Taxi:
If you are into battering, you should
have fun with the taxi guy's. If you don't like battering, your in luck. The following
info should get you around town without too much hassle. A few TSM members use a
local Santo Domingo guy called "Camilo", he speaks good english and knows
all the right places. If you call him, he will even drive out to Boca Chica to pick
you up at no extra charge. He drives a large black Chevy Caprice with AC.
Bus from Boca Chica to Santo Domingo:
The public buses are called "Guagua".
Stop the Guagua in Boca Chica by a hand single or at the bus stop in the park. You
will travel free to the bus station in Andres Boca Chica(approx 7min) Here you will
find 2 buses waiting to go to Santo Domingo. Choose the "Expreso", this
has air conditioning and closed windows. As soon as the bus is full (max 15min) it
will take you to the capital. The ride to Santo Domingo will take approx 30min and
costs 12 pesos.
The first stop
in the capital is called "Parque Enriquillo". Here you
will find a lot of shops and the cheap shopping centre "Plaza Lama". The
second and last stop is at "Parque
Independencia"
This is an ideal starting point to see Santo Domingo, it's in the middle of the colonial
zone.
To return back to Boca Chica, take the bus from the same spot. Use the old town wall
at the "Parque
Independencia"
as a landmark. On the right side, at the second corner where the fruit dealers are
you wait for the bus. The bus will take you for free to a stop in the upper part
of town where you change again. Don't worry when the bus passes through the small
town of Andres Boca Chica on the way back! Right after that it will arrive in Boca
Chica. If you get lost, don't blame us!
Motor Concho (Motorcycle):
You will find guys all over the place
with motorcycle's, ideal for short trips. Their quick and cheap, 5 pesos through
the day and 10 pesos at night.
Car Rental:
If you are skilled in stunt driving, you
will love the Dominican Republic. Ok, it's not that bad, but it's close.
The Dominicans have perfected the art of holding cars together with sticky tape and
cars that explode on imapct.
Most major roads are ok, some of the smaller ones are like shit! It's better to use
the taxi's or buses.
The rates are higher than in the USA, so you are better off making your reservation
in your country of origin.
If you hire a car in the Dominican Republic you will need the following: Credit card,
licence and gut's.
Prices as of 02/26/97 National Car Rental (max 2500kms). Most of the major company's are around the same price.
Motorcycle Rental:
Most city's have a motorcycle hire company,
mainly 125cc trial bikes. Make sure you give the bike a good check before taking
it away. Rates are approx $30 per day. Most Dominican car drivers won't ride a motorcycle
because it is too dangerous. Apart from the above, it's great fun!