Dominican Republic : Safety by City
The Dominican Republic is located in the archipelago in the Caribbean region.
Santo Domingo is the first settlement that Europeans made when they came here after Christopher Columbus discovered it.
This island has so much to offer to the tourists.
Zona Colonial is a colorful and vibrant neighborhood in Santo Domingo that most tourists visit because they want to learn about the history, but it is more than that – it offers the very essence of the island.
Península de Samaná is the way to go if you wish to see whales and admire their uniqueness in all its glory.
Salto Alto is a breathtaking waterfall located near Santo Domingo.
Warnings & Dangers in Dominican Republic
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
The locals are friendly and welcoming, but the crime rates have gone up lately and it is necessary to stay alert during the entire stay on the island. Crimes like bag snatching, pickpocketing, and robbery occur frequently, especially in crowded areas.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Public transport is fairly reliable and safe. The tourists can choose between a bus, motorcycle taxi and Públicos, which is a minivan or a pick truck that transports passengers to the desired place. Hitchhiking is common among locals, but the tourists are strongly advised against it.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
Pickpocketing risk high in the Dominican Republic. It is important to stay alert and keep your belongings close to you at all times. Bag snatching is common, so make sure you hold on to your bag and leave all the expensive items in the hotel's safe.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
The Dominican Republic is susceptible to a range of natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, droughts, heatwaves, tsunamis, and tropical storms. If you find yourself when some of these disasters strikes, make sure you follow the security protocol recommended by the officials.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
Mugging is possible in certain areas of the island, so make sure you consult with the locals about the routes to avoid. Always lock your car and never flash valuables in public. Don't attract too much attention in order to protect yourself.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
Fortunately, there is no recent history of terrorist attacks in the Dominican Republic, but the risk cannot be completely excluded. Stay informed during your entire stay and in case you notice anything suspicious, follow the recommended instructions by the government.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
A scam that occurs frequently on the island is offering a cheap tour. Some tour operators may give you fake information and take your money. Others may simply cut as many corners as possible by not paying for insurance or providing quality equipment.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Female travelers should avoid traveling alone. Being solo may cause you many inconveniences and put you in danger. Do not walk alone at night and carry expensive equipment because pickpocketing and robbery occur frequently. Stay alert at all times.
How Safe Is Dominican Republic for Tourists?
The crime rate in the Dominican Republic is on the rise and tourists should be very careful when spending a holiday there.
All kinds of opportunity thefts occur, so it is really important not to give thieves that opportunity to take something from you.
It is not always possible to avoid it, but make sure you keep your doors locked while driving because thieves on motorcycles often just grab anything they can from cars and drive away.
Use only marked taxies and if you are not sure about the price, ask before your ride starts, so you avoid paying too much for the service.
Sometimes, it occurs that thieves brake into the hotel rooms which is why it is recommended to store all the expensive items in the hotel’s safe.
When in public transport, always keep an eye on your personal belongings.
Even though it is riskier at night, days are not completely safe either.
Always look for the signs beside the beach that warn when there is a danger.
If you are not a very good swimmer, make sure you stay on the beach because sometimes the currents may be too strong.
Stay vigilant at all times and protect yourself.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Dominican Republic?
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to go to the Dominican Republic, while citizens of other countries must have one.
All the tourists must have a valid passport during the entire stay.
Which Currency Is Used in Dominican Republic?
The official currency in the Dominican Republic is Dominican peso.
The symbol is $.
One U.S. dollar equals 53,22 Dominican Pesos.
American dollars are also accepted in some parts of the island.
How's the Weather like in Dominican Republic?
The climate is hot throughout the year, but the temperature varies depending on the region.
The average temperature goes around 25°C.
The hottest month is June with an average temperature of 27°C.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Dominican Republic?
There are eight international airports in total in the Dominican Republic.
The main one is the Las Américas International Airport.
It is located in Punta Caucedo.
It can handle more than 4 million passengers per year.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Travel insurance is recommended to all the tourists who wish to travel to the Dominican Republic no matter how long the stay may be.
The insurance should include coverage for medical expenses, theft, and loss of luggage.
What Are Some Things to Do in Dominican Republic?
Besides enjoying the incredible beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and diving, tourists should also take a chance to find out more about the collection of amber by visiting the amazing Amber Museum.
Is the Water in Dominican Republic Safe to Drink?
Tap water is not safe for drinking in the Dominican Republic due to a lack of purification.
Tourists are advised to opt for bottled water that can be purchased anywhere on the island.
Is Uber Safe in Dominican Republic?
Uber services are available in the Dominican Republic.
The services are reliable, safe and accessible.
For now, Uber is available only in three cities: Santiago, Puerto Plata, and Santo Domingo.
