Taxi from STI vs. rental car

[Vawner]

Hi all,
I'm arriving in Santiago for a couple weeks starting the 8th, and was wondering how much I should expect to pay for a taxi from STI to the Hodelpa Gran Almirante hotel.
Since I'll be in the country 2-3 weeks, and would like to visit the north coast, i thought of renting a car instead. However, from what I've read in the forum, renting a car seems to be discouraged - any thoughts?

thanks

 

[drny]

Hi all,
I'm arriving in Santiago for a couple weeks starting the 8th, and was wondering how much I should expect to pay for a taxi from STI to the Hodelpa Gran Almirante hotel.
Since I'll be in the country 2-3 weeks, and would like to visit the north coast, i thought of renting a car instead. However, from what I've read in the forum, renting a car seems to be discouraged - any thoughts?

thanks

From STI to the Gran Almirante should only be about 100 pesos+ tip. What you decide to do for the following 2-3 weeks though, is up to you. I've borrowed a car from a relative in the past . There is nothing like getting around on your own, considering you know how to get around and how to manage the "rules of the road" there.

 

[laurapasinifan]

well I bet the taxi from the airport to the hotel will run 300 pesos....not that its that much more money....I took a local taxi from La Riena to STI and it is half the distance of the trip in question, and he charged me 300 pesos. he wasnt at the airport knowing he could gouge, he was out in the sticks, waiting for normal fares. That day my rental car had a flat and i didnt have a key for the locked spare tire!!!!!!!!!

if you drive the worst part will be in Santiago trying to get out of town, and then in puerto plata going through town....if you do rent the car , park it once in the town of your destination, and then just take motos or a local taxi anyplace....that would cut the chance your having an accident by 80% I bet,......
good luck

bob

 

[GOLFGUY]

Getting around Santiago is easier by taxi than driving (and probably cheaper, faster and definitely less stressful). Renting a car in Santiago is easy (some have offices in Gran Almirante), and I'm sure many here will give you recommendations on their preferences. Driving around the Cibao is great. The roads are fine (not great) and the people are happy to help w/ directions. Jarabacoa is a must. North Coast via Gurabo or Moca (I suggest head North via Gurabo and return via Sabaneta/Moca) is a great drive with beautiful scenery.

 

[Vawner]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice.
I think I'll use the taxi for getting into and around Santiago, and save the rental car for trips outside the city. :ermm:

 

[gringo1]

Taxis are great for getting around Santiago. Santiago is a fairly big city and the traffic rules for today haven?t been made up yet. If you haven?t driven here before it can be a bit much in a big city. There are many small Dominican car rental places that rent suvs and cars for quite a bit less than Avis, etc. And there is always the option just hiring a driver in Santiago with his own vehicle and having him drive you around the country. Everything?s negotiable here.

 

[platana]

The fee from the airport to ANYWHERE in Santiago is $500 pesos...Dont let them rip you off!