Included after each major port of call are some notes about what you can find onshore. In the larger towns, especially Santo Domingo, where there is one store of a particular type you will usually find many. Each type of business seems to huddle with others providing almost exactly the same product. One can find whole streets dedicated to batteries for instance. The smaller towns have less to offer in the way of goods and parts.

The quickest and most flexible public transportation around town is a ‘Moto Concho’. These are motorcycles which will take you and others, from place to place for about 20 to 40 pesos ($1.00 US+-). They are available on most street corners. The owners are quite informative and can usually help you get where you want to go.

Taxis also get the job done and in more comfort but cost more. Once in the company of your driver be specific about your needs. If you want a certain item replaced show the old one to the driver and explain you need to change it. Spanglish (English mixed with Spanish) and drawings work well.

At all times try and get a timeframe and a price for any work to be done. Most repair shops are willing to put this into writing. Often a deposit will be required to proceed with work to buy parts. It is always good to have the person date and sign quotations. It is usually best to call on businesses in person but where possible a telephone number is included with an indication of language spoken. Esp = Spanish, Eng = English. In many places German and French and Italian are also spoken.

If you do try to communicate in English speak clearly and keep things simple. Remember that it will always be more difficult to explain things over the phone than face to face.

A note about time:
Most repair or supply businesses start work about 8am with a two hour lunch between 12 midday and 2pm. Usually this lunchtime period is sacrosanct. Keep in mind, that while you may be told that the repair will be ready very soon; there are often delays due to electric outages, lack of parts and a large list of other factors that intervene.

ATM’s and banking:
Don’t expect every machine to be working all the time and remove your card, promptly. Be prepared to queue even at an ATM and avoid banks and machines around the first and the fifteenth of every month as this is pay-day and a very busy period. Most banks open at 8am and close at 1pm. However many open on a Saturday morning and some on Sundays; for example the one inside Jumbo in La Romana.
There is usually a numbered ticket queuing system, but don’t be surprised if someone cuts in front of you, this is normal at all businesses and stores. This should not be taken personally as it is not so intended; more just unconscious.

Internet:
Internet connections are available in most towns although the quality of the equipment and the speed varies. Most places will allow you to plug in your own computer, even if you have to ask to disconnect one of their machines to do so.
Remember the @ sign is achieved by holding down ‘alt’ and typing 64 on local computer keyboards.

Also, many of the newer marinas have WiFi available and some offer it for free.

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