I don't know if this board is still going, but I wanted to add some of my experiences here in SD. I have always been in and out of the city many times traveling by guagua from cotui (by myself) and going around the city during the day alone. With the arrival of Uber, it is much easier for me to get around and I feel much safer knowing that my trip is tracked in case of any problems. I am now living here in a relatively alright area and I always and I mean always check my surroundings and don't stray too far from my house waiting for a ride or going to the local colmado across the street. I have a Dominican father and many Dominican friends and they always repeat the same thing that DR is getting more dangerous every time I plan a trip. . My Dad told me if I get robbed in the streets or in our house and unless I'm a high level black belt, it's best not to resist. Thieves who have nothing to lose here will kill you for as little as 50 pesos. It's just not worth it. Luckily I have not had any problems at all in this country from all of the years that I've been coming berenjena. my family however in SD and throughout the country have experienced crime firsthand and For any newbies, the best step to take is learn the language or find a Dominican friend that can translate for you while you learn. You also need to be vigilant in the streets as something like a motorcycle can come up on you in a split second and rob you. The key to a lot of stuff is making trustworthy friends here because even though your local colmado owner is a nice guy and hooks you up, they can be playing the long game in eventually them or getting someone to rob you. This also goes with any security guards at apartments, janitors. Ex. Elderly couple killed and robbed by apartment workers in Gascue. Also, an easy no brainer is even if you have bars on windows, Do not leave anything of value near it, they can reach through and grab whatever. I have seen many foreigners and even Dominicans make this mistake. Overall, I feel just as safe here as I do in my quiet hometown back in Michigan. Crime happens everywhere no matter what.