How to stay safe in DR?

[945463531]

Hi all,

First of... I'd like to say I really enjoy this forum. It's nice to be able to have a place to ask questions about the island.
I am a American born Dominican who speaks pretty fluent Spanish with a terrible American accent. I am currently in the process of moving to the island,
not sure if I would only be here for a year, two years, 10 years, till I die, but for now I'm really liking it so I will be residing here.... and during this thought
process, I couldn't help but wonder... how the heck do I stay safe while I am in Santo Domingo....?

Let's not play dumb.... we all know that light skinned people, gringos, American-Dominicans, etc are seen as PRIME TARGETS... for burglary, robbery, and straight up abuse.

They don't know that in the U.S there are places where it actually can be even worse then Santo Domingo or just as bad, and that many
foreigners that come here are just as crazy as they are....haha... but anyways, back to being a bit more serious....

I am wondering how do I stay safe while I am in Santo Domingo. I live in a gated area, but we all know if you want to make sure
things go the right way, when things do go to hell, you should definitely consider doing it yourself... I was thinking of
hiring private security to protect me when I am outside and security to protect the house as well.

The reason this is also so heavily on my mind is because I am buying a really nice car soon and while I don't necessarily like the
negative attention it might bring to me... Idk man.... I mean put yourself in my shoes, you only have ONE life to live... and what,
you can't even drive your car(Think on the level of Lamborghini/Ferrari/McLaren) around at night to bars/clubs because you
are risking people trying to rob you, following you home, and all of this other crap? I mean you have to live your life somehow right?
And yeah, I know the roads suck, I'll just learn which ones are good and which ones are bad... don't get on my case about that...

And plus I know there are definitely other families around here rolling around in these cars(maybe not many, not sure yet)...
they seem to still be alive and well, so how do they do it?

I'll end this long post by saying my dad doesn't really think security is a good idea because he thinks that the security will
definitely rob me. And I agree, that is a possibility, but you know what, I don't really have much to be robbed of. Everything
is going to be insured - and at least with security if you do get robbed it's usually going to be non violent, no? They're not
going to kill you - whereas if you don't have security and someone just breaks in your house, it's uncontrolled and you could
die.


Let me know opinions/thoughts.
Appreciate it.
Cheers.

 

[beeza]

You sound like another poster who is mortally fearful of the DR and likes to post in a MIXTURE of UPPER and LOWER cases.

I think you two should get together.

 

[945463531]

You sound like another poster who is mortally fearful of the DR and likes to post in a MIXTURE of UPPER and LOWER cases.

I think you two should get together.

I want to drive around in the DR in a super car... why shouldn't I think these things through? Use common sense thanks..
-Would like to add would only be going through main areas in super car. No barrios or weird streets.

 

[RDKNIGHT]

Just be on point and you will be fine. don't go where you don't belong

 

[slowmo]

Seems to be a lot of questions lately about how best to safely do unsafe things in unsafe places.

 

[johne]

I want to drive around in the DR in a super car... why shouldn't I think these things through? Use common sense thanks..
-Would like to add would only be going through main areas in super car. No barrios or weird streets.

I think technology is working on special Google and Waze apps for that. Surely version #2 will have streets with minor, average and way too dangerous pot holes marked.Version 3.1 might be available for super special ppl. Streets that can be driven and have been coated with two part epoxy so that your tires don't get dirty.
As they say on Wall Street all my opinions are "forward thinking" and should be taken as such.

 

[MariaRubia]

Personally I think that you're a bit safer as a light-skinned gringo than you would be as a dark-skinned person. When I'm out on the street I stand out but everyone is looking at me and notices me, and a lot of people are looking out for me. The police stop the traffic when I want to cross the road. A security guy walks along with me when I take my shopping to a vehicle. I've been here many years and I always say that I have never not felt safe. Jamaica I was petrified in. Cuba, the police are horrible. Even in Barbados and St Lucia I don't feel very safe. But here is generally fine.

I would also say that I speak Spanish fluently and I only hang out with Dominicans, I think that helps a lot.

I also think it depends on where you live. If you live in Santo Domingo and in a reasonable area, in a condo, and you drive a flashy car you will fit in just fine, BMW's and Mercedes here are a dime a dozen. If you live in the outback of the campo in a little village in Bonao, then maybe you will be a target unless you surround yourself with a few Dominicans who are well-known locally.

 

[beeza]

I would not be worried about my personal safety whilst driving a super car around the DR. There are no shortage of those here, the marques you mentioned, Ferrari, Lambos, McLarens etc. My concern would be keeping the car in pristine condition.

I just sold my Porsche. I lost the enjoyment of driving it. Sure, there are some wonderful roads where a car like that can be enjoyed, but conditions of the roads and other road users mean that you can never relax driving it. The low profile tyres mean you have to have eagle eyes to watch out for the huge pot holes that will instantly destroy a rim. Unpainted speed humps that will test your reaction times and brakes before you do untold damage to your undercarriage. Forget driving a sports car at night. Your lowered driving position means that you are constantly blinded by everyone with their high beams on.

I recently drove a Bentley on Ave 27 Feb in SD. I was terrified! Taxis, motos and busses carving you up at every moment. They don't care if they prang your car. They know you need to drive defensively and get out of their way.

 

[FF1]

I want to drive around in the DR in a super car... why shouldn't I think these things through? Use common sense thanks..
-Would like to add would only be going through main areas in super car. No barrios or weird streets.

Take Rey and Facepalm along for the ride and you'll be safe 😁

 

[JD Jones]

I'd strongly recommend you buy a regular vehicle first, and get accustomed to driving here then go get something more exotic.

 

[CristoRey]

No such thing as a safe area of Santo Domingo, only areas with less crime. The PN (especially on the SDE side) are part of the problem. Learn to keep your head on a swivel and pay attention to your surroundings. I also recommend you bring some street smarts along with your common sense.

 

[945463531]

I'd strongly recommend you buy a regular vehicle first, and get accustomed to driving here then go get something more exotic.

Been practicing in in two of my dad's cars. He has a flashy but not supercar level car, and a regular car. We get a lot of attention on the flashy one and have to avoid crowded traffic - there's always people trying to clean your windshield or do some weird things with your wipers or whatever.

 

[malko]

The moment it rains a bit, the super car will be super wet-- on the inside-& and super static---- cos the road has 10 cm of water over it, and the first hole will stop it super fast..........

As for bodyguards ..... lol. if you have that kind of money, you'd be better off in Monaco or St-Tropez.

 

[DRforme]

You want to stay safe and go around Santo Domingo unnoticed well I would suggest forgetting about the supercar idea. Go buy yourself a nice SUV and save yourself a lot of money, stress and worrying. Bringing unwanted attention to yourself is never a good idea.

 

[keepcoming]

DRforme, I agree. Sometimes (most of the time) it is better to call less attention to yourself. Many that I know who have "flashy" cars only drive them occasionally, it is not their everyday car. IMO the less people think you have the better.

 

[Facepalm Supreme]

Only way to be and or stay "safe" is to be packing, and to have a security team with you that is packing. It helps to have relationships with the most relevant individuals within the police and military. Even then, a determined foe can defeat you if you they want you badly enough and have the resources.

Your best bet is to use your most powerful weapon - your mind. Follow the rules of stupid - avoid being with stupid people, in stupid places, doing stupid things at stupid times of the day (or night, more appropriately in this case). Be respectful to everyone at all times, especially when and/or if people provoke you. Keep a low profile.

The most dangerous possibilities generally come from other people. If you have your security team and you are mobile and you are in the middle of no where, or where there is a general low population density, you will be relatively safe. That is how the wealthy folks here do it. That is how the wealthy folks everywhere do it. That said, that is not reasonable or within reach for most people.

Just be chill, but alert and aware of your surroundings. Don't go into sketchy/shady areas, avoid high-poopulation zones and try to be and stay around people who have a similar outlook on life and who are like-minded.

Avoid being on the street alone at night, especially by yourself.

 

[franco1111]

Hi all,

First of... I'd like to say I really enjoy this forum. It's nice to be able to have a place to ask questions about the island.
I am a American born Dominican who speaks pretty fluent Spanish with a terrible American accent. I am currently in the process of moving to the island,
not sure if I would only be here for a year, two years, 10 years, till I die, but for now I'm really liking it so I will be residing here.... and during this thought
process, I couldn't help but wonder... how the heck do I stay safe while I am in Santo Domingo....?

Let's not play dumb.... we all know that light skinned people, gringos, American-Dominicans, etc are seen as PRIME TARGETS... for burglary, robbery, and straight up abuse.

They don't know that in the U.S there are places where it actually can be even worse then Santo Domingo or just as bad, and that many
foreigners that come here are just as crazy as they are....haha... but anyways, back to being a bit more serious....

I am wondering how do I stay safe while I am in Santo Domingo. I live in a gated area, but we all know if you want to make sure
things go the right way, when things do go to hell, you should definitely consider doing it yourself... I was thinking of
hiring private security to protect me when I am outside and security to protect the house as well.

The reason this is also so heavily on my mind is because I am buying a really nice car soon and while I don't necessarily like the
negative attention it might bring to me... Idk man.... I mean put yourself in my shoes, you only have ONE life to live... and what,
you can't even drive your car(Think on the level of Lamborghini/Ferrari/McLaren) around at night to bars/clubs because you
are risking people trying to rob you, following you home, and all of this other crap? I mean you have to live your life somehow right?
And yeah, I know the roads suck, I'll just learn which ones are good and which ones are bad... don't get on my case about that...

And plus I know there are definitely other families around here rolling around in these cars(maybe not many, not sure yet)...
they seem to still be alive and well, so how do they do it?

I'll end this long post by saying my dad doesn't really think security is a good idea because he thinks that the security will
definitely rob me. And I agree, that is a possibility, but you know what, I don't really have much to be robbed of. Everything
is going to be insured - and at least with security if you do get robbed it's usually going to be non violent, no? They're not
going to kill you - whereas if you don't have security and someone just breaks in your house, it's uncontrolled and you could
die.


Let me know opinions/thoughts.
Appreciate it.
Cheers.

 

[rey]

Hi all,

First of... I'd like to say I really enjoy this forum. It's nice to be able to have a place to ask questions about the island.
I am a American born Dominican who speaks pretty fluent Spanish with a terrible American accent. I am currently in the process of moving to the island,
not sure if I would only be here for a year, two years, 10 years, till I die, but for now I'm really liking it so I will be residing here.... and during this thought
process, I couldn't help but wonder... how the heck do I stay safe while I am in Santo Domingo....?

Let's not play dumb.... we all know that light skinned people, gringos, American-Dominicans, etc are seen as PRIME TARGETS... for burglary, robbery, and straight up abuse.

They don't know that in the U.S there are places where it actually can be even worse then Santo Domingo or just as bad, and that many
foreigners that come here are just as crazy as they are....haha... but anyways, back to being a bit more serious....

I am wondering how do I stay safe while I am in Santo Domingo. I live in a gated area, but we all know if you want to make sure
things go the right way, when things do go to hell, you should definitely consider doing it yourself... I was thinking of
hiring private security to protect me when I am outside and security to protect the house as well.

The reason this is also so heavily on my mind is because I am buying a really nice car soon and while I don't necessarily like the
negative attention it might bring to me... Idk man.... I mean put yourself in my shoes, you only have ONE life to live... and what,
you can't even drive your car(Think on the level of Lamborghini/Ferrari/McLaren) around at night to bars/clubs because you
are risking people trying to rob you, following you home, and all of this other crap? I mean you have to live your life somehow right?
And yeah, I know the roads suck, I'll just learn which ones are good and which ones are bad... don't get on my case about that...

And plus I know there are definitely other families around here rolling around in these cars(maybe not many, not sure yet)...
they seem to still be alive and well, so how do they do it?

I'll end this long post by saying my dad doesn't really think security is a good idea because he thinks that the security will
definitely rob me. And I agree, that is a possibility, but you know what, I don't really have much to be robbed of. Everything
is going to be insured - and at least with security if you do get robbed it's usually going to be non violent, no? They're not
going to kill you - whereas if you don't have security and someone just breaks in your house, it's uncontrolled and you could
die.


Let me know opinions/thoughts.
Appreciate it.
Cheers.

Welcome to DR1 ;



To answer your question I only being retired in Santo Domingo(piantini) for one week and so far it’s seems NO more dangerous than YONKERS or NEW YORK CITY ( the bronx /Brooklyn ) however I have being following one specific SAFETY advised which according to some of people it’s just being super paranoid but since it came from a two NOT 1 but 2 GENERAL POLICE OFFICERs with over 25 years in the policía nacional force which I will follow it until I am ready and adventurous enough to go against their witches .

They specifically advised me and warned me to NEVER under any circumstances and I quote “NUNCA CRUSES DE AQUEL LADO DEL PUENTE” that means to never go across the bridge

I KNOW , it’s a weird advised there it’s so many different things they could have said but they chose to say that …they must have a pretty good reason DONT you think


Anyways I guess eventually In a few months or years I will get curious enough and cross to the other side of the bridge and see what it’s so incredibly bad that they will feel so strongly about “NUNCA CRUZE PA EL OTRO LADO DEL PUENTE, NUNCA”


Anyways that’s my advised for the first few months you move to DR.


Thanks

 

[malko]

Welcome to DR1 ;



To answer your question I only being retired in Santo Domingo(piantini) for one week and so far it’s seems NO more dangerous than YONKERS or NEW YORK CITY ( the bronx /Brooklyn ) however I have being following one specific SAFETY advised which according to some of people it’s just being super paranoid but since it came from a two NOT 1 but 2 GENERAL POLICE OFFICERs with over 25 years in the policía nacional force which I will follow it until I am ready and adventurous enough to go against their witches .

They specifically advised me and warned me to NEVER under any circumstances and I quote “NUNCA CRUSES DE AQUEL LADO DEL PUENTE” that means to never go across the bridge

I KNOW , it’s a weird advised there it’s so many different things they could have said but they chose to say that …they must have a pretty good reason DONT you think


Anyways I guess eventually In a few months or years I will get curious enough and cross to the other side of the bridge and see what it’s so incredibly bad that they will feel so strongly about “NUNCA CRUZE PA EL OTRO LADO DEL PUENTE, NUNCA”


Anyways that’s my advised for the first few months you move to DR.


Thanks

Ok, we have to let you in on the secret, know that you are one of us.

" You should never ever cross the bridge" , not because the other side is dangerous, but because there is an ancient and powerful curse on the bridge.
If you have not been through the highly classified ritual, you are immediately transformed into a crab when you set foot on the other side.

Now, I can hook you up with a highly recognised brujo that can encant you and make you obvious to the magical powers of The Bridge.
He is expensive, around 5k$, and he will require the soul of your first-born ...... but it is well worth it as to have access to the riches, beauty and booty of " the other side ".

No ay de que. 😁😁😁😑

 

[Facepalm Supreme]

You can cross over to Santo Domingo Este but not on foot, and you personally Rey should not be doing any sort of business over there. The only exception would be WITHIN MegaCentro, the mall.

If you are travelling from Santo Domingo to San Pedro or La Romana (I recommend against visiting anywhere outside of the main central "tourist" zone or Los Altos de Chavon in La Romana. It can be *quite* dangerous over there) and you stay on the highway you will be 100% fine. That's not what they mean when they say don't cross the bridge.

What they are saying is that you will 100% be a target over in Santo Domingo Este and that the likelyhood that you will have a negative encounter is near 100%, within a short period of time/with just a little bit of frequency of travelling over there. Santo Domingo is NOT a safe city but El Distrito Nacional has been mostly tamed in recent years. Santo Domingo Este is a different beast and is like Brazil-Lite. It's pretty wild, there is a lot going on. There are LOTS of different neighborhoods, much higher poverty and crime rates, the drug trade is more active, the real gangs/elements of organized crime, whether small bands of independents or individuals who are involved in real, serious operations are far more numerous and active over there and there are lots of people who have no compunctions about robbing or killing. There are FAR fewer police per capita and the police who are there are hardened. Many are involved in one way or another in the action and the risks are just far too high. It's simply not a place for an outsider to be. Not at all.