Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
practical and certainly less comfortable than alternatives. By law, drivers are required to wear helmets
though it's generally ignored, as are any tickets issued.
Públicos
These are banged-up cars, minivans or small pickup trucks that pick up passengers along set routes, usually
main boulevards.
Públicos
(also called
conchos
or
carros
) don't have signs but the drivers hold their hands
out the window to solicit potential fares. They are also identifiable by the crush of people inside them - up
to seven in a midsize car! To flag one down simply hold out your hand - the fare is around RD$12. If there
is no one else in the car, be sure to tell the driver you want
servicio público
(public service) to avoid paying
private taxi rates.
Taxi
Dominican taxis rarely cruise for passengers - instead they wait at designated
sitios
(stops), which are loc-
ated at hotels, bus terminals, tourist areas and main public parks. You can also phone a taxi service (or ask
your hotel receptionist to call for you). Taxis do not have meters - agree on a price beforehand.