Better think about catching the Caribe Tours bus in Sosua or POP and go to Santo Domigo, then bus to La Romana, that is the cheapest option.
 
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Rocky

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stanleyr said:
Im coming this month for the first time. I booked a package for three days only at fun royale beach resort. I wanted to base there first. Im a senior xpat living in Antigua. Im by myself. I want to travel (back pack light) from there to la romana and then ? the trip is a little over two weeks. I have a birth certificate only (US). should i rent a car, or? I don't care for the all inclusives or the pricy hotels as i go, can live with clean, comfortable, and safe. Suggestions, on mode of travel or some little out of the way beach place to stay as I begin my experience with the DR?
Stanley:bunny:
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As Wud mentioned, it's a heck of a trip to make.
Is there a special reason to go to la Romana?
If not, staying on the North coast could easily entertain you for a couple of weeks and travel is easy and inexpensive by public transport.
You can rent a car as well, but you have to be mentally prepared for the organized chaos that we drive in.
There are out of the way beach places all over the North coast, but bear in mind, as isolation increases, security decreases.
 
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stanleyr

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more questions and thanks

Thank you both!:cheeky: The more i read in the forum, the more i think it would be best to just start in Sousa and move along the north coast as suggested. Any recommendation for a hotel in Sousa. Do I come with US dollars and exchange? Can you get pesos from ATM? Can you spend US dollars? Is the 3 day start at Fun Royale worth it, or is there other beach hotels along the way which would be less expensive and serve my purpose? I don't need any all inclusive or any extras as those hotels provide. I have another sensitive question. I do not like girls all over me (like in Mexico) because i am old and white. I love the girls mind you, just not all over me like beggars. What about the idea of selecting one early to accompany me as a companion (?) in order to keep others away? Or maybe it is not a problem I will face in the DR at all. Please reply.
Thanks
Stanley:bunny:
 
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Rocky

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stanleyr said:
Thank you both!:cheeky: The more i read in the forum, the more i think it would be best to just start in Sousa and move along the north coast as suggested.
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Without a doubt.
stanleyr said:
Any recommendation for a hotel in Sousa.
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What price range and requirements? ie: Ac-pool-kitchen-etc
stanleyr said:
Do I come with US dollars and exchange?
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Yes. Us funds are the best. You can bring traveler's checques for added security
stanleyr said:
Can you get pesos from ATM?
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Yes. That is the only currency that will come out of an ATM, here in the DR.
stanleyr said:
Can you spend US dollars?
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For some things, such as hotels, taxis, tours, etc. The rest is in pesos.
stanleyr said:
Is the 3 day start at Fun Royale worth it, or is there other beach hotels along the way which would be less expensive and serve my purpose?
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Maybe. Do you need a 3 day break?
Are you exhausted?
Would you rather get cracking?
stanleyr said:
I do not like girls all over me (like in Mexico) because i am old and white. I love the girls mind you, just not all over me like beggars. What about the idea of selecting one early to accompany me as a companion (?) in order to keep others away? Or maybe it is not a problem I will face in the DR at all.
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The girls will not be hanging off your neck unless you are in a late night disco flashing lots of money around. Having one to accompany you is not a great idea, for a whole host of reasons.
 
Hillbilly

Hillbilly

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Let Rocky be your guide. He knows the area and all that it holds.

You are certainly welcome to visit Santiago, more of a 'real' Dominican city.

HB:D:D
 
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stanleyr

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more thanks

Again thank you for the info. I joined the DR1 last year because i have been considering DR for my next migration. It is amazingly helpful for someone like me who is coming, especially to avoid major errors and learn the hard way! OK, so now I will come to Sousa first and on from there (sans escort). Any hotel recommendation for airconditioning, clean, comfortable bed, safe, resturant near for desayuno. As I travel from Sousa along the north coast, any particular nice little beach places to stay and hang out (hotels or the like)? I am not tired (coming from antigua I don't do the tired thing anymore), and yes, I am ready to get going! Thanks again for your time, info, concern.
stanley
 
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Tor

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Hotels - Don Andres, Rockys, Europa, Waterfront, Casa Cayena, Club Resedencial, El Batey, Orchidee. All more or less moderately priced and good hotels in the center of town.
 
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stanleyr

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Tor and all - my thanks very much

That will do it for now. Ask and you shall recieve. Simple huh? I will come this month. I have no more questions and you have helped me very much.
thanks again,
stanley:glasses:
 
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Me_again

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. . . and perhaps learn "s o S U a" rather than "s o U S a". It'll help at the airport when you tell the taxi where you're going
 
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HOWMAR

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Hlywud said:
Be sure and check out Rocky's, it is a great spot to eat, best ribs in the DR and prices are reasonable.
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In addition to Rocky's modestly priced accomodations and great breakfast, you will gain a wealth of local information from the regulars coming and going.

See:
http://www.rockysbar.com/
 
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jackieboo

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Mar 18, 2006
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I recommend that you go to Cabarete and stay at the Caribbean Crib. They'll pick you up at the airport for free and it's an amazing place.
www.caribbeancrib.com
Very relaxing and the rates are around $60.00USD a day.
 
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