Dominican Republic Travel Safety

Road safety

The Dominican Republic has one of the highest road accident rates in the world. Traffic laws are proper but are often not respected. Driving is dangerous due to aggressive driving habits, reckless passing and excessive speeds. Pedestrians do not have the right of way, even at traffic lights. Take extra care when walking, particularly in Santo Domingo. Poorly marked lanes, vehicles travelling in the wrong direction on one-way streets and a significant number of trucks and motorcycles pose as hazards, as do poorly maintained roads and cars. Driving after dark is not recommended due to poor street lighting. Military and police road blocks are common, especially in areas near the Haitian border. In the event of a vehicle breakdown or roadside emergency, a highway patrol service sponsored by the Ministry of Public Works and staffed by police officers and military personnel provides free, 24-hour assistance on all major toll highways. In case of an emergency, dial 1 829-688-1000 for assistance. If you are involved in an accident, you may be detained by police until the circumstances of the accident have been investigated.

Precautions

Be wary of individuals who ask for directions or who try to be too helpful. Watch out for hustlers selling various wares, particularly in Santo Domingo. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially after dark. Carry only small amounts of money and avoid showing signs of affluence. Keep electronic devices like cellphones, tablets, laptops and cameras out of sight, as they are particularly attractive to thieves. Never leave your personal belongings unattended on the beach or in parked cars. Lock your valuables, passport and other travel documents in your hotel safe, as long as the hotel safe is bolted to the wall or the floor. Carry a photocopy of your passport's identification page at all times. In the event that your documents become lost or are stolen, obtain a police report in order to receive a passport. Stay in hotels and resorts with good security. Be extremely wary of anyone who tries to enter your room. Be vigilant when using automated teller machines (ATMs). Use ATMs inside banks, malls and other public locations during business hours only. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and do not resist. Some criminals may have weapons and are likely to use them if they are met with resistance. Do not pack valuables in your checked luggage. Items most likely to disappear include electronics (especially digital cameras), jewellery and perfume. Be aware that criminals have placed illegal drugs in travellers' bags on their return home. Pack your luggage yourself and do not carry items that do not belong to you. Verify that your luggage has not been tampered with before you check in at the airport.

Identification

Immigration officials may conduct random identification checks. Carry a piece of photo identification with you at all times, and cooperate with authorities if they question you.

Public transportation

Travel by public bus is not recommended. Private companies operate reliable buses between cities.

Taxis

Upon arrival to the Dominican Republic, use the taxi service authorized by the airport. During your stay, use hotel taxis and avoid unmarked taxis. Most taxis are not metered so you should always negotiate the fare prior to departure. Route taxis (gua-guas or carros publicos) are not recommended as they may disregard traffic laws, often resulting in serious accidents involving injury and sometimes death. They may also be used by thieves to rob passengers. Avoid using or renting motorcycle taxis (motoconchos), as they are very dangerous.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone should exercise caution when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, especially regarding the acceptance of rides or other invitations. Incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners have occurred, including at beach resorts. In some cases, hotel employees have been implicated. Avoid taking public transportation or walking alone at night. Anyone who is a victim of a sexual assault should report it immediately with Dominican authorities. Note that no criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to Dominican authorities.

Fraud

Credit card and debit card fraud and cloning are significant concerns. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others during payment and, upon your return home, check your statements for fraudulent charges. Use credit cards only in major hotels, restaurants and shops. Avoid using them at gas stations.

Scams

Criminals impersonating police officers will stop vehicles and ask foreigner drivers for payment of fines for made-up offences. If Dominican police stop you for a traffic violation, you should request a traffic ticket-you are not required to pay on the spot-or insist on paying any traffic fine at the nearest police station. Regulations require police to wear a nametag with their last name. You have the right to ask police for identification.

Crime

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is prevalent throughout the country. Incidents occur at resorts, beaches, airports, bus stations and on public transportation. Theft also occurs from all-inclusive hotel rooms and from hotel room safes, as well as from cars, particularly rentals. Crime tends to rise during holiday periods, including Christmas, Carnival and Easter. Tourists are common targets for theft because they are perceived as being wealthy. These thefts have taken place most frequently when travellers are departing. Money and personal items have also been stolen from carry-on luggage while travellers are going through security checks. All bags are routinely X-rayed upon arrival and departure. Violent crime against foreigners, including assault, occasionally occurs. Incidents take place mainly at night and in large cities. Avoid walking alone in unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark. Foreigners have been targeted in armed robberies when travelling to and from the Las Américas International Airport, sometimes in taxis and mainly at night or early morning. Arrange your arrival to and departure from the Dominican Republic in daylight hours and use the taxi service authorized by the airport. Avoid unmarked taxis, especially in Santo Domingo - you could be targeted for assault and robbery. Anyone who is a victim of sexual assault or other crime should report the crime immediately. No criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to the Dominican authorities.

LGBT

Although same-sex sexual relations are legal in the Dominican Republic, same-sex marriages are not legally recognised. LGBT travellers should be mindful of local attitudes and be aware that public displays of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention. Nearly all Dominican hotels welcome LGBT clients, although confirmation with booking agents is advised.

Illegal drugs

Persons convicted of buying, selling, carrying or using any type or quantity of drugs are subject to strict penalties. Judicial processes may last several years (during which accused individuals are normally detained) and could lead to very long prison sentences (5 to 20 years) in harsh conditions and hefty fines. Don't become involved with illegal drugs of any kind.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required.