The Dominican Republic is a country in the Caribbean that is located just two hours away from Miami. It is the second largest Caribbean country, so travelers often appreciate the array of attractions available to them. The landscapes of the Dominican Republic are quite breathtaking. From tranquil white sand beaches to Pico Duarte (the tallest mountain in the Caribbean) and even historic Spanish cathedrals, the Dominican Republic is a great place to travel to. Travelers that prefer to enjoy the natural environment during their stay can see the rainforest, deserts and lush green valleys of Dominican Republic during nature and wildlife tours. A very popular destination of the country is Punta Cana, which is on the eastern side. This area has some of the best beaches of the country and offers visitors affordable experiences, along with the best nightclubs, fresh seafood and water sports.
Although the Dominican Republic is a major tourist destination, it does have its own safety concerns which may make some travelers hesitant to travel there. Of course anywhere that travelers go there may be things to adjust to or be mindful of, so we have compiled some of the most important things to know for potential travelers of the D.R.
Best Travel Advisories
Tourists that have concerns about safety should do their research so they are well informed. Personal safety is an important factor for international (and even domestic) travelers, so it is imperative for them to know about potential safety threats. Crime rates and other environmental risks are often the most critical safety threats for tourists. These resources will help travelers assess their travel destinations.
The U.S. Department of State and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) are very informative resources that provide travelers with more insight. According to the Department of State’s travel advisory, the Dominican Republic is a level two destination. This means that travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling and be cognizant of the particular threats within the country. In cases of emergency or times when tourists need travel assistance, there is even a U.S. Embassy in the country. But before setting off on a gorgeous Caribbean adventure, travelers should learn more about local customs, cultural background and even the people of Dominican Republic via the CIA’s website. The World Factbook summarizes all of the above information plus travel tips.
Travel health safety is another concern for tourists going to unfamiliar places where they will likely rely on public transportation and face unfamiliar health risks. Platforms like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are great. The CDC’s travel health web page has country specific reports on health notices, available medicines and even preventable illnesses. So, for travelers that may be susceptible to certain illnesses or are simply careful about their wellness, this information may play an important part in travel planning or decision making. WHO’s website offers detailed statistics and health overviews, which may come in handy for travelers that want to gauge the relative health safety of particular travel destinations.
Is D.R. Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?
The Dominican Republic is a popular travel destination in which the majority of travelers feel safe visiting. Crime generally does not impact the tourism industry or areas of the D.R., so it is safe to say that it is a safe place for tourists. Solo travelers are also safe in the D.R., especially if they use common street smarts to secure their safety. But technically, the country has a relatively high crime rate. That includes petty and violent crimes, which are mostly opportunistic. Pickpocketing, robbery and bag snatching are common in large urban cities like Santo Domingo. But on the occasion that those crimes occur, they have not been disproportionately targeted at tourists. The country takes safety very seriously, so there has been improved safety and security measures. The security at resorts and tourist areas have been strengthened for a better sense of safety.
How to Stay Safe in the D.R.
To protect themselves, tourists should always exercise a baseline of personal safety precautions. Since the majority of the crime that occurs has to do with possessions and theft, travelers should take that into consideration. Tourists should avoid flaunting expensive things and carrying large amounts of cash on their person. Staying alert and vigilant around strangers or in public places is a smart move for travelers. It is also advisable to avoid poorly lit places and for travelers not to go off on their own late at night.
The Dominican Republic has a high road accident rate, so it is imperative that travelers use public transportation to avoid accidents. Luckily, D.R. has a dependable bus service that is easily accessible for tourists. The inexpensive public buses like Metro Tours or private bus companies like Caribe Tours offer travelers a way to get around the country. For travelers wanting to stay central but still get around, taxis or ride-sharing apps are the best bet. Taxis are commonplace and usually available around major tourist areas or attractions, so travelers do not have a problem hailing one. Hotels can even get a taxi for their guests, so that only reputable companies like Apolo Taxi are used. Always confirm the fare before getting into a ride to avoid scams, although the rates in the city are set it is best to stay on the safe side. Ride-share apps are good resources so that travelers do not have to struggle through potential language barriers. They may even find that the cost of ride-share apps are less than taxis during low traffic times. Regardless of the particular mode of transportation that travelers take, they should follow standard public transport safety precautions, especially while abroad. These include but are not limited to securing personal possessions, staying alert while riding public transportation and ensuring that drivers or vehicles are legitimate and certified.
Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo offers travelers a more metropolitan experience as it is the largest city in the country. It is the historical capital city and a generally safe place for tourists to stay. La Zona Colonial, Gazcue and Bella Vista are a few of the safe areas that tourists can enjoy in Santo Domingo. In these areas tourists will have easy access to downtown and the popular stops. Some areas are not as welcoming, so there are places within Santo Domingo that travelers should avoid. Arroyo Hondo and Cristo Rey are among those, since the amount of violent crimes are higher (or simply occurred) there.
For a more relaxed and laid back feel, travelers should plan to stay in Punta Cana. This eastern destination is one of the Dominican Republic’s safest areas since it has such low crime rates. Punta Cana also has world renowned beaches and all-inclusive hotels that offer plenty of amenities. This area is located in La Altagracia province and is generally regarded as a comfortable and secure destination.
Best Time to Visit D.R.
For the best weather, tourists should plan their trip to the Dominican Republic wisely. Between December and March is conducive to the most pleasant weather. Clear skies and low humidity in the D.R. sounds like the perfect weather to escape the bitter cold of winter. The tropical weather during this time is great, but budget travelers may prefer to visit between May and September when there are reduced prices on flights, accommodations and even activities.
People Also Ask
Is it safe to walk around Punta Cana? Yes, tourists are completely safe to explore Punta Cana on foot. It is one of the safest areas in the Dominican Republic.
Is it safe to travel to the Dominican Republic? Travelers should not have problems getting to (and around) the D.R. as it is a safe place to visit.
