The Dominican Republic is usually a secure place to go to and the good majority of journeys to the nation occur with out incident. It’s essential to remain in safer neighborhoods just like the Zona Colonial as a result of excessive crime charge in some elements of Santo Domingo, which incorporates opportunistic crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching.
LATEST NEWS from DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
February 12 – The Dominican Republic and the US embassy attain an settlement to make sure guests’ security
In response to a cooperation agreement with the American Embassy within the nation, safety has been given high precedence, acknowledged David Collado, Minister of Tourism.
The memorandum lists customer security and lodge workers coaching as high priorities.
The doc establishes procedures for conditions involving foreigners within the nation and formalizes the peace of mind of security for American vacationers touring there. U.S. international guests made up 47% of the overall since final 12 months, which contributed to a 22% enhance in tourism.
Official Journey Advisories
U.S. Journey Advisory
U.S. Journey Advisory for the Dominican Republic is at Degree 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Crime that features murder, sexual assault, and armed theft is a matter within the Dominican Republic. Resort areas are sometimes higher monitored than city areas like Santo Domingo due to the institution {of professional} tourism police corps, the establishing of a 911 system in lots of elements of the nation, and the focus of assets in these areas.
The best menace to vacationers is opportunistic crime, which accounts for almost all of incidents. All throughout the nation, felony actions resembling pickpocketing and bag snatching are widespread. Thieves ceaselessly goal vacationers. Vacation seasons sometimes see a rise in crime.
Incidents occur largely at resorts, seashores, airports, bus terminals, and on public transit.
Areas to keep away from
Though there’s a excessive charge of crime within the Dominican Republic, it’s largely concentrated in localities and locations that few vacationers go to.
Santo Domingo’s capital metropolis has a number of high-crime neighborhoods, together with Arroyo Hondo, Naco, Gazcue, Cristo Rey, and Villa Agricola. There have been violent crimes like muggings, theft, and even homicide. All the time flip over your belongings if requested.
Frequent Scams
Train warning round charming Latino males who goal solo feminine vacationers or small teams. They could make use of flattery and persistence to swindle you out of cash, alcohol, meals, and nightlife bills, and even persuade you into marriage and taking them again to your own home nation.
Chorus from participating with strangers and chorus from bringing them to your lodging to attenuate the chance of falling prey to scams.
Stay vigilant relating to camera-related scams whereas touring. Locals would possibly request you taking a photograph after which demand cost for alleged damages when their digital camera “by accident” drops.
Train warning when utilizing taxis within the Dominican Republic. Negotiate fares and preserve consciousness to keep away from falling sufferer to scams and being overcharged.
Security Ideas for Dominican Republic
- By no means depart useful belongings in plain sight. Make sure that your suitcases are locked when leaving your hostel or lodge.
- Resist the urge to present cash to road kids, because it perpetuates begging.
- On this Caribbean island, circumstances of dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya virus have been reported, particularly throughout the wet/hurricane season (Could, September, October, and November). Defend your self through the use of insect repellent, sporting lengthy sleeves and trousers, and sleeping underneath a mosquito web.
- Go for licensed taxis moderately than unregistered ones. Search for a taxi with a visual signal on its roof indicating the identify of the taxi firm.
- All the time put on a helmet when using a bike.
- Chorus from displaying flashy jewellery whereas strolling on the streets, as it might probably entice the eye of thieves, typically on motorbikes.
- Keep away from utilizing your cellphone whereas on the road. If it’s worthwhile to make a name or examine a map, step right into a café or restaurant earlier than taking out your cellphone.
