How to stay safe in DR

Whenever I am in SD, I stay in a hotel in general area of Clinica Abreu and walk to the Conde. I also walk along the Malecon. Have no reason to think it is not safe.

Much of the crime occurs in the barrios, not in the areas frequented by tourists.

Come, enjoy your stay, and just continue doing what you have been doing.

Santo Domingo is as safe as Washington, DC.

In both capitals you need to know where the lines are drawn or you are prey.

No jewelry

shawn27 said:

I have a mid range Michael Kors watch that only cost $250.. should I not even wear a watch?

Click to expand...

What is inexpensive to you is a fortune to the next person.....
I have very expensive jewelry and when I go back to the states in January for a month I am selling it all. Play it safe, don't wear ANY jewelry, including a CHEAP watch, they don't know it's cheap.
If you look like an Americano, your every move is being watched.....


B in Santiago and loving every minute

How to be safe in the DR??? Stay away from dangerous barrios, don't hang around with low lifer tigueres, mind your own business, and always ask a woman or man if they are truly single and to prove it before starting a relationship with them!!! Want to keep your wallet safe??? Stay away from barrio women, night clubs, and carwash chicas,etc.

baby bori said:

How to be safe in the DR??? Stay away from dangerous barrios, don't hang around with low lifer tigueres, mind your own business, and always ask a woman or man if they are truly single and to prove it before starting a relationship with them!!! Want to keep your wallet safe??? Stay away from barrio women, night clubs, and carwash chicas,etc.

Click to expand...

Wallet? Tourists don't need wallets. They also don't need bulges of any kind in their pants pockets. Disperse cash by denominations in several pockets. Travel with a photocopy of your passport. Leave the room key at the front desk. I wear a plain Timex with a leather band. It is very modest yet very functional. I also have a cheap Dominican cell phone which no self respecting Chulo would ever be caught dead using. Hide your American cigarettes in your sock or you'll look like the Pied Piper leading all the smokers out of town. Most of the clothes I wear there came off the clearance rack at Marshall's and I doubt if any one item was over $10 (except for my $20 walking shoes) but I'm clean and my clothes match and I look good. Good and modest and alert and the look on my face, although friendly says "Don't ask me for ish".

Stay away from night clubs and barrio women? Are you nuts? I was born and raised in a barrio and visit them often because the most fun is always around the corner from the most danger. What the heck would anyone want with a bunch of stuck up, sadiddy debutantes sitting around at a social ball and giggling about one another's dresses, hairdo's and accessories? Thanks but I'd rather be at the night club right up 'till the point where the DJ makes my ears bleed.

Nope. I'll take the "Round-the-Way" Girl every time. There's less fake going on there. Some of my favorite Dominicanas check their guns at the club entrance. Like I said...no danger, no fun.

Oh yeah. Forget about aikido (Milos). It doesn't work with large groups and muggers like to come in groups. Be ready to run. Wherever you happen to be in life always have an exit planned.

shawn27 said:

I am American but don't look like a typical gringo. I'll be safe and go without the watch. I appreciate the input.

Click to expand...

I am always amazed by these statements. Dont try to fool yourself - Dominicans know immediately that you are not a local! They ALWAYS know.

Even after years of living here, they will still KNOW.

DMV123 said:

I am always amazed by these statements. Dont try to fool yourself - Dominicans know immediately that you are not a local! They ALWAYS know.

Even after years of living here, they will still KNOW.

Click to expand...

I believe you DMV when I go to my country in Africa, they can tell I am not from there since I was born and raised in Europe.
I never understood how, but they just know. I was even told that they could tell by the way I walk.aranoid:

DMV123 said:

I am always amazed by these statements. Dont try to fool yourself - Dominicans know immediately that you are not a local! They ALWAYS know.

Even after years of living here, they will still KNOW.

Click to expand...

Yep, when I visit, I am know as "el boriqua" w/o saying anything!!!!!

Damm greydread I feel your flow you told the truth. I may look like a big teddy bear but the look on my face say Don't f@#k with me,ask me for s#@t,don't bother me for sh@* unless I want to be bothered, I keep it simple have fun and no problems.Peace

DMV123 said:

I am always amazed by these statements. Dont try to fool yourself - Dominicans know immediately that you are not a local! They ALWAYS know.

Even after years of living here, they will still KNOW.

Click to expand...

Not exactly. I have been asked if I am Dominican many times in my 5 years here and have even been mistaken as a mototconcho. Not only that Dominicans are very accepting of foreigners if they learn to speak the language and act accordingly. Dominicans are proud of their country in spite of it all and are typically interested to find out if foreigners like their country and if they do and can speak the language they are typically visibly pleased.

my experience is much the same as chips

gazcue....

i walk from my hotel in gazcue to the malecon and el conde all the time. there is usually alot of police right by the clinic, and in el conde. I havent walked along the malecon at night so i havent noticed any police presence there.

When it gets dark i makesure i am in well lit areas with people. I also wouldnt trust the AMET at night. Ive never had trouble(been robbed) with Politur

I always have trouble identifying each law enforcement service. AMET are the thieves in grey uniforms and mottos? and the the politur are in green with the cool hats? There should be a sticky with each law enforcement group and which ones look for their nightly propina and which ones dont mind getting one....

Chip said:

Not exactly. I have been asked if I am Dominican many times in my 5 years here and have even been mistaken as a mototconcho. Not only that Dominicans are very accepting of foreigners if they learn to speak the language and act accordingly. Dominicans are proud of their country in spite of it all and are typically interested to find out if foreigners like their country and if they do and can speak the language they are typically visibly pleased.

Click to expand...

I was not suggesting you or others were not accepted! And I agree that when we learn or at least try to learn the language they are pleased..... We act appropriate and fit in very well - some of us...... BUT make no mistake they know what we are.

DMV123 said:

BUT make no mistake they know what we are.

Click to expand...

Not always. I guess you missed the part about where I said if I was asked if I was Dominican. Apparently you don't come to Santiago much.

Also, in tourist areas it's normal to locals assume all "whites" are gringos, but they even do that to white Dominicans too.