The Dominican Republic: From sleepy to chic

Having just returned from the Puerto Plata area on 9/7/06, I was able to see for myself what all the talk is about regarding the Dominican Republic. It is certainly ripe for development and investment, but unfortunately is still a little "rough around the edges" when it comes to everyday life in the outskirts of the city. The infrastructure is archaic at best, with open trenches for storm drains criss-crossing the very roughly paved streets. "Shanty Towns" dot the Northern coastline in each direction going away from downtown Puerto Plata, and decidedly 3rd World conditions prevail most everywhere except within the gated confines of the few large Resort areas within and near the City. Also, be prepared for a surprising lack of English-speaking natives in the shops and restaraunts outside of the Resort areas.

"Also, be prepared for a surprising lack of English-speaking natives in the shops and restaraunts outside of the Resort areas. "

Simply amazing! You are in a SPANISH SPEAKING COUNTRY!!! Why should they learn to speak your language? Do you know how to speak the language of every single person visiting the US?

I'm on vacation right now in the D.R.
True this place is ripe for development. There's quite a bit of poverty as well. Most people only speak spanish here. The people are very friendly tho. If one speaks english & spanish you can do well here.

From what I can gather from speaking with the natives the govt & police are very corrupt. That will hold back development. The electricity is a joke. It goes out everyday. The resorts and most modest houses have back up generators.

One thing to watch out for is the "tourists prices" in local stores. If you can find a store that has price tags on items.

How arrogant; lack of English speaking people, well Helloooo, anybody home? The DR is a Spanish Speaking country. Come to think of it, I went to China once, can you believe all people speak chinesse there? Incredible!!!!

Few resorts? The DR has more hotels and resorts than all the other islands combined

3rd world?; hey it’s a developing country.

There’s a lot to do in Puerto Plata (night clubs, casinos, and lots of parites going on Cavarette beach. I looks to me you went there with 400 dollars and a backpack.

I suggest you go to Punta Cana next time, yeah, bring some more money, a 30 dollar a night hotel is not way to do tourism.

May next time you should go to Afghanistan or Irak

dr is a shithole, just like haiti !

I only speak English & French, and I am from Canada. I went to Puerto Plata for a week and absolutely loved it! I don't mind that nobody speaks English. I'm currently studying spanish as well as latin dancing and am really excited to return to show off my newly acquired skills. I could totally live there. I'm not one for meat and much prefer the salad, the rice & beans. I loved all the natives I met and could actually communicate quite well with some of them since French and Spanish is so close. I love the culture, the dancing and the attitude.