Caribation

Too hot to walk five blocks? Take a Motoconcho, that is a backseat on a motocycle. Holiday is not there to sweat! Motoconcho is a very popular and inexpensive way of moving around in the Dominican Republic. The price will vary according to the distance - make sure you have agreed the fare before you jump on. The drivers wait on busy street corners all acroos the country.

In Cuba the same ride is simply called una moto. You can catch una moto in may cities (Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba), but not all. The price for a ride in Cuba is fixed for 10 CUC, peso convertible (about 50 cent in September 2009), but even then it is recommended to confirm with the driver "10 pesos, ok?"

One difference: in the Dominican Republic you ride without helmet (unless you carry your own around). In Cuba helmets are obligatory and are provided by the drivers. You can wave any driver who carries an extra helmet as on the picture below. A spare helmet on a handlebar means in most cases: I am for hire!