You could also mention Casa de Conductor. It is an extra insurance .From what I understand, if there is an accident and some one is injured ,everyone goes to jail until the police investigate. If you have Casa de Conductor, they will take you to a hotel instead of jail.
Thanks for the info. Google maps works great but you have to download the map in order to use it. Then it will be stored in your offline maps then you can use it without data.
When I have rented a vehicle in Santo Domingo over the past 2 years from major car rents companies, they have required me to purchase the Liability insurance everytime. They will not rent without it.
you know it's cheaper to just get a personal driver, for the time your there.....i used to rent SUV's at the airport (spending thousand's) until on one of my trip's i got into a conversation with one of the taxi's that hang out near the entrance to the airport (Las America's) he ended up being my personal driver the whole time i was there (21 day's) he took me to all the spot's in santo domingo and would wait on me or come at a set time to pick me up .....i have used him on my following trips and its the best choice, for me......and it cost me less then half, what i used to spend on the rentals.....
That would definitely be ideal if you stay put (not going to other cities), however, the video it’s for those who wish to rent cars, hence the title. I’ll make a video on cheap transportation alternatives while in DR.
Really never hurts to be over insured. I was on a bus excursion from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata. The streets were narrow and the bus was driver was negotiating his way through a very narrow street with cars parked along the side, he sideswiped a parked car and kept on going. When we stopped some of us had a look the bus and it showed no damage....but the car? I think it lost at least a mirror and at least received some scratches. So if the parked car was a rental car I hope it had lots of insurance!
Sounds like an horror story to me. Of course, there are always risks involved if you don’t get insurance. A lot has to do with where you’re going and where you park the car.
We're looking to move to the DR. Two questions: Is it worth it to rent a car to get around if staying at an all inclusive. We think it may be better for exploring and to and from the airport. 2) What are good areas for ex pats to look in to buy in Punta Cana?
Hello and thanks for your support and question. If staying at an all-inclusive, more than likely you'll stay there so in that case I don't recommend renting a car. It's just going to stayed parked at the resort...unless you have plans to go somewhere then feel free to rent a car. Hav you seen my video on transportation alternatives when in DR? ua-cam.com/video/R1bBHRGlZ2g/v-deo.htmlsi=o71bytUuCxIpEb_H To answer your second question, I am going to recommend that you look into buying from Grupo Punta Cana (www.grupopuntacana.com.do/es/). I am not promoting them but you have to find someone who's legit to buy from. Start there and best wishes.
Thank you for this video. We are first doing a stop at Santo Domingo for the 1st half of our trip with our two boys and husband. Husband wants to rent a car to travel to Santiago for a day. My biggest concern is personal safety and the GPS issue. I did download the map of that area through Google maps so I can use even when not online. Can you offer other suggestions for us? Thank you. We're planning to travel light. No jewelry nothing that looks too expensive and traveling with pesos instead of dollars. Where do people park and how does that work in Santo Domingo. Do you have to pay to park in street? Parking meters?
Hi Paola and thank you for your support. Regarding personal safety, I would just avoid traveling at night. Fortunately, the road from Santo Domingo to Santiago is well travelled and is busy, and that’s a good thing. I would also advise to get a SIM card just in case in order for you to be at east with the GPS. Regarding parking, no parking meters, no parking police trying to give you a ticket…none of that. Obviously you’re not going to block traffic, or park anywhere that is obviously a bad place to park, etc. you get my drift. It is relatively safe, especially if you’re traveling on a busy road. The only I would advise is to get insurance to cover the car in case of an accident (and if you’re not used to driving there) because people can drive a little crazy there. Best of luck and have a great trip.
Extra cost? Best I can tell you is to find out what coverage you need/don’t need and the agency you’re renting from so that you’re familiar with their policy. Usually you’ll find coverage through a credit card’s benefit but only to cover the vehicle. Liability is separate.
@@TheSoloTraveler I had problems using that in the DR what should i do. Even if it only covers liability what should i do and is the gasolina always included in rental charges ?
We were charged $300 for insurance. We were charged $250 deposit. We have never gotten a single dollar back. Too bad because of this we will never return to the Dominican Republic.
Hi Solo Traveler! Thanks for your video. I was wondering do you know any good reputable companies to use that won’t add extra fees on top of what was paid in the agreement? (This is not including the security deposit and gas charge) is it good to pick up a car from the airport? What’s the most cost effective site? Thanks!
Hi Hirrah, and thanks for watching. It depends what fees you’re referring to. For example, if you refer to fees such as “concession” or airport fees, that’s unavoidable, since it’s charged with every car at the airport. If by any chance you book online and upon picking up you see a different bs fee, don’t be afraid to go somewhere else. That’s why I recommended on this video to rent with multiple companies so you have the leverage and option to go somewhere else. As far as companies, I like EuropCar, and Avis.
I would definitely not rent a vehicle without the liability insurance in the D.R. You give great tips, and info on the renting of a vehicle there. 👍🏾👍🏾👏🏽
Hi solo traveler divided my stay in PC in two different resorts Riu Republic first then Melia Punta Cana , I would like to do to ISLA SAONA after checking out from one hotel before checking in into the next. I can't take a private tour because the would pick me out in one hotel but they would have to drop me off in my next hotel and I am afraid that might confuse them. Do you recommend me to take a Bus or Guagua from PC to Bayahibe , wondering how expensive can be a Taxi or Uber if the driving time is about 1 hour , , renting a car to go to Bayahibe and leaving it parked for the whole excursion in Isla saona seems also like a waste of money. any advice ?
Luis, thanks for watching and for your support. Let’s do some math…renting a car vs Uber vs hiring a driver vs public transportation. Look at the Uber app first and see how much they’ll charge, then compare to renting a car (which is usually more expensive), then see if you know someone over there that can refer you to a driver and they’ll work with you. Uber will range about $40-$60 for that distance (depending on traffic) but definitely the cheaper option is public transportation (guagua). So with that being said, I’ll consider Uber and public transportation as my top choices. Have a good time.
@@TheSoloTraveler Thank you solo traveler , I might consider the guagua , because if I have to pay 60 for uber one way , roundtrip would be $120 , and thats the price you pay for the tour that includes transportation when they pick you up at the hotel . My best bet will be serving the tour and they will pick me up at the hotel
Hi iam going to Santo Domingo and from there I go pick up my friend from la romana and from there to punta Cana Question should I rent a car or get a Taxy ? I don’t like Taxy cause of how high they charge Will Uber take me from Santo Domingo to punta Cana ?
Hi and thanks for watching. What I’ll do is rent a car IF you’re heading straight to La Romana as soon as you arrive in Santo Domingo, picking up your friend in La Romana and immediately heading straight to PC then I’ll rent a car. Other than that, then yes, an Uber driver will take you anywhere although it could be more expensive but worth it if it’s your first time in the country, you don’t speak the language (in case of an emergency and you have to deal with the authorities) and you’ve never driven in DR. If you’re willing to rent a car, at least make sure you get full coverage (crazy driving in Santo Domingo), and you have cell phone service. As a tip, consult with your credit card company to see what coverage they offer.
Great tip sir, I’m planing to Visit Santo Domingo for the first time in January. My questioning: is it a visible to book my ticket and the car rental together? Because I saw an option where I can book my flight ticket, hotel and car rental together?
Hey Solo Traveler, thanks so much for the informative video! Wanted to ask - is it possible to change the dates after reservation or even during your rental? If your flight or plans change for example and you want to return the car earlier or prolong the rental?
Thanks for your support. In some cases, yes, you’re able to change the dates after the reservation depending who you book with. In most cases, you make a reservation online and they don’t charge you anything until after you return the car. For example, if you book let’s say with Expedia, you’re just making the reservation with no strings attached. In most cases you don’t pay anything, they don’t even ask for credit card info, and you just go pick up the car once you arrive. Once you’re there, and to be sure, ask at the counter about date changes or extensions. In some cases, if you book with a big company (like Budget for example), you can call customer service from anywhere and inquire before you arrive. Have a great trip.
Thanks for sharing your tips. I don't speak spanish and want to travel solo. Is it a good idea for me to rent a car? Is there a different way of traveling around without the hassle and stress ?
Hi and thanks for watching. If you don’t want to rent a car, Uber is pretty cheap over there. Is what I use whenever I visit and I don’t rent a car. Is it a good idea to rent a car? That depends. If you’re going to a resort, then don’t bother renting because more than likely you won’t need it if you’re planning to just stay in one place or town. BUT...if you don’t speak the language, traveling solo, and if by any chance it’s your fist time going...then stay away from driving.
Great information. I did almost everything you said when I went to Cancun except recording the vehicle inspection. I took pictures instead. I got a question if you don't mind. Is better to rent a car in Punta Cana or use taxi? I plan to stay few days in Punta Cana and the rest in La Romana
Thanks for your support and for watching. Whether to rent a car or not, in Punta Cana specifically, it all depends on where you want to go. For example, most people that go to PC stay in their resorts and if they go out, it’s either on a tour (in which case they pick you up) or to walk around for a day (mind you, PC it’s not that big)...in that case you don’t need a car. Most hotels have shuttles to/from the airport also. If you’re going to PC and then you plan to go to a different beach/city on multiple occasions, then yes, rent a car. Other than that, you’ll end up renting a car just to park it at the resort. I hope I helped answer your question. Feel free to ask anything. Have a great trip and the time of your life...you deserve it.
@@TheSoloTraveler First off, thanks for taking time to reply me. My reason for wanting to rent a car is because we are 3 in my party and some shuttles charge per person. Secondly. We want to spend some nights in La Romana. So I'm trying to calculate how much the taxi will cost from airport to PC, then from PC to La Romana, and finally from La Romana to the airport for 3 people? Or will it be better to just rent a car from the airport on arrival and return it on departure? You think the taxi or shuttle will cost up to $300 for the drops?
@@morgee1040 you’re welcome! In that case, better to go with a rental. It will probably be cheaper but there’s nothing like having flexibility and options as to when to come and go from any place. PC to La Romana it’s about an hour ride so just thinking of the round trip, being in a touristic destination...it could get expensive. With a rental you can check out Bayahibe while you’re at it. Go to Altos de Chavon in La Romana as well. With some wheels, you got options.
The Dominican Republic has the best Economy in the Caribbean and Central America , along with one of the safest in the whole Americas , I would definitely invest and re invest in the Dr it’s perfect timing!
@@richardpaquet8703 I rented a SUV in the Airport and it was the best decision easy pickup and dropped off. The prices $45 day and car insurance included. Good service too. POP Airport.
Good luck trying to rent without buying their minimum liability insurance.. They'll refuse to rent you their vehicle. The DR is all about charging the "GRINGO PRICE" you're gonna encounter that your entire trip. SMH 🤦🏿♂️
You could also mention Casa de Conductor. It is an extra insurance .From what I understand, if there is an accident and some one is injured ,everyone goes to jail until the police investigate. If you have Casa de Conductor, they will take you to a hotel instead of jail.
Thanks for the info. Google maps works great but you have to download the map in order to use it. Then it will be stored in your offline maps then you can use it without data.
When I have rented a vehicle in Santo Domingo over the past 2 years from major car rents companies, they have required me to purchase the Liability insurance everytime. They will not rent without it.
Thanks for tips but it sounds like it's not worth the hassle.. Again thank you for sharing 🙏🏽
you know it's cheaper to just get a personal driver, for the time your there.....i used to rent SUV's at the airport (spending thousand's) until on one of my trip's i got into a conversation with one of the taxi's that hang out near the entrance to the airport (Las America's) he ended up being my personal driver the whole time i was there (21 day's) he took me to all the spot's in santo domingo and would wait on me or come at a set time to pick me up .....i have used him on my following trips and its the best choice, for me......and it cost me less then half, what i used to spend on the rentals.....
That would definitely be ideal if you stay put (not going to other cities), however, the video it’s for those who wish to rent cars, hence the title. I’ll make a video on cheap transportation alternatives while in DR.
Hey, I’m going to the dr in a couple of days and wouldn’t mind having a driver. Would you be able to give me his contact?
Would love a personal driver information as well . Please and Ty
Hey brother do you still have his contact number? I need to take a family trip from santiago to Puerto Plata
Hey, could someone please send me the contact number of the driver? 🙏🏼
Pure GOLD 💯💪🏾
Really never hurts to be over insured. I was on a bus excursion from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata. The streets were narrow and the bus was driver was negotiating his way through a very narrow street with cars parked along the side, he sideswiped a parked car and kept on going. When we stopped some of us had a look the bus and it showed no damage....but the car? I think it lost at least a mirror and at least received some scratches. So if the parked car was a rental car I hope it had lots of insurance!
Sounds like an horror story to me. Of course, there are always risks involved if you don’t get insurance. A lot has to do with where you’re going and where you park the car.
Thanks!
Awesome video
We're looking to move to the DR. Two questions:
Is it worth it to rent a car to get around if staying at an all inclusive. We think it may be better for exploring and to and from the airport.
2) What are good areas for ex pats to look in to buy in Punta Cana?
Hello and thanks for your support and question. If staying at an all-inclusive, more than likely you'll stay there so in that case I don't recommend renting a car. It's just going to stayed parked at the resort...unless you have plans to go somewhere then feel free to rent a car. Hav you seen my video on transportation alternatives when in DR? ua-cam.com/video/R1bBHRGlZ2g/v-deo.htmlsi=o71bytUuCxIpEb_H
To answer your second question, I am going to recommend that you look into buying from Grupo Punta Cana (www.grupopuntacana.com.do/es/). I am not promoting them but you have to find someone who's legit to buy from. Start there and best wishes.
Thanks very helpful tips
Absolutely
Very detailed information good
lets go cuz dr i cant wait to go maybe may im out there
Going on the 23rd
thanks for the tips very helpful
Thank you for you información papa 😀😀
When we go there my dad rents a car from one of his friends so yeah!, Im going in december but this time i think he is gonna buy a car!!
Thank you for this video. We are first doing a stop at Santo Domingo for the 1st half of our trip with our two boys and husband. Husband wants to rent a car to travel to Santiago for a day. My biggest concern is personal safety and the GPS issue. I did download the map of that area through Google maps so I can use even when not online. Can you offer other suggestions for us? Thank you. We're planning to travel light. No jewelry nothing that looks too expensive and traveling with pesos instead of dollars. Where do people park and how does that work in Santo Domingo. Do you have to pay to park in street? Parking meters?
Hi Paola and thank you for your support. Regarding personal safety, I would just avoid traveling at night. Fortunately, the road from Santo Domingo to Santiago is well travelled and is busy, and that’s a good thing. I would also advise to get a SIM card just in case in order for you to be at east with the GPS. Regarding parking, no parking meters, no parking police trying to give you a ticket…none of that. Obviously you’re not going to block traffic, or park anywhere that is obviously a bad place to park, etc. you get my drift. It is relatively safe, especially if you’re traveling on a busy road. The only I would advise is to get insurance to cover the car in case of an accident (and if you’re not used to driving there) because people can drive a little crazy there. Best of luck and have a great trip.
Hey solo traveler here. I need to know how do i get out of the extra cost for the inusurance and if i decide to get the liability.
Extra cost? Best I can tell you is to find out what coverage you need/don’t need and the agency you’re renting from so that you’re familiar with their policy. Usually you’ll find coverage through a credit card’s benefit but only to cover the vehicle. Liability is separate.
@@TheSoloTraveler I had problems using that in the DR what should i do. Even if it only covers liability what should i do and is the gasolina always included in rental charges ?
Hi. Love the information. Thanks for sharing. One question about SIM cards. As an American on vacation, how can I purchase a SIM card in DR?
Thanks for your support. Of course you can.
We were charged $300 for insurance. We were charged $250 deposit. We have never gotten a single dollar back. Too bad because of this we will never return to the Dominican Republic.
Ralph, how long ago was this?
@@TheSoloTraveler 4 weeks
@@ralphtaylor787 and they haven’t released the security deposit?
@@TheSoloTraveler no, they haven’t. I’ve filed a claim with my bank last week, but haven’t heard anything.
Hi Solo Traveler! Thanks for your video. I was wondering do you know any good reputable companies to use that won’t add extra fees on top of what was paid in the agreement? (This is not including the security deposit and gas charge) is it good to pick up a car from the airport? What’s the most cost effective site? Thanks!
Hi Hirrah, and thanks for watching. It depends what fees you’re referring to. For example, if you refer to fees such as “concession” or airport fees, that’s unavoidable, since it’s charged with every car at the airport. If by any chance you book online and upon picking up you see a different bs fee, don’t be afraid to go somewhere else. That’s why I recommended on this video to rent with multiple companies so you have the leverage and option to go somewhere else. As far as companies, I like EuropCar, and Avis.
I would definitely not rent a vehicle without the liability insurance in the D.R. You give great tips, and info on the renting of a vehicle there. 👍🏾👍🏾👏🏽
Thanks so much for the video
You’re welcome and thanks for your support. I hope it helps.
Hi solo traveler divided my stay in PC in two different resorts Riu Republic first then Melia Punta Cana , I would like to do to ISLA SAONA after checking out from one hotel before checking in into the next. I can't take a private tour because the would pick me out in one hotel but they would have to drop me off in my next hotel and I am afraid that might confuse them. Do you recommend me to take a Bus or Guagua from PC to Bayahibe , wondering how expensive can be a Taxi or Uber if the driving time is about 1 hour , , renting a car to go to Bayahibe and leaving it parked for the whole excursion in Isla saona seems also like a waste of money. any advice ?
Luis, thanks for watching and for your support. Let’s do some math…renting a car vs Uber vs hiring a driver vs public transportation. Look at the Uber app first and see how much they’ll charge, then compare to renting a car (which is usually more expensive), then see if you know someone over there that can refer you to a driver and they’ll work with you. Uber will range about $40-$60 for that distance (depending on traffic) but definitely the cheaper option is public transportation (guagua). So with that being said, I’ll consider Uber and public transportation as my top choices. Have a good time.
@@TheSoloTraveler Thank you solo traveler , I might consider the guagua , because if I have to pay 60 for uber one way , roundtrip would be $120 , and thats the price you pay for the tour that includes transportation when they pick you up at the hotel . My best bet will be serving the tour and they will pick me up at the hotel
Where are you from? Good idea.
Hi iam going to Santo Domingo and from there I go pick up my friend from la romana and from there to punta Cana
Question should I rent a car or get a Taxy ?
I don’t like Taxy cause of how high they charge
Will Uber take me from Santo Domingo to punta Cana ?
Hi and thanks for watching. What I’ll do is rent a car IF you’re heading straight to La Romana as soon as you arrive in Santo Domingo, picking up your friend in La Romana and immediately heading straight to PC then I’ll rent a car. Other than that, then yes, an Uber driver will take you anywhere although it could be more expensive but worth it if it’s your first time in the country, you don’t speak the language (in case of an emergency and you have to deal with the authorities) and you’ve never driven in DR. If you’re willing to rent a car, at least make sure you get full coverage (crazy driving in Santo Domingo), and you have cell phone service. As a tip, consult with your credit card company to see what coverage they offer.
Great tip sir, I’m planing to Visit Santo Domingo for the first time in January. My questioning: is it a visible to book my ticket and the car rental together? Because I saw an option where I can book my flight ticket, hotel and car rental together?
Great info sir
Do you have a good personal drive. Please and thank you
You mean if I have a good personal driver?
Hey Solo Traveler, thanks so much for the informative video!
Wanted to ask - is it possible to change the dates after reservation or even during your rental? If your flight or plans change for example and you want to return the car earlier or prolong the rental?
Thanks for your support. In some cases, yes, you’re able to change the dates after the reservation depending who you book with. In most cases, you make a reservation online and they don’t charge you anything until after you return the car. For example, if you book let’s say with Expedia, you’re just making the reservation with no strings attached. In most cases you don’t pay anything, they don’t even ask for credit card info, and you just go pick up the car once you arrive. Once you’re there, and to be sure, ask at the counter about date changes or extensions. In some cases, if you book with a big company (like Budget for example), you can call customer service from anywhere and inquire before you arrive. Have a great trip.
Good info..thx !
No problem
Good to know 👍
Thanks for sharing your tips. I don't speak spanish and want to travel solo. Is it a good idea for me to rent a car? Is there a different way of traveling around without the hassle and stress ?
Hi and thanks for watching. If you don’t want to rent a car, Uber is pretty cheap over there. Is what I use whenever I visit and I don’t rent a car. Is it a good idea to rent a car? That depends. If you’re going to a resort, then don’t bother renting because more than likely you won’t need it if you’re planning to just stay in one place or town. BUT...if you don’t speak the language, traveling solo, and if by any chance it’s your fist time going...then stay away from driving.
ua-cam.com/video/RkQfYi5TIAM/v-deo.html
wwatch this video in samana he rent a car
Gracias Bro.
Voy RD pa septiembre y me qusto
Great information. I did almost everything you said when I went to Cancun except recording the vehicle inspection. I took pictures instead. I got a question if you don't mind. Is better to rent a car in Punta Cana or use taxi? I plan to stay few days in Punta Cana and the rest in La Romana
Thanks for your support and for watching. Whether to rent a car or not, in Punta Cana specifically, it all depends on where you want to go. For example, most people that go to PC stay in their resorts and if they go out, it’s either on a tour (in which case they pick you up) or to walk around for a day (mind you, PC it’s not that big)...in that case you don’t need a car. Most hotels have shuttles to/from the airport also. If you’re going to PC and then you plan to go to a different beach/city on multiple occasions, then yes, rent a car. Other than that, you’ll end up renting a car just to park it at the resort. I hope I helped answer your question. Feel free to ask anything. Have a great trip and the time of your life...you deserve it.
@@TheSoloTraveler First off, thanks for taking time to reply me. My reason for wanting to rent a car is because we are 3 in my party and some shuttles charge per person. Secondly. We want to spend some nights in La Romana. So I'm trying to calculate how much the taxi will cost from airport to PC, then from PC to La Romana, and finally from La Romana to the airport for 3 people? Or will it be better to just rent a car from the airport on arrival and return it on departure? You think the taxi or shuttle will cost up to $300 for the drops?
@@morgee1040 you’re welcome! In that case, better to go with a rental. It will probably be cheaper but there’s nothing like having flexibility and options as to when to come and go from any place. PC to La Romana it’s about an hour ride so just thinking of the round trip, being in a touristic destination...it could get expensive. With a rental you can check out Bayahibe while you’re at it. Go to Altos de Chavon in La Romana as well. With some wheels, you got options.
@@TheSoloTraveler Thanks alot.
The Dominican Republic has the best Economy in the Caribbean and Central America , along with one of the safest in the whole Americas , I would definitely invest and re invest in the Dr it’s perfect timing!
Costa Rica and Panama have better economies
the Dominican Republic has the fastest-growing economy in the Caribbean and South America. The Bahamas has the best economy.
Dont rent at the airport
Why not?
@@richardpaquet8703 I rented a SUV in the Airport and it was the best decision easy pickup and dropped off. The prices $45 day and car insurance included. Good service too. POP Airport.
@@derrickrandall4017 which company did you use? if you can remember. Thanks
Good luck trying to rent without buying their minimum liability insurance.. They'll refuse to rent you their vehicle. The DR is all about charging the "GRINGO PRICE" you're gonna encounter that your entire trip. SMH 🤦🏿♂️
Good information appreciate you!