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Aside from the poorest neighborhoods in Santo Domingo and
Santiago, the Dominican Republic is a relatively safe place
- though women traveling solo need to stay on their guard
even here. In cities, take the same precautions that you
would anywhere else: don't flaunt your wealth with fat rolls
of pesos, leave your expensive jewelry at home and avoid
walking alone late at night.
Corruption
is rife throughout the police force ; many officers
do little besides collecting small bribes. Nevertheless, you
shouldn't give an officer a bribe unless he first asks,
albeit rather obliquely; if he does ask, you're probably
best off complying, provided he doesn't ask for more than
RD$20 or RD$30.
The good news for you is that police are routinely
instructed not to ask bribes of foreigners, and their only
other focus is crime against tourists, which they are
adamant about quashing; dial
911
in case of an
emergency.
Penalties for drug use and possession are
extraordinarily stiff, and Dominican prisons are notorious.
Drug possession is the one crime you won't be able to bribe
your way out of; whatever you do, don't carry any with you
into the country.
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Though violent attacks against women travelers are
rare, many women find that the constant barrage of hisses,
hoots and comments comes close to spoiling their vacation.
Whatever you do, don't be afraid to seem rude; even the
mildest polite response will be considered an indication of
serious interest. Chances of trouble depend to an extent on
where you are. Avoid walking alone on city streets late at
night and you'll circumvent much of the risk; it's also a
good idea to opt for private taxis over motoconchos
and guaguas after dark.
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Dominican
Republic
travel guide
Dominican Republic
Where to go
 When
to go
Getting there
Entry requirements
Money and costs
Getting around
 Food
and drink
 Communications
Crime and safety
 Brief
history
Best of DR
Info and maps
 Diving,
surfing
 Festivals,
holidays
Explore
Dominican Republic
Barahona
Barahona
The City
East of Barahona
San
Cristóbal
San José de Ocóa
West of Barahona
Bayahibe
Bayahibe
Travel info
Boca Chica
Boca de Yuma
Cabarete
Cabarete
Windsurfing
Restaurants
Sports outfitters
Cibao
Cibao
Explore Cibao
Cordillera Central
Explore Cordillera Central
Jarabocoa
Jarabocoa
Arrival & accommodation
Restaurants,
tour operators
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La Vega
La Vega
Pico Duarte, Cordillera
Central's Nat'l Parks
San José de las Matas
Santiago
Arrival and getting around
Places to eat
Nightlife
El Castillo and La Isabela
El Limón
Hato Mayor and
Sabana de la Mar
Juan
Dolio
La Romana and
Casa de Campo
Practicalities
Las Galeras
Eating options
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