Be Careful!

[LindseyKaufman]

Always when talking to my friends in the US, they end the conversation saying, you be careful there (meaning in the DR.)

We went to the US for a family get together and graduation. We are staying in Columbus Ohio, in a good part of town called the Short North, which is a few blocks lined with restaurants from every corner of the world and people everywhere.

Just as we were walking out the door of a restaurant, around 7:30, there were gunshots and a river of people running in our direction. Police, ambulances, and police helicopters surrounded us.

This morning I learned two people were shot nearby. And just behind our hotel there was a taco festival, and that area also had problems with a group of teenagers fighting. It closed down for the night.

I cannot wait to get back to the DR. In my opinion it is far safer that many other countries. So why do people have the perception that it is so dangerous here (meaning the DR.)?

 

[windeguy]

I spent a week in Cleveland one day. Only place I liked less than Ohio in the USA was Indiana.

 

[Meemselle]

Always when talking to my friends in the US, they end the conversation saying, you be careful there (meaning in the DR.)

We went to the US for a family get together and graduation. We are staying in Columbus Ohio, in a good part of town called the Short North, which is a few blocks lined with restaurants from every corner of the world and people everywhere.

Just as we were walking out the door of a restaurant, around 7:30, there were gunshots and a river of people running in our direction. Police, ambulances, and police helicopters surrounded us.

This morning I learned two people were shot nearby. And just behind our hotel there was a taco festival, and that area also had problems with a group of teenagers fighting. It closed down for the night.

I cannot wait to get back to the DR. In my opinion it is far safer that many other countries. So why do people have the perception that it is so dangerous here (meaning the DR.)?

I completely agree. Every time I am in the US (which is once a year, at most) I am on high alert. It doesn't matter if I'm in LA, NYC, MA, wherever, or if I'm at a gas station, restaurant, grocery store, movie theater or (kicking into high gear) a synagogue, I expect to be a statistic. Maybe I'm cynical, but Mitch McConnell's thoughts and prayers aren't working out as fast as hoped. I feel 100% safer in the DR, no question.

 

[drisforme]

A couple of months ago, I was in NYC for the weekend. I was staying in a hotel next to Bryant Park. I got punched in the shoulder by a homeless person at 7 AM because I was using my phone. Happened in front of a Starbucks on 7th Avenue. Did not see him coming.

Peace.

 

[keepcoming]

So, do people think the DR is so dangerous, why? Interested in hearing people's thoughts on this.

 

[Big]

So, do people think the DR is so dangerous, why? Interested in hearing people's thoughts on this.

I always feel safe in the D.R, especially in S.D. and in San Juan de La M. I do not frequent any questionable neighborhoods. I walk almost every day in the city and never see any violence. I do see a massive amount off aggressive driving and in the USA this often turns to gun play.

 

[chico bill]

There are parts of the US that are extremely dangerous. Most are in places now that celebrated 'defunding the police'. Certainly if you go to St Louis, Detroit, Philadelphia , NYC, Chicago, SF, Cleveland, Louisville, Birmingham, Seattle, LA or Miami you better carry your own weapon because liberal mayors have allowed armed gangs to take over

 

[keepcoming]

Let's keep the posts DR related.

 

[Uzin]

This is called false sense of security, it happens wherever you go and stay more than a few weeks...!

 

[CristoRey]

Santiago is 100x times safer than the Eastside of Jacksonville, FL and the Upper 9th Ward of New Orleans, LA the two areas of the Divided States of America where I grew up/ lived until I finally had enough of it (at 31 yrs) and left for good.

Thanks but no thanks. Yall can have it.

 

[AlterEgo]

We’re often encouraged to be safe when we’re leaving to fly to DR. My primary doc asked me “Are you safe there????” Our son was sure we were going to die there, hated every time we went.

I grew up in NYC before LI, worked in manhattan many years, I’m always aware of my surroundings. I was never afraid at my in-laws house in SD, because everyone knew everyone and watched out for each other. At our campo home (almost 40 years now) I’m always watching, even with 4 rotties.

After over 15 years of not visiting, our son came down in February to spend 10 days. He didn’t shut up about how nice it was, how he loved swimming at the beach at 7 am, how pleasant the neighbors are, and why don’t we stay lots longer. 🤷🏻‍♀️

 

[NanSanPedro]

I don't get hung up on the few mass shooting in the USA, but I prefer the DR over the USA far more. While I was only mugged once in the USA and 3 or 4 times here, the times here were my own fault, albeit unknowingly. I really don't think it's competetive between the 2. I would hate to have to live in some of the shittier neigborhoods in the USA.

 

[CristoRey]

I don't get hung up on the few mass shooting in the USA, but I prefer the DR over the USA far more. While I was only mugged once in the USA and 3 or 4 times here, the times here were my own fault, albeit unknowingly. I really don't think it's competetive between the 2. I would hate to have to live in some of the shittier neigborhoods in the USA.

3 or 4 times are you serious?
Was it in Boca Chica?

 

[CristoRey]

We’re often encouraged to be safe when we’re leaving to fly to DR. My primary doc asked me “Are you safe there????” Our son was sure we were going to die there, hated every time we went.

I grew up in NYC before LI, worked in manhattan many years, I’m always aware of my surroundings. I was never afraid at my in-laws house in SD, because everyone knew everyone and watched out for each other. At our campo home (almost 40 years now) I’m always watching, even with 4 rotties.

After over 15 years of not visiting, our son came down in February to spend 10 days. He didn’t shut up about how nice it was, how he loved swimming at the beach at 7 am, how pleasant the neighbors are, and why don’t we stay lots longer. 🤷🏻‍♀️

It's like pulling teeth to get my people down here but once they arrive
they don't want to leave. I can't imagine what it would be like living in
a big American or European city again at this point in my life.

 

[NanSanPedro]

3 or 4 times are you serious?
Was it in Boca Chica?

Twice in Boca Chica. Both times I was walking in an unpopulated area.

Once in the capital when I ventured down to the beach from the malecon.

Another potential one was averted in San Pedro when I saw 2 guys waiting for me at the entrance to a park I was walking in. I just followed the perimeter of a wall and found an escape.

I don't walk in unpopulated areas any more. Boca Chica is fine but the outskirts can be a bit dangerous.

As soon as I wrote that I remembered that my kid was mugged about 2 blocks from where we currently live. But that was 5 or 6 years ago. He lost his phone.

 

[ando1991]

I remember before getting off the phone with my cousin she said, "You be careful down there. Be safe."
People do think the Dominican Republic is very dangerous. Isn't Dominican Republic always listed as a non safe place for tourist?
I couldn't message a friend recently because my sims card was not working. He called the embassy.
Why?
Because the Dominican Republic is considered dangerous. The United States suggest to stay away from travelling to the Dominican Republic. Go to Florida!

 

[ando1991]

I have not felt unsafe here as of yet. But I do use my head and my little bit of street smarts when I am out. Be aware of your surroundings. But that should be anywhere and not just the "Dominican."

 

[Uzin]

You guys spend too much time on the keyboard on DR1, that's a safe place...! 😜

But seriously, anywhere in the world, the expats are less in danger than tourists. Too many reasons to list, but you know them already...

Still, the number of expats in carjacking and house invasions and being killed in DR in the last 10 or 15 years that I recall rebuff some of the claims in this thread..., perhaps it's been a bit quiet recently though...!

 

[monfongo]

Every city has their good areas and bad areas, the US isn't one big New York city.

 

[Tom0910]

Every city has their good areas and bad areas, the US isn't one big New York city.

Exactly. I lived in the USA for 65 years and never heard a gunshot outside of my deer hunting areas,I was never robbed,assaulted,nothing.