Island Transportation

There are a variety of options for inter-city travel in addition to travel by car. Inter-city travel by tourists is safest on one of the more reputable tourist bus companies.

Local buses known as "Guaguas" and taxis also offer transportation but are not generally as safe.

Guagua

Public transportation within, and between towns and villages, is for the most part conducted in privately owned minivans, called Guaguas. They’re easy to recognize because they will sound their horn as they approach, and the driver’s assistant, the Cobrador (fare collector), is likely to be hanging out of the side door waving you in. This form of transport is quite cheap but the vehicles are not always in excellent condition. These minivans normally hold 12 passengers but occasionally they will carry up to 20 people, a chicken or two, and who knows what else! They stop anywhere and everywhere along the main road to drop off passengers and pick more up. Taking this kind of journey is always an adventure. The fare is not displayed so make sure you confirm the rate before you get in.

The fare anywhere on the main road from Cabarete to Sosua is RD$25, and to Puerto Plata is RD$40 to 50. Try to have the correct amount of Pesos as they (cobradores) are unlikely to have change.

Hotel taxis are also available from the larger hotels around the clock. Several drivers of these are bilingual and could double as a tour guide as they are experienced in assisting tourists. Dominican taxis do not use fare meters. Instead, there are flat rates for each destination. Always confirm the rate with the driver prior to departing; you may get him to put it into writing if there is a language problem, to avoid any misunderstanding. It is also a good idea to have small change available.

Caro Publicos

These are multi-passenger public cars that tend to have signs on the car roof indicating their route (for example, Puerto Plata).

They will honk as they approach you and you can let them know you’d like transport by waving them over.

They will fill their cars over capacity for example, 4 in the front and 4 in the back, and they charge per person.

If you desire to ride more comfortably, you can pay for two persons’ fare and try to get a seat to yourself.

Caro Publicos have fixed routes so you check that your destination is on their route before getting in.

Anywhere on the main road from Cabarete to Sosua is RD$25-30 (RD$50 after sunset). If you are going on to Puerto Plata, you'll have to change corro publicos in Sosua.

From Sosua to Puerto Plata it is another RD$35-50. Try to have the correct amount of Pesos as they are unlikely to have change.

Motoconchos

Motorcycle taxis are an inexpensive way to get to your destination fast, but they are also the most risky of transportation options.

This is a unique form of transport in the Dominican Republic.. These are rides on the back of privately owned motor bikes. You’ll have no problem recognizing them because they’re likely to recognize you first.

If you’re on the side of the road, they’ll hold up their hand and beep their horn as they approach you to give you a ride. These are quite popular for short trips, especially within Cabarete.

They will also go long distances but riding on a motor bike can be dangerous and nobody wears helmets here even though the law says you must.

Anywhere on the main road within Cabarete is RD$25 (double after sunset). Again try to have the correct amount of Pesos as they are unlikely to have change.

Prices for public transport – Guaguas, Caro Publicos and particularly Motoconchos, usually double at sunset (starting between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m.).

Metro and Caribe Tours

Bus Service Travel from the north (Sosua) to Santo Domingo and Santiago for roughly RD$320.00 to RD$350.00 (air conditioned) fares.

You can change buses to venture to other cities and towns from here. If you want advice on transport options to other parts of the country just ask as for information.

Car Rental

Major car rental companies have airport, hotel and city locations. Do not cut corners when choosing your rental car service. Also take out the extra insurance plan that is available.

If you suffer an accident that dents your car, for instance, the insurance will prevent delays or hassles. All you will have to do is visit the nearest police station and declare the accident.

To do so, have the other party accompany you, or just take his name, insurance company, license number, cedula (ID card) and car registration (license plate) number.

A valid driver's license and major credit card is required to rent a car for up to 90 days. You must be at least 21 years old.

Medical Care Conditions!

Medical care is surprisingly good in the Dominican Republic but limited outside the key cities and the quality of care varies among facilities.

Emergency treatment can be obtained in major towns whilst very specialised health care and treatment can be accessed to a high level in Santiago and Santo Domingo.

Most long-term residents conclude private health insurance, which is very economical, and allows access to most private and excelent clinics.

The Dominican Republic is becoming an increasingly popular destination for people seeking cosmetic surgery with the rates significantly lower than in other countries and the standards high, many of the surgeons having been trained in the United States.

A private nationwide ambulance service, "Movi-med," operates in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata and La Romana;

its telephone number in Santo Domingo 532-0000 and outside Santo Domingo 1-200-0911

“Movi-med” expects full payment at the time of transport.

In the Cabarete and Sosúa area there is a state of the art new clinic, Centro Medico Cabarete, which can handle emergencies and general care:

The Servi-Med centre in Cabarete can also help with emergency medical assistance and is available 24 hours a day.

In the Puerto Plata area, there is a well-equipped private clinic called "The Bournigal" which has an excellent reputation.

Emergency Contact Details for Medical Care in the Dominican Republic: Emergency Contact Details for Sosua / Cabarete (North Coast, Dominican Republic):

Centro Medico Cabarete - In Sosua (Emergency Hospital) - Tel: 809 571 4696 http://www.cabaretemedicalcenter.com/ Servi-Med - Tel: 1 809 571 2903

Emergency Contact Details for Puerto Plata (North Coast, Dominican Republic):

Centro Médico Bournigal, Antera Mota Street, Puerto Plata.Tel. 1 809 586 2342 or 1 809 586 4140

Email. info@bournigal-hospital.com Health Insurance for Medical Care in the Dominican Republic.

If you are visiting the island, then you may be covered by either your own national or any private insurance or some form of holiday insurance. By and large, the private system works well on the island.

You will be expected to pay a small percentage of most costs, up to 20%, but you must remember that the total cost is likely to be much less than you would expect to pay in the US or Europe.