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This is kind of funny. The first night we were in the Dominican Republic, one of our girls sleeping on the top bunk stood up and busted her head open with the metal ceiling fan that was right over her. Just thought I'd say WATCH OUT!!! Its okay if you do get hit though, you can go to the nearest clinic where you'll be the only car on the parking lot at 1 a.m. and you'll get treated really well and get stitched up for about $23 american dollars! And in less than a week, they'll have your stitches out... really good service! Leave a Comment
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 One Way Suggestion by damaris05 Coming from America, where you can get a ticket for going 2 miles over the speed limit, you will be surprised how in Santo Domingo, street signs seem to be merely suggestions rather than strict regulations. A month ago, when I went on a mission trip we saw a "One Way" sign pointing left, but traffic was going right. Funny! It's an exciting adventure driving through the highways cause you hear alot of honking going on. A local traffic custom is that the larger the vehicle, the greater the right of way, regardless of the traffic laws. Driving is aggressive and erratic, and drivers often do not yield the right of way even when road signs or signals indicate they should. Okay.. here's a funny story about traveling at night: One of our girls busted her head open with a metal ceiling fan the night we arrived and had to be rushed to the emergency room after 12 a.m. Well, on the way there, the guy that was driving ran a redlight and one of our sponsors going w/ them asked what that was about and the guy said "its the quarter-to-one rule... run the red light." Then they came to a green light and he brought the car to a full stop. What was that about?? "Quarter-to-one rule... the other person is probably running the red light." So just watch out but have fun!! Leave a Comment
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Most of the time the amber and larimar jewels some street sellers (and some souvenir shops) sell at Calle El Conde are fake. And they look so much like the original that it's difficult to spot, so what can you do to be sure you're getting the real deal? Buy your amber/larimar jewelry at the Amber or Larimar Museums or from a reputable jewelry store/merchant. For more info, read the articles I submit about amber and larimar. They also have some tips on how to test fakes from original pieces. And last but not least, it's against the law to export rough pieces of amber.
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If you need to withdraw money, use the ATM machines located on a bank's premises and do it while the bank is open. This in case the machine "eats" your card so that you can get it right away. Also the usual: be aware of your surroundings, look out for weird looking people and protect your pin code with your body and hands as much as you can. Also check in case the ATM machine has been tampered with and what not. There are plenty of articles on the Internet about this. Some say it's a good idea to have a separate ATM card with little money in it, and that you transfer money to it from your main account whenever needed. That could help you out in case that your card gets skimmed (even after taking all precautions).
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 photo taken from hidden corner! by willy_wonka i did not feel any immediate danger in santo domingo, and as a single female, the unwanted attention i would sometimes receive was always stopped with a firm no. of course, as with anywhere, common sense prevails, and keeping your bag or wallet tight on you is the best way to go. however i did witness an argument, which was almost comical, if it hadnt been for the fact a gun was brandished! across from my hotel, two men from rival businesses were arguing outside in the street. i think one had told a customer not to go to the other, and had badmouthed his name and business. a crowd had gathered, and these two old men were yelling at each other, and everyone was giggling. one of the guys picked up a rock, and was threatening to throw it at the guy, we all were still laughing. they were so old and senile it was ridiculous. one of the guys walked into his house, and the next thing you know he comes out with an old style gun, circa 1750 or something it looked like! oh boy, did the crowd run quick! i hid with some young kids behind a wall, and we watched the argument dissolve peacefully. kind of funny in hindsight, but at the time seeing a gun was not so great! Leave a Comment
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The less jewelry you wear, the better. Thieves are attracted to bling bling, even if it's cheap or fake. Also, if you're not going to use your expensive cell phone, leave it in the safe of your hotel or locked inside your suitcase. Also, and although this is a given there's a lot of people that miss it or ignore it, don't flaunt your money. Take with you the cash you might think you need and put it safely in your front pocket. It's a good idea to take an ATM card and withdraw money if needed.
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 Dangerous way of public transportation by marielexoteria Thieves on motoconchos will definitely try to snatch a purse or bag off someone if they see it hanging carelessly. So hang your purse/bag on the side of the sidewalk that's close to buildings and have a good grip on it. There might also be 2 thieves, the one driving and the other jumping from the motorcycle and robbing you for what it's worth. IF this does happen, it's better (or less bad?) to give them what they're asking for and try to get away unscathed. If you happen to ride a motoconcho be aware that you will not be provided a helmet to wear. Take care!
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If you're on a carro público or share-a-taxi or if you dare to drive, be careful of those sellers selling everything from fruit to cell phone chargers. And be especially careful about those "windshield cleaning people": they have the ability of throwing their sponge to our windshield from afar and meet it right on target, without you giving your consent to have them wash it for you. Most of the time the water is dirty so the job isn't all that good. You might also meet beggars in all sizes, shapes and of all ages. Give them money if you feel like it but shut your window immediately (if you're driving) or keep your valuables safe and at your sight at all times. While in a share-a-taxi, keep your purse/bag as safe as possible and put your wallet in your front pocket, where it's more difficult for a thief to take it without you noticing. Thieves "develop" ways to rob you while going to your destination without you even noticing, like the "bag" trick: the thief sits next to you and lets his bag "rest" on you. While you both accommodate, the thief takes advantage of the wallet that gets slightly out of the back pocket and take it. Then he excuses himself and gets off the car, leaving you broke. OR they might open your purse and steal whatever they can come up to. (Read about share-a-taxis on my Transportation page.)
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On areas having a lot of tourists there's bound to be hustlers trying to push you inside their shops to sell you stuff at high prices. Do not give into them. Always haggle. It's possible that the shop next door has the same item (or a better one) for a better price.
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With this I don't mean candy sellers, but food street vendors. It's just that these people cook their food without any hygienic methods/ways whatsoever and your tummy might not be used to it, causing what's known as Montezuma's revenge, except that here we call it Caonabo's revenge. If you happen to fall victim of this outrageous state of mind and body while on vacation, drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated and try some Pepto Bismol or another diarrhea pill/treatment that you know of. I don't know if home remedies are a good idea because I've never suffered from this - as a local I'm immune in my country hehe ;) Read more on the link below. Useless trivia: Caonabo's revenge is the same as Montezuma's revenge but Caonabo was a Taíno chief that gave Columbus a lot of headaches with his hot temper, as he wouldn't cooperate as easily as the other chiefs.
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