Safety Tips for Traveling to the Dominican Republic
Millions of tourists visit the Dominican Republic every year. It's a Caribbean jewel, popular for Punta Cana's beaches, whale watching in Samana Bay, kitesurfing in Cabarete, the sounds of merengue and bachata, and much more. But many of the country's citizens live below the poverty line, and the socioeconomic conditions result in crime. With a few practical tips in mind, you can have a smooth and safe trip whether you're traveling on your own, with your family, or with your LGBTQ+ besties.
01 Research local customs and laws
The official drinking age and age of consent in the Dominican Republic is 18. The country is a little conservative, so dress appropriately for the context, and if you're visiting religious locations, more modest clothing is recommended. When it comes to bargaining and tipping, the practice is common pretty much everywhere except supermarkets. Settle on a price before you hop in a cab, and carry coins for folks who help you and ask you for a "propina." Also, when you enter establishments, it's customary to acknowledge everyone inside with a single greeting, and a little Spanish goes a long way.
02 Stay in reputable accommodations
Choosing well-reviewed, reputable hotels is important for your safety. U.S. hotel chains, such as Marriott or Hilton, follow strict protocols for food safety and avoiding dangerous chemicals. You could also consider eco-lodges with proven green policies. Booking through trusted travel agents who have sent travelers to a particular resort can provide some peace of mind. Pick accommodations that give you access to 24-hour security and a lockable room safe where you can keep your valuables, and if you're booking an Airbnb, those with a watchman are preferable.
03 Vaccinations and health precautions
While vaccinations are not required of travelers arriving from the U.S., hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies vaccines are recommended, as are malaria medications if you know you'll be spending recreation time in areas where transmission occurs, such as the capital Santo Domingo or the provinces that border Haiti. You can prevent mosquito-borne diseases like Zika, dengue fever, and chikungunya with precautions like wearing long pants and sleeves and applying insect repellent with DEET. If you require medical treatment, specify that you want to go to a private hospital.
Getting food poisoning on vacation is the pits. Avoid traveler's diarrhea by drinking only bottled water, as the tap water is not potable. Use it for brushing your teeth, too, and avoid ice in drinks. Order raw foods such as salads cautiously, and skip the street food, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Do a little searching for eating spots known for their cleanliness and fresh ingredients.
04 Avoid public demonstrations
Public protests and strikes occasionally take place, particularly in Santo Domingo and Higuey near Punta Cana, and they can affect services. On the whole, these are peaceful gatherings, but there's always the potential for things to go south. If you encounter a demonstration, give it a wide berth and do as instructed by the authorities. Take heed of hotel staff recommendations, stay abreast of updates on local media, and avoid confrontations where there are large crowds. Carry a paper copy of your passport in case you need it.
05 Transportation safety
Traffic accident stats for the Dominican Republic are startling and may give you pause but don't let them put you off. Leave the driving to a local who is familiar with the area's road conditions and driver habits, and if you feel confident, create space between you and vehicles that don't look roadworthy. Hotel shuttle services or tried-and-tested drivers with credentials are a good option and ride-hailing apps like Uber are safe for the most part. Steer clear of gua-guas or microbuses (they get overly full and sometimes don't have doors) and motorcycle taxis, and use licensed taxis with a reputable company sign on the roof. Public transport is also a locus for petty crime and theft, so be conscious of your possessions. Avoid taking public transport at night.
06 Secure your belongings
When entering and exiting the country, lock suitcases and check your carry-on after going through security at the airport. Much of the crime concerning tourists occurs in the big cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago. Don't go gallivanting with expensive jewelry or flashy accessories. Besides pickpockets, traffic light crimes include snatchings from moving vehicles, so keep your wallet and phone out of sight, wear cross-body bags, and leave windows up.
Tourist areas like La Zona Colonial have a tourist police presence and 911 system. If you lose your passport or have goods stolen from you, contact local authorities and the U.S. embassy.
07 Beach and water safety
If you're participating in an activity that requires helmets or life jackets in the U.S., think twice before booking with an operator that does not provide these safety measures. Say no to freshwater excursions that involve lakes and rivers that may be contaminated with animal urine, as there's a risk of leptospirosis. On beach holidays, try to swim in areas covered by lifeguards and follow advisories about strong currents and tides.
08 Emergency contact information
In an emergency involving arrests, crimes, hospitalizations, or death, U.S. citizens can call +(809) 567-7775 for 24/7 assistance. Enter zero if prompted for an extension. Make a note of travel insurance contact numbers too. Some service providers offer phone consultations with physicians and can connect you with professionals who can help you with stressful situations. Ask your hotel where you can find emergency info, and keep a copy of important contact details on your person at all times. In Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Cristobal, La Haina, and certain areas in Puerto Plata, calling 911 will connect you with police, fire services, and ambulances.
09 Stay connected
You need cheap data to use the internet, but sky-high roaming charges can put a dent in your budget. Luckily, there are other options. You can purchase a Claro, Orange, or Altice prepaid sim card. But if you'd prefer not to carry your passport around on Day 1 or think you might lose a physical sim card, which can become a fraud nightmare, get an eSim from providers like Asian eSim, Airalo, Holafly, or Ubigi. You can also use portable Wi-Fi devices to stay connected. Whether you're a solo traveler or vacationing as a family, let someone you trust know about your travel itinerary and plans and use an app like Find My Friend. In addition to having your back, folks can reach you more easily if there's a tragedy at home.
10 Local scams and how to avoid them
Unfortunately, unsuspecting tourists can become the victims of scams. Foreign drivers are sometimes stopped by criminals pretending to be police officers—in this scenario, you should ask for a ticket and don't pay right then and there. Tourists who get into trouble with the law are often approached by extortionate lawyers. Don't succumb to the pressure.
Look out for illegitimate tour operators who make you pay in full and then go AWOL. Recognize that beggars might be fake and that street vendors might be selling counterfeit products. You could also become the victim of credit card cloning if you're not vigilant. When you hand someone your card, make sure it stays in sight. If fraud occurs, call your bank ASAP and change your passwords.
11 Women's safety
Women traveling alone may receive unwanted attention from local men. Issues can also arise with hotel employees. Think twice before accepting rides or invitations, and stay in well-lit areas full of people to avoid unpleasant encounters. If you need directions, ask a woman. Don't walk alone at night, and if you feel uncomfortable at any point, approach local authorities or hotel staff for help. Victims of sexual crimes should contact the U.S. embassy and file a report with Dominican police.
12 Areas to avoid in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo's high-crime neighborhoods include but are not limited to Arroyo Hondo, Capotillo, Cristo Rey, Gazcue, Gualey, Los Guandules, and Villas Agrícolas. In developing countries, slums are often a stone's throw away from suburbs, so knowing the borders of these areas and staying aware of your surroundings can keep you safe from muggings and other crimes. Dajabón, on the border with Haiti, can also be volatile.
13 Places to visit
From Jarabacoa's waterfalls and mountains to the stunning Bahia de las Aguilas beach, the Dominican Republic is packed with natural splendor. The North Coast abounds with luxury hotels, but you'll also find expats, wellness retreats, and other fabulous things to do in Cabarete. Check local advice and reviews before visiting new places to figure out the best ways to enjoy yourself while staying safe.
14 Power outages preparedness
Blackouts happen often in the Dominican Republic. You might be without power for a few minutes or for hours on end, which can mean no AC or hot showers. Hotels and BnBs may have backup power supplies, but if not, they will inform you about scheduled power cuts. Still, outages can happen with no warning. When there's electricity, charge your devices, and keep a power bank on hand in case the outage lasts longer than expected. You'll need the flashlight on your phone.
15 Drug laws
possessing and using Marijuana is illegal in the Dominican Republic, and tourists are subject to local laws. If you break the rules, you face steep fines or jail sentences. Even though narcotics are prohibited, a lot of illicit substances pass through the country. When you're at the airport, always keep an eye on your bags to avoid unwittingly becoming a drug mule, and be aware of travel scams involving planted drugs and bribes by unscrupulous individuals.
16 LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual relations are not forbidden by law in the Dominican Republic, which can't be said for every Caribbean nation, but queer couples may face discrimination. Reserve public displays of affection for when you're back stateside unless you're in an area known for its tolerance. Be careful when using dating apps, and don't leave your drinks unattended even when the bartender is mixing them. Check the seal on beverages. If you're the victim of a hate or other crime, contact the local tourist police at 809-222-2026.
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