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Traveling to Dominican Republic with gear

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Christian Climer

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I'll be traveling to the DR out of Florida in April. Just wondering if anyone on here has any tips or advice when going to the Dominican with gear. Also, any restrictions or things I should know when bringing gear into the country.

For reference, I'll most likely be traveling with an URSA Mini 4.6, Cinema Primes, smaller gimbal w/ Sony A6500 and two smaller lenses, DJI Mavic, v mount batteries (all under 100wh so I'm good there), and other accessories like tripod and what not.


Any info would be super helpful! I've travelled internationally a bunch, so I'm looking for more specific to the Dominican Republic
 
Christian Climer said:
I'll be traveling to the DR out of Florida in April. Just wondering if anyone on here has any tips or advice when going to the Dominican with gear. Also, any restrictions or things I should know when bringing gear into the country.

For reference, I'll most likely be traveling with an URSA Mini 4.6, Cinema Primes, smaller gimbal w/ Sony A6500 and two smaller lenses, DJI Mavic, v mount batteries (all under 100wh so I'm good there), and other accessories like tripod and what not.


Any info would be super helpful! I've travelled internationally a bunch, so I'm looking for more specific to the Dominican Republic
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let us know how it goes.
Cabarete would be great place to do some sports filming if you find the trip hassle free regarding gear.
 
I'm not sure about DR, but most of the countries I travel to in Asia recognise Carnet. It's well worth it if you're going to do a lot of international travel with equipment.
 
^^What Tristan said, get the Carnet. They are worth every penny. I have filmed in the DR a few years ago and had a police escort the whole time. They country is, like any 3rd world country, poor and thieves are a plenty. Just be careful of holding out the camera and not paying attentions. The 4 guys stacked on a moped will not hesitate to try and snatch it.

That said, the country is simply beautiful and the people are wonderful, the culture rich and heart warming. Enjoy your time there, just be smart and you'll be fine...¡bien viaje!
 
Thanks for the advice guys. It seems like the DR is not one of the countries listed under the Carnet document though? Just don't want them holding up my gear at the airport :-/
 
I shot a Netflix film there last year and because we were bringing in so much different cameras and gear (as well as a Huey Helicopter!!!) and we had to ship all the gear at least a month in advance and then we didn't get it released once there until a day before shooting. I am sure there is a way to do it quicker.
PJGaffers is a rental house in Puerto Rico but also has gear in the DR and PJ (who is also a DP) would know everything there is to know.

They have a website. You can mention me, not that it will help.
 
I would be careful and do things the right way, a few years ago I had a quick last minute shoot in the DR, and I tried to get away with just bringing my kit in my cinebag backpack. Long story short they stopped me and seized all my gear and wanted a pretty hefty deposit based on the total value of all the gear I brought and wouldn't release anything until they got the money. The language barrier intensified things and I was stuck there for a few hours in panic mode. Eventually I had to have someone from the production come down and explain the situation to the airport security. Turns out a lot of people sneak electronics into the country to sell, and they figured that's what was going on, or at least thats what I was told. Lesson learned stop trying to cut corners.

As far as when you are there, I didn't have any issues and didn't ever really feel unsafe. We did have a local fixer with us and a pretty small footprint with mostly mid day shoots, so my experience may be a bit skewed.
 
Kristopher Colavecchio said:
I would be careful and do things the right way, a few years ago I had a quick last minute shoot in the DR, and I tried to get away with just bringing my kit in my cinebag backpack. Long story short they stopped me and seized all my gear and wanted a pretty hefty deposit based on the total value of all the gear I brought and wouldn't release anything until they got the money. The language barrier intensified things and I was stuck there for a few hours in panic mode. Eventually I had to have someone from the production come down and explain the situation to the airport security. Turns out a lot of people sneak electronics into the country to sell, and they figured that's what was going on, or at least thats what I was told. Lesson learned stop trying to cut corners.

As far as when you are there, I didn't have any issues and didn't ever really feel unsafe. We did have a local fixer with us and a pretty small footprint with mostly mid day shoots, so my experience may be a bit skewed.
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What would traveling to DR without cutting corners look like?
 
I traveled to Dominic in 2016. Its was a great travel that I will remember my whole life. Less people know about the great places like La Romana, Teeth of the Dog golf club, Catalina Island.
 
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Carnet for sure if you're bringing in a full camera package. Get in touch with the rental houses out of Miami as they can point you to US travel coordinators familiar with getting gear in and out of the Caribbean.

Also I second Peter's advice. I did a movie there in 2005 and used PJ. Highly recommended. Even if it's just you and some gear and not a full production they can offer you the right advice to make sure you're protected.

I'd also recommend making sure you have proper international equipment insurance as the DR does have it's problems with theft.
 
I'm from there. Which airport (are you going to the north (Puerto Plata) or the south (Santo Domingo)? Airports are a major point of theft. Many years ago my family flew to Santo Domingo and one of our luggage had a lock on it. We got it with a huge hole cut into it (stuff stolen). The north is a little better (more touristy).
1. Carry on whatever you can so that you have some of the equipment in your possession. Can you put the UMP/lenses into a single camera bag that you can carry it on? Would it fit/be allowed?
2. USE COMMON SENSE. No shooting in locations/neighborhoods that you are unfamiliar with. I would not even do anything night/late night (specially alone). Have a local (PJ?) show you around (if possible). You go to the wrong place at the wrong time, you might get robbed (same could be said of any place really, you just have to be careful).
3. Don't drink anything from unopened containers (read the news buddy).
4. Be careful with taxis.

Beautiful island with some amazing beaches. Hope you have a great trip.
 
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