Car Rental at Samana International Airport - El Catey (AZS)

Hi,

I'm heading to the Dominican Republic for 5 days in December. I arrive and depart from Samana Airport (AZS). I'm looking to rent a car, ideally right at the airport, but I don't see any options. Are there no rental agencies at Samana Airport? If not, do you know where I could rent a vehicle closest to the airport and how to get there?

Thanks in advance!

Have a great day, everyone

Hi there,

Check out this French TV show about driving in the Dominican Republic: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WDuF-dBTDaWtAFT3hNSinQx9Mok1vqEc/view

And, since everyone does what they want once they're well-informed, take a look here: https://aeropuertosamana.com/alquiler-de-vehiculos/

Best regards

Hi,

Obviously, it's not Norway. But I don’t have any memories of difficult driving in the Dominican Republic.

Reports usually go for the sensational.

Some websites do too.

There’s one called Dangerous Roads or something like that.

Well, they mustn’t have driven on an Italian highway because some of their suggestions are very quiet tracks. 😄

Hello,

The French TV segment I linked doesn’t sensationalize things—it matches what I see every time I travel to the DR (four times a year), and this starts the moment I leave the airport!

This is widely confirmed on the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, under the "Travel Advice" section, then "Safety": https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/information-par-pays/republique-dominicaine/conseils-aux-voyageurs-securite

Excerpts: "Transport-related risks Dominican roads are generally in good condition, but road safety is a major concern due to unpredictable behavior from drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Pedestrians crossing major roads and motorcyclists ignoring traffic rules cause many fatal accidents. It’s best to stay extra alert and avoid driving at night unless absolutely necessary. During the rainy season, roads become more hazardous due to water buildup. It’s recommended to keep vehicle doors and windows locked, even for short stops. Penalties are severe for drivers found responsible for accidents causing bodily harm, including possible imprisonment. In case of a serious accident in the Santo Domingo area, as well as in Cibao and the Northern Zone, call 911 immediately and head to the Casa de Conductores as soon as possible for accident-related formalities. There are two Casas de Conductores: one in Santo Domingo (193 Av. Bolívar – Tel.: +1 809 3812424) and another in Santiago (3 Calle 16 de Agosto – Tel.: +1 809 2414848). Roadside assistance is nearly nonexistent outside these areas." and: "General safety recommendations" Travelers are advised to stay extra vigilant during their stay and follow common-sense rules:

Avoid traveling alone at night in isolated areas or on beaches; Avoid driving at night outside cities unless absolutely necessary;"

It’s worth noting that getting around the country is easy using public transportation, which runs frequently from sunrise to sunset. The route map is essentially the country’s road map.

For most trips, you don’t need a schedule—even for long urban routes. And even for long-distance coach trips (which are very comfortable), schedules aren’t always necessary. A few examples: Santo Domingo - Puerto Plata: A departure every 30 minutes in each direction. Santo Domingo - La Romana: Every 20 minutes. Santo Domingo - Higüey: Every 20 minutes.

Best regards,

Hi there, You could say that driving in the Dominican Republic is neither more nor less dangerous than in many other countries around the world. When it comes to safety, whether you're traveling by private car or public transport, there isn’t much of a difference. The big difference in the DR is that in the event of a serious accident—whether you're at fault or not—you go straight to jail. And that detail makes you think twice.

Hello,

When it comes to safety, whether you're traveling by private car or public transport, there isn’t much difference. The big difference in the DR is that in case of a serious accident, whether you're at fault or not, you go straight to prison. And that detail makes you think.

Hello, In case of an accident, there’s a huge difference: if there’s trouble with the police or justice, it’s only for the driver, not at all for the passengers.

Moreover: - Public transport drivers know the roads perfectly. In particular, they know where manhole covers are missing (they’re stolen for scrap metal), even on main roads!!! Tourists driving rental cars risk hitting one...

Professional drivers know the spots where pedestrians often cross highways. - Dominicans are used to overtaking on both the right and left, and to motorcycles cutting in. Not so much for tourists... - If the light is green, we’re used to crossing without being too cautious. In the DR, you have to check if another road user is running the red light... - Let’s not even talk about right of way! At any rate, pedestrians don’t have priority. The priority goes to the most battered vehicle because it’s the one that fears collisions the least.

The big difference in the DR is that in case of a serious accident, whether you're at fault or not, you go straight to prison.

I confirm. Especially if there are bodily injuries.

And to conclude, it’s worth remembering that, given the above, depending on the year, the DR ranks 1st or 2nd among the most deadly countries in the world for road accidents.

Best regards,

What you're saying is true, but it applies to many "developing" countries. If we followed your advice, we'd only drive in very safe countries. By being careful, the risk of an accident is actually very low, but it's not completely zero. Don't forget that in France in 1972, there were 18,000 road deaths, and no one was scared. I drove in Venezuela, where the rules in case of an accident causing bodily harm are almost the same as in North Korea, with one difference (well, that's what I was told on the spot): only men are likely to be imprisoned until the investigation following the accident is completed. So, I was warned that in case of an accident, my wife absolutely had to take the wheel. 😉 The country I found really difficult for driving was Egypt, especially big cities like Cairo!