Dominican Republic: By Car

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By Car

Driving in the D.R. can be a harrowing and expensive experience; we don't recommend that the typical vacationer rent a car. Many Dominicans drive recklessly and their cars are often in bad shape (missing headlights, tail lights). It's best if you don't drive outside the major cities at night. If you must, use extreme caution, especially on narrow, unlighted mountain roads. Watch out for pedestrians, bicycles, motorbikes (some without headlights), and the occasional stray cow, goat, or horse.

Obtain a good road map from your rental agency, and consult the agent there or your hotel concierge about routes. Although some roads are still full of potholes, the route between Santo Domingo and Santiago is a four-lane divided highway, and the road between Santiago and Puerto Plata is a smooth blacktop. The highway from Casa de Campo to Punta Cana is also a fairly smooth ride. Surprisingly, many of the scenic secondary roads, such as the "high road" between Playa Dorada and Santiago, are in good shape. Driving is on the right. The 80-kph (50-mph) speed limit is enforced: there's even radar in areas like Punta Cana.

Fill up -- and watch -- the gas tank; stations are few and far between in rural areas. Prices are high by U.S. standards, nearly $4 a gallon. Make certain that attendants don't reach for the super pump. You don't need to be putting that expensive liquid in a rental car. Also, watch as the attendant starts the pump to see that it reads 000; when he is finished make certain it says the amount you have paid for.

Most major companies have outlets at Las Américas Airport outside Santo Domingo and at Gregorio Luperon International Airport in Puerto Plata, the airports of choice for most independent travelers who are likely to rent cars. In season you can expect to pay $83 for an automatic with insurance, from a major like Budget. If you can, pipe into a corporate rate, book in advance online, or take advantage of a hotel discount; for example, in Santo Domingo the Sofitel hotels have a contract with Europocar that shaves about $20 off the rate. Also, inquire if they have any cars that take diesel fuel, which is about RD$20 (70¢) less a gallon. If you want to rent a car for a day, you can often do so at a car-rental desk at your resort and have it delivered.

Major Agencies

Avis (Las Américas Airport. 809/549-0468. Gregorio Luperon International Airport, Puerto Plata. 809/586-0214. Castillo Marquez, corner Duarte, La Romana. 809/550-0600). Budget (Las Américas Airport. 809/549-0351. Gregorio Luperon International Airport, Puerto Plata. 809/586-0413). Europcar (Las Américas Airport. 809/549-0942. Gregorio Luperon International Airport, Puerto Plata. 809/586-7979. Punta Cana International Airport, Bavaro, Punta Cana. 809/686-2861). Hertz (Las Américas Airport. 809/549-0454. Puerto Plata. 809/586-0200).

Local Agencies

MC Auto Rental Car (Las Américas Airport. 809/549-8911. www.mccarrental.com). McBeal (Santo Domingo. 809/688-6518). Nelly Rent-a-Car (Las Américas Airport. 809/530-0036; 800/526-6684 in U.S.)