Hello to All. I'm new to the forum and am taking my first trip to the DR in 2 weeks. I'm flying into Sto. Domingo and have 10 days total. No real plans and so far no hotel reservations. I'll certainly make some day trips using Caribe Tours around the south coast and possibly even head up to Santiago and/ or the north coast.
I have some general questions and appreciate the input from any DR veterans.
Money: From the info I've gleaned reading this forum it seems that it's best to bring dollars and change at the casa de cambios. In my past travels I've found that using my low fee Capital One ATM always gave me better rates, apparently in the DR no? I was thinking of bringing a mix of US $ and a few ATM cards (Cap 1, Citibank, HSBC). Any problems changing $100 notes at the cambios? What time do most cambios close on el Conde?
Cell Phone: I've got an unlocked quad band and just buy a chip from the local carrier. Is Orange the best way to go and will I have any problems purchasing a chip as a non-resident?
Hotels in Sto. Domingo: I saw the list compiled here and was clicking on the links but was somewhat overwhelmed by the many options. I tend to stay in basic budget hotels or aparta hotels in the $30 - $50 range. As long as it's clean and there's A/C I'm happy. Is there a benefit to staying in Gazcue vs. Zona Colonial? Specific recommendations are welcomed.
Thanks all in advance. If anyone wants to meet up the first cold presidente is on me!
I have some general questions and appreciate the input from any DR veterans.
Money: From the info I've gleaned reading this forum it seems that it's best to bring dollars and change at the casa de cambios. In my past travels I've found that using my low fee Capital One ATM always gave me better rates, apparently in the DR no? I was thinking of bringing a mix of US $ and a few ATM cards (Cap 1, Citibank, HSBC). Any problems changing $100 notes at the cambios? What time do most cambios close on el Conde?
Cell Phone: I've got an unlocked quad band and just buy a chip from the local carrier. Is Orange the best way to go and will I have any problems purchasing a chip as a non-resident?
Hotels in Sto. Domingo: I saw the list compiled here and was clicking on the links but was somewhat overwhelmed by the many options. I tend to stay in basic budget hotels or aparta hotels in the $30 - $50 range. As long as it's clean and there's A/C I'm happy. Is there a benefit to staying in Gazcue vs. Zona Colonial? Specific recommendations are welcomed.
Thanks all in advance. If anyone wants to meet up the first cold presidente is on me!