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Able to wander round a Caribbean island adorned with soft-sand seashores, turquoise waters, alluring waterfalls, and super-friendly locals? Though the Dominican Republic (DR) attracts thousands and thousands of vacationers yearly, you may query whether or not the nation is protected for journey.
This tropical oasis is positioned east of Mexico within the West Indies, on Hispaniola Island. DR takes up two-thirds of the island and shares the remaining with Haiti. Many select to go to the Dominican Republic as an alternative choice to the close by Puerto Rico, which has related sights.
The Dominican Republic will certainly take your breath away with all it has to supply, however past magnificence, your well-being is at all times a chief concern. Right here’s what you have to know in regards to the nation’s security.
Why Go to the Dominican Republic?
Within the Dominican Republic, you’ll be able to tan on mushy sandy shores, dive into tropical seas, and discover superb waterfalls. It’s also possible to snorkel the electrifying coral reefs, hike via beautiful rainforests, attend cultural festivals, and rather more.
The nation can also be house to a cultural mix of Spanish, African, and Taino individuals. Locals are very welcoming and completely take pleasure in internet hosting vacationers. Their cultures additionally convey forth impeccable delicacies and complicated colonial structure.
The nation noticed a record-breaking 8.5 million vacationers in 2022, due to its pure wonders and boundless vacation actions. So, as soon as the security points are out of the best way, nothing stops you from experiencing an enthralling island vacation your self.
With all island actions, reminiscent of snorkeling and mountaineering, at your fingertips, this darling nation is a worthy consideration on your subsequent vacation. Nonetheless, there are a variety of harmful areas.
Is the Dominican Republic Harmful?
The Dominican Republic has worrying crime charges, with a excessive 61.2 out of 100 score. This implies there are various prison situations, together with theft, violent crime, and past. Though these statistics appear to say in any other case, DR is comparatively protected for vacationers.
In 2019, it was headline information that 11 Individuals died within the Dominican Republic, which induced immense panic. After FBI investigations, it was decided that each one these deaths weren’t as a result of foul play.
Though the deaths didn’t impression vacationer security, many individuals nonetheless feared for his or her well-being. In response, the Dominican Republic created a devoted vacationer police drive to guard guests, often called CESTUR.
At present, the tourism police are nonetheless round, holding vacationers protected from any potential hurt. Although the Dominican Republic is generally protected for journey, it’s nonetheless potential for petty theft, harassment, scams, and different crimes to occur.
Harmful Areas within the Dominican Republic
Elements of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the most important metropolis and the capital of the Dominican Republic. Right here, you’ll be able to take pleasure in Caribbean seashores and stroll down cobblestone streets to view the beautiful colonial structure. It’s also possible to discover the close by pure caves of Los Tres Ojos.
Though the tourism police guard many of the vacationer zones, there are additionally a handful of unsafe areas. If you happen to’re visiting Santo Domingo, you must keep away from La Duarte Avenue, Arroyo Hondo, Gazcue, Naco, Cristo Ray, Villa Argrola, Capotillo, Guaricano and La Cienega. These elements of town expertise excessive crime ranges, together with theft, armed theft, assault, and homicide.
Close to the Haiti Border
The Dominican Republic shares its border with Haiti, and as a result of political tensions, the border has been closed off and is patrolled by officers.
Essentially the most harmful a part of the Dominican Republic is alongside the Haitian border. You ought to be cautious on roads near it as there have been many armed robberies, together with criminals impersonating law enforcement officials.
You must also be aware that there isn’t any method of crossing the border for those who’re visiting Haiti. The Dominican Republic has reduce all types of journey from Haiti, together with flights, to forestall unlawful immigrants from getting into.
Is it Secure to Reside within the Dominican Republic?
Sadly, it’s far safer for vacationers to go to the Dominican Republic than it’s for locals to stay there. The DR ranks thirtieth within the checklist of highest homicide charges globally. The commonest crimes embody drive-by theft and theft, however sexual assault and different violent crimes additionally fall into the combo.
Violent crime largely impacts the lower-income areas of the nation. Though uncommon, essentially the most outstanding crimes in vacationer areas are petty crimes, thefts at ATMs, drive-by robberies, assault, armed theft, and bank card fraud. Nonetheless, the vacationer areas are primarily safe, and you must be capable to take pleasure in a peaceable vacation for those who keep alert.
Secure Areas within the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana
Vacationers flock to Punta Cana for its breathtaking seashores, serene pure landscapes, and opulent all-inclusive resorts. This tropical paradise provides a spread of actions, from water sports activities to {golfing}, making it a hotspot for rest and journey.
Punta Cana has a superb repute for being protected for vacationers. Resorts have ample safety measures to make sure your well-being. Nonetheless, as with every vacationer vacation spot, it’s essential to train frequent sense, like holding private belongings safe and staying cautious.
Puerto Plata
This seaside metropolis provides glistening coastlines, majestic colonial structure, astounding views of Mount Isabel de Torres, and genuine Dominican tradition. You’ll additionally discover the jaw-dropping Damajagua Cascades, or “27 Waterfalls,” right here. It’s a chief location close to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo for an all-inclusive itinerary.
Like all the opposite well-liked vacationer spots, Puerto Plata additionally has tourism police that patrol the realm, and also you’re unlikely to come across any hazardous conditions. If you happen to’re touring outdoors resort areas, you’ll wish to train a better degree of warning and keep away from going alone.
Las Terrenas
Las Terrenas is a lesser-traveled spot however is a protected, worthy consideration for those who’d wish to delve additional into the cultural scene, together with the delectable delicacies. There are ample motels, golf equipment, and eating places within the space to make sure an unforgettable vacation.
This enchanting metropolis has loads of publicity supporting its tourism security, and you’ll positively unwind right here with none hassles. Though uncommon, petty crime remains to be potential, and you must at all times be cautious about your belongings.
Warnings & Risks within the Dominican Republic
Thousands and thousands of vacationers take pleasure in a tropical Dominican vacation with solely good issues to say as soon as they depart. With low probabilities of crime, it is likely one of the most secure Caribbean nations round — however earlier than you head off to e-book your flight ticket, there are scams and different risks that plague vacationers.
Because the tourism police are close to, few individuals take probabilities at hustling guests. Motels and locals intention to maintain you protected, too. If one thing unlucky does occur, you’ll be able to contact the vacationer police drive (CESTUR) by way of cellphone at 911 or 809-200-3500.
General Journey Threat (4/10)
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a tropical place for coliving and coworking or a brand new, exhilarating journey, the Dominican Republic is protected. Nonetheless, you should nonetheless be cautious as you’ll in any overseas place.
There are probabilities of petty theft, particularly within the vacation season, so defend your belongings and preserve your automobile locked. Flashing costly objects and carrying loads of banknotes in your pockets can sign petty criminals to focus on you or scammers to take benefit.
Hurricane season is a typical Caribbean concern, however fortunately, the Dominican Republic doesn’t face too many antagonistic struggles in that regard. Nonetheless, you must nonetheless ideally keep away from journey right now. Hurricane season falls between June to November.
Usually, you must keep away from adventuring solo, particularly outdoors of resorts, and positively by no means alone at evening.
Taxi Scams
Criminals like to capitalize on vacationers, and so do Dominican taxi drivers. On this rip-off, drivers will say that their taxi meter or driver app shouldn’t be working. Then they take you to your vacation spot and cost you a ridiculous quantity, reminiscent of $100 as an alternative of $10.
It’s best to at all times use transport booked via a resort or respected company, and by no means use unmarked taxis. If you happen to’re utilizing a transport app like Uber, be sure the driving force makes use of the app appropriately or discover one other driver in the event that they try to rip-off you.
Highway Security
Highway accidents are a extreme drawback within the Dominican Republic as locals don’t at all times abide by visitors guidelines, so be additional cautious.
Some criminals faux to be visitors officers. If you happen to’re stopped, you must guarantee they’ve a reputation tag, request a visitors ticket, and by no means pay the ticket on the spot.
One other rip-off is that corrupt visitors officers will cease vacationers for one thing ridiculous like driving too quick whenever you weren’t. There’s no use in arguing, so the very best you are able to do is waste their time till they are saying you’ll be able to go (this often works). In any other case, you must adjust to their instructions as combating will make them provide you with a better tremendous.
Digital camera Rip-off
Some scamsters spot vacationers and ask them to take their photograph and cross you a digicam. As soon as you are taking the image and return the digicam, the particular person will drop it and blame you. Then they’ll demand that you just pay for the harm despite the fact that it’s not your fault. As a precaution, you must kindly decline this request to keep away from any hassle.
Drive-by Robberies
That is the primary security hazard within the Dominican Republic. If you happen to’re strolling, a automobile might slowly pull as much as you, and an individual will ask for instructions, then get out of the automobile and rob you. If you happen to see a automobile stopping while you’re strolling, you must begin operating instantly, and also you’ll doubtless be capable to keep away from any points.
If you happen to’re unable to get away, at all times adjust to the thief’s directions to keep away from getting damage. In case of theft, it might be greatest to hold passport copies and smaller quantities of money.
Ideas For Staying Secure In The Dominican Republic
Although the Dominican Republic is primarily protected, with these high suggestions, you’re sure to keep away from potential unpleasantries:
- Don’t use motorcycle taxis known as “motoconchos”/ motorcycle ride-hailing apps: These are often unsafe drivers and infrequently don’t present a helmet.
- Attempt to use money solely: Bank card and ATM fraud are frequent causes of concern, and generally shops cost you fraudulently.
- Don’t gamble except at a trusted on line casino: “Progressive/Tremendous/Carribean Keno” or “Progressive Roulette” are scammy on line casino video games that can make you lose cash.
- Attempt to be house from actions by nightfall: Most crimes occur at evening, however you need to be protected inside your resort.
- Confirm all individuals who have to enter your room with resort employees: There have been instances of criminals impersonating upkeep employees and repairmen.
Is the Dominican Republic Secure? | Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Is The Dominican Republic Safer Than Mexico?
Each nations are protected for vacationers in the event that they preserve to well-liked vacationer areas and actions. Nonetheless, the Dominican Republic is safer than Mexico concerning journey as a result of it has decrease crime charges and a specialised police drive devoted to vacationer security. Each provide related vacationer sights, however ultimately, DR is the higher choice when it comes to hazard.
Is The Dominican Republic Poor Or Wealthy?
The Dominican Republic is taken into account an upper-middle-income nation, rating 80 out of the 189 nations listed within the Human Improvement Index between 2021 and 2022. Although DR is considered a medium-income nation, a vacation right here is inexpensive in opposition to the American Greenback.
Is The Dominican Republic Secure For Feminine Vacationers?
The Dominican Republic does face instances of sexual assault, which is a trigger for concern for feminine vacationers. Nonetheless, tourist-related situations aren’t anticipated. So long as you stay cautious of your environment and by no means depart your drinks unattended, you must have a stress-free journey.
What Is Not Allowed In The Dominican Republic?
Medicine are unlawful within the Dominican Republic and ought to be prevented in any respect prices. Felony instances can take a number of years to undergo the judicial course of, and also you’ll doubtless be detained throughout that point. Animal merchandise and agricultural objects are prohibited previous the borders, and you shouldn’t convey them in your flight.
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