Category Archives for While In Town

Things to Do In Sosua

Sosúa is small but VERY lively! There is always something to do (if you know where to look). There is something for everyone regardless of what you are into.

If you are not sure where to start or who to contact for ANY tours below, then I recommend my guy Elvis Tours! He will take great care of you and pretty much anything you need, as well as answer all your questions: 1(809)838-9165 / 829-799-3532, you can pre-book your tour in advance by Facebook, add or send him a message: https://www.facebook.com/elvistoursgranventana or WhatsApp.

TOURS IN AND AROUND SOSÚA

  • Jeep, ATV & Off-Road Tours
  • Fishing Charters & Tours
  • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Boat Tours
  • City Tours
  • 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour
  • And much, much more.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

  • Sosúa Beach
  • Coral Reef Casino
  • Sosúa Deep Sea Fishing
  • Scuba & Snorkeling
  • Museum of Jewish Heritage
  • Mundo King Art Museum
  • Bars & Clubs
  • Tip Top Catamaran
  • And much, much more.

Learn Some Spanish

Okay, ladies and gentlemen, I know some of you do not care to learn since you are only going there to have fun for a short while, but Spanish is worth learning, seriously.

There are simply way too many benefits to learn the language. At least learn the basics, the day to day words that people use to communicate, some of which I will include in the dictionaries below.

SOME BENEFITS FOR LEARNING SPANISH

  1. You are progressing as a human being, learning something new. You will become better diverse and well-rounded as a person.
  2. Spanish is one of the most popular and well-respected languages in the world, only behind English and French.
  3. Everything is cheaper! Seriously. No more getting hustled or paying gringo/foreigner prices by the locals.
  4. No language barrier – this is a big one guys… we all know how ANNOYING it can be only relying on Google Translate and other similar Apps which don’t always translate probably leading to miscommunication, fights and unnecessary drama and embarrassment.

HOW HAVE I LEARNED WHAT I KNOW?

I am not a fluent Spanish speaker myself, but I have learned a lot now. I have spent a lot of time in the Dominican Republic and have spent months learning on my own via the Duolingo App (available on both Android and the iPhone (IOS) devices), YouTube, books and Netflix shows/movies.

Do Not Drink Tap Water

This will be short and sweet… but deserves its own page due to its importance. Whenever you are in Sosúa or the Dominican Republic, do NOT… I repeat do NOT drink the tap water. It is almost certainly going to make you sick if you drink it, so always… ALWAYS drink bottled water. Bottled is cheap and is sold everywhere.

Only Use TAP water for the following:

  • Washing your hands.
  • Washing dishes.
  • Showering/bathing.
  • Brushing your teeth (but I still recommend bottled water for this).

Is Sosúa Safe?

People ask this question all the time. Well, I am happy to answer this question here and now with a resounding yes! Obviously, it is safer during the day than at night (same is true for anywhere in the world), but yes Sosúa is safe. Like anywhere in the world, just exercise caution, and even more so in different countries for obvious reasons – you don’t live there!

Do not let the resorts and hotels hold you hostage. Get out there and walk around… there is the National Policia patrolling the streets of downtown Sosúa constantly, even at night.

Just listen to your intuition, be smart, be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine.

Now… the only destinations you need to worry about is the urban areas or suburbs of Sosúa where it’s mostly locals or a lack of a police presence. There it is better to go if you are either fluent in Spanish or have a trusted local Dominican friend with you.

Moving Around In Sosua

Unless you own or rent a car, the best way to move around is either by Motochancho (Motor Bike) or Taxi. But even though Sosúa may look big on maps and images, it’s still small enough to walk almost everywhere on foot, especially when you get downtown. But you should know… Sosúa’s streets are busy, fast-paced and kind of crazy. There are only about 2 traffic lights in the entire town.

I personally would not recommend you drive or own your very own Motor Bike.

MOTOCONCHO/MOTO BIKES

But for your inconvenience, if you don’t feel like walking, just jump on a motorbike or better known as a “Motoconcho”. They literally all over the place, looking for customers. But beware… even though they are the most convenient way of getting around in Sosúa, it is easy to get into accidents. Anywhere in the tourist areas of Sosúa, a ride costs 50 pesos (about $1 USD) during the day and 100 pesos at night, do NOT pay more than this unless you want to tip.

If you are going to other towns or suburbs, then it’s cost you slightly more, but no more than 400 pesos.

TAXI

But if moto-bikes are not your cup of tea… then you can always take a taxi.

Again, they are literally all over downtown and costs no more than 600 pesos (about $12 USD) for a round trip. There is a taxi stand on Pedro Clisante, main downtown core, across the Premium Disco Bar & Cafe.

Renting a car: you can also rent a car if you are tired of calling taxi drivers but beware of driving in Sosúa. Because of your gringo/foreigner status, it is almost always your fault even though you were clearly not at fault in the case of an accident. Just walk around downtown and you will find several places renting cars or selling. Bring a Dominican friend if you don’t speak Spanish for better rates.

Renting a motorbike: you can also buy or rent/lease a moto-bike at several places in Sosúa. To buy – prices range from anyway from 4000 all the way to 60,000+ pesos. The cool and new ones of course will cost you more. But if you want to buy something inexpensive, just buy a USED one… but make sure it works. You do not need a license to operate a motorbike in Sosúa.

Pappaterra – Rent bikes, buy furniture, dishwasher, microwaves, and many other appliances.

  • Address: Sosúa 57000, Dominican Republic
  • Phone: +1809-571-1378

Places to Stay In Sosua

I personally don’t do hotels or resorts (I prefer Airbnb, click here for more info) but for hotel and resort lovers… here are some options and recommendations for you in no order. I should also note that most hotels in Sosúa are 3 stars hotels.

ANHVEE SPORTS & RESORTS

  • Address: Calle Pedro Clisante, Sosúa 57000, Dominican Republic
  • Website:http://www.ahnveeresort.com
  • Phone: 809-571-2826
  • Email: info@ahnveeresort.com

CASA VEINTIUNO BOUTIQUE HOTEL RESTAURANT

NEW GARDEN HOTEL

  • Address: Hotel New Garden – C. Dr Rosen # 32, 57000 Sosúa, Dominican Republic
  • Website:http://hotelnewgarden.com
  • Phone: 809-571-1557
  • Email:garden@codetel.net.do

TERRA LINDA SPA & RESORT

  • Address: Calle Dr.Rosen, 26 – El Batey, Sosua, Dominican Republic
  • Website:http://www.terralindaresort.com
  • Email: info@terralindaresort.com
  • Phone: 809-571-2220

HOTEL PLAZA EUROPA

HOTEL DON ANDRES

CASA MARINA BEACH RESORT

HOTEL EL RANCHO

PIERGIO PALACE HOTEL

CASA VALERIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL

My Review of Residencial Casa Linda

For those of you who don’t want to stay at resorts, hotels or even Airbnb, then I have another suggestion for you… villas! You’ve got two great options: Residencial Casa Linda and Residencial Hispaniola. I have never stayed at Hispaniola, but I was blessed enough to spend 3 days at the Residencial Casa Linda. I could not believe how beautiful those villas were, it was an experience I will never forget! I was blown away.

The perfect solution for a group or a large family is a villa. For only $100 – $300+ a day, you can enjoy paradise like the rich and famous.

Honestly, it didn’t feel like I was in a third world country at all so for those of you who only think about beaches and poverty when you think of the Dominican Republic, think again! If you have money, not even a lot, but a nice steady income coming in, you can live like a king here.

Anyway… secluded about 15 minutes away by car from downtown Sosúa, this beautiful 24/7 security gated community is a tropical oasis full of gorgeous villas with swimming pools, maids, gardeners, etc. Just watch out for bugs, insects and spiders when it rains… they like to get into the house. But do not be alarmed, they are harmless – it’s the tropics after all. Click here to find beautiful villas on Airbnb.

Things to Expect In Sosua

As the saying goes “you don’t know what you don’t know”, so this section will prepare you on what to expect, especially if this is your first time in Sosúa.

Remember the Golden Rule: Learn the ART of saying no. ALWAYS say no… and if you have to say yes, only say yes to what you need/want. Don’t just say yes to everyone because you are “nice” or to please them.

AT THE BEACH (SOSÚA BEACH)

Being the biggest tourist attraction, expect to pay everything at “gringo prices”. Everything here costs more than elsewhere in town.

  • People trying to sell you stuff: “the hustle is real”, so whether you are just walking around or laying on the beach enjoying the view and sunshine, expect to be approached by someone selling something. Anything the locals; young and old – can think of, they will sell it to you, from sugar cane candies to phone covers (a guy sold me a phone cover – I said yes because I actually needed one. He sold me one for 200 pesos).
  • Massage, pedicures and manicures: “Mi amor… do you want a massage?” “Pedicure? Manicure?” You will see ladies, young and old walking the beach asking men if they want these services.
    Chicas/women: the shy and desperate approach men in broad daylight, exchange phone numbers and walk away, so expect this.
  • Old ladies And Young Boys Asking for money: expect this. Seems harmless, but 95% of the time… say no. You are on a public beach, where you are being watched by everyone… giving makes you a target for people to come and sell you stuff, the same people will also come back and keep asking for more and more. It gets annoying really quick.

DOWNTOWN SOSÚA – PEDRO CLISANTE

  • Chicas/women: during day time, you may be stopped or approached by them, but at night you WILL be approached, stopped, touched, grabbed, groped and even grinded on. You are literally a prey in Sosúa. There is no other way to put it. You are NOT the “hunter”, so if this is your first time there… it may be a culture shock – in a good way.
  • Motorists/Motochancho drivers: they are everywhere! Daily, you will be asked if you need a ride. Getting on a moto bike behind another man and being driven around is normal, and not weird at all, so don’t be freaked out by it.
  • Street Money sellers: when walking around town, expect some guy with a wad of cash to shout out at you asking if you need dinero. Avoid them, and only exchange money at established businesses like banks, and money exchange places with the words “Cambio”, they are all over town.
  • Random sellers: these are guys who sell Viagra, condoms, pills, drugs, and other random stuff. Say no gracias every time. If you need something like condoms, go to a pharmacy. I have listed a few locations in this report.

OTHER THINGS TO EXPECT

  • A chica might say She Is Hungry: decline and say you are not hungry, and that she will pay for her own meal if you go out. They think they are smart trying to get a free meal in addition to getting paid for her services. UNLESS you really want to get to know her, which would be unnecessary.
  • Mosquitoes: you are in the tropics, so expect a mosquito bite. These Mosquitoes are very clever, they usually go for the legs and feet, where you won’t notice them until it’s too late.
  • Homeless Dogs: they are not a lot of them roaming around town like I’ve seen in Eastern Europe. But expect to see them in town and on Sosúa beach. Most are harmless and hungry so do not be alarmed. But if you run into one that is barking at you, as with all dogs in such situations, avoid direct contact, show no feature and keep walking at a normal pace. Whatever you do, do not run, that’s a natural “trigger” for dogs to chase.

Last, but not least… expect the unexpected. You are in a foreign country, so be smart and vigilant. Exercise a high degree of caution.

Rules You Must Obey In Sosua

These are not really rules, but “guidelines”, so please read them carefully.

  1. You are in a different country – respect their rules, culture, customs and way of life. Do not compare where you come from and the Dominican Republic and think stuff like “this is not how it’s done in my country or so and so”. The Dominican Republic is a Spanish speaking country, so don’t expect people to talk to you in English, make the effort and communicate in Spanish. Refer to the Spanish chapter for the basics.
  2. No showing off – the Dominican Republic is indeed a third world country, thus there is a lot of corruption and high levels of unemployment. Furthermore, wages are very low compared to first-world nations. So please do not come to Sosúa flashing your nice clothes, jewellery, shoes, etc.
  3. Never carry more than 3000 pesos on you. God forbid the unthinkable happens… although unlikely, you never know, so in the event, you get robbed, make sure that you are not carrying a lot of cash on you. A good meal anywhere in Sosúa for 1 person is less than 1000 pesos, so you don’t need to walk around with a ton of cash on you, and whatever you do, don’t make it “rain” ever… whether you are in the club, bar, etc. Don’t do it.
  4. Everything is negotiable in the Dominican Republic, so negotiate EVERYTHING up front, especially when dealing with “chicas”, make sure you agree upon a price beforehand. If you must pay your way out of trouble, pay.
  5. Thou shall not do drugs of any kind or engage in shady activities… and please for the love of GOD stay away from trouble, this includes arguing with Police or getting into fights with the locals. It will not end well for you. It would be an utter nightmare.