Considering some of the posts I have seen (the one about not putting one's luggage in the trunk of the taxi comes to mind) I am not surprised that a lot of people might have the impression that all Dominicans are out to steal their stuff, or something like that. There are definitely mixed messages going out, and for first timers, I am not surprised to see some focusing on the negative.
That being said, and considering that the advice that was given pertained to the Santo Domingo airport and not necessarily to a more "touristy" airport like POP or Punta Cana, I would have to say that the advice is good. A first timer might not make that distinction. All they hear is that "everyone at the airport is trying to rip you off".
I guess what I am trying to say, is that first timers read "don't do this, don't do that, do this, do that and hang on to your bags, money, jewellery, cameras, etc. as if your life depended on it, and by the way, relax, get off the resorts and have a good time". Just a tad confusing.
My personal rule of thumb is to trust your gut. If there are warning bells going off, listen to them. It has worked for me so far.
I have never had a Dominican ask me for anything (other than my phone number, which was "yeah right. I don't think so. Ya gonna call up and chat with my HUSBAND?) other than when they are trying to sell me something, which is taken as a "given". They also sit down a chat with me when they are "off duty" which is the real measure.
One of the things that I have noticed in travelling around is that you will see, in the midst of what can only be described (by North American standards) as "hovels" there are one or two homes (usually painted bright pink) , clean as a new penny with nice flowers planted all around. You know just by looking at them, that they don't have running water or indoor plumbing, but none the less, they are someone's proud home. These always make me smile.
Rose
Rose