anng3
Real Newbie
Posts: 7
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Post by anng3 on Dec 11, 2006 10:43:23 GMT -4
Hi,
We are coming for the holidays for 1st time from Dec 17-Jan 6th. Thanks in advance for any answers.
What do you pack?
Is it true that there is either a 16% or 26% added on to credit card charges?
Do you bring snorkel or are there places you can rent for 3 weeks?
Any info on Palms and nearby restaurants, bars, supermarket?
Any recommendations for live music?(husbands a musician)
What's happening on New Years?
Thanks,
Ann
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Post by coppersun2001 on Dec 11, 2006 13:27:23 GMT -4
Hi Ann,
I can't answer the musicians questions or what happens on New Years as we have never been there during that time. Colleen is the best one to ask for that information.
Usually the snorkel equipment is available at your resort, however there are a few places in Sousa that will rent out equipement, best thing to do is inquire when you are there. I don't know if any of them will rent for an extended period of time. My hubby and I take our own equipment with us. Normally you can take this on the planes as extra weight and not be charged for it. Our experience is with SKy Service and Air Transat. Neither charge for sporting equipment , but again check with your air carrier to be sure.
We have never been charged above our normal credit card service fee. So am not sure what the additional charge would be for. What we do is use our credit card to get peso' the first day or so. At the Banco you can take out max. per day of $500.00 this would last us atleast a week with just tipping and Checkpoint bar tabs ( lol) shopping is another story. But things are very reasonable if you get the hang of bartering.
What to pack, I normally take one sun dress and wrap for night but end up wearing shorts most of the time. I take 4 or 5 bathing suits and coverups. We spend most of our time diving and or on the beach. The dress codes in restaurants for dinner service is pretty slack however they will not allow bathing suits or cut off jeans.Many of the people tend to dress a lttle bit for dinners. It is usually a festive occasion. Good walking sandles or shoes is a must, but flip flops are great for beach and pool. We take a beach bag for the beach and diving, but also have back packs for day trips. You are given towels at the resorts so dont use suitcase space for that.
Clamato Juice is at a premium in the DR. We take as much as we can pack for Colleen and Mark. I drink Ceasars so this is to my advantage. If you are thinking of taking things for the kids there are lists on this board to assist with what they need. We have taken lots of school supplies but are going to leave cash this year, easier to pack.
Hope this helps but if not ask away!!!1
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anng3
Real Newbie
Posts: 7
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Post by anng3 on Dec 11, 2006 21:37:22 GMT -4
Coppersun2001,
Thanks for all your tips. I appreciate them and will surely use them. Getting excited to go! I'm putting together stuff to take for kids as well.
Regards,
Ann
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Post by Sosua Gal on Dec 11, 2006 23:15:19 GMT -4
Hi anng3!
Let's see if I can answer a few more of your questions:
RE: Restaurants- The Palms is really close to town and you will find many recommendations on our website about some of our fave places to dine out- I am adding more and you can pick our brains as well when you get here- ampng our faves are: Atlantic Blue, La Finca, Hostaria 24 (Pasta- YUM), The Britannia Pub to name just a few.
RE: Live Music- Rubi's Lounge hosts a Jam night on Tuesday nights and all are welcome.
They also do Karaoke on Thursdays, and have other events through the week- when are you arriving? We'll find out where the party is New Year's Eve- we'll likely host an earlier party and then move on to Rubi's but we'll let you know whssup.
RE: Snorkelling- Mark and I love it- and have a few spots nearby to go to- also there are a few great tours that we can turn you on to.
RE: CC charges: it is not unusual for a shop to charge at least 8-11% extra for using a Credit Card because banking fees are so high- best to take cash advances or use bank cards in town and shop/pay with CASH- money talks, baby!
Copper has been a great help with your questions as well- it's great to feed off people that live here and have been here.
Any more, fire away, darlin'!
Colleen
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anng3
Real Newbie
Posts: 7
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Post by anng3 on Dec 12, 2006 16:37:35 GMT -4
Colleen,
Thanks for the advice. What do you mean by a bank card? Do you mean an ATM card or a credit card? Does anywhere take travelers checks? We are coming on Dec 17 for 3 weeks and don't want to be carrying a lot of cash. For example, there's supposed to be a market near the Palms and was told they take credit cards. How much do you think they would tack on?
Looking forward to meeting you. I'll be the one carrying the Jack Daniels napkins (and coasters if I can find them).
Thanks,
Ann
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Post by Sosua Gal on Dec 12, 2006 21:05:50 GMT -4
Hi Ann- bank card is ATM OR Credit Card that you have a pin number for and can draw out of your account or do cash advances on, in the case of a Credit Card.
I believe that you mean the Large Supermarket Playero, and they do take credit cards. I do not think they add anything on to use, but I cannot be positive- I have seen many people using them for purchases there. Also you can get cash advances for no fee at the Banco Popular with your passport.
See you soon!!!!!
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