DR-A dangerous 3rd-world country?

[Isitmebut]

I recently posted an enquiry regarding alternatives to large all-inclusive resorts on the East Coast board; see "Non All-Inclusive Recommendations please".

To widen my search I also sent the same enquiry to a travel agency firm in the USA who figures prominently in the Dominican Republic related websites. I was astounded at their reply which is as follows:

Quote
"You must remember that Punta Cana is a third-world country. The safety of an all-inclusive resort is imperative. The resorts are large complexes. Unfortunately I cannot make any recommendations. thank you"
Unquote

Unfortunately, this travel agent's reply was received under standard warnings that its contents were privileged and should not be disclosed. So I cannot tell you who it is from.

Can these views be justified? Can one safely navigate outside the confines of the giant AI resorts? I think I know the answer but I am, as yet, only a prospective 1st time visitor and would like some reassurances.

 

[gary short]

First of all Punta Cana isn't a third world country, it's a resort area in a third world country. So right from the get go you must know that your travel agent has his/her head up there arse. BTW why Punta Cana.......whatever.....go buy a lonely planet guide. All will be answered..

 

[CommTHOR]

Unfortunately, this travel agent's reply was received under standard warnings that its contents were privileged and should not be disclosed. So I cannot tell you who it is from.

Unless there is a signed NDA with this company, the disclaimers that many places put on the bottom of their e-mails typically holds absolutely no legal ground.

Post the legal disclaimer here - I'll be happy to rip it apart so you can feel comfortable letting us know what company would say these self-serving and untrue things.

 

[miss j]

i like punta cana

I've been in Punta Cana now for almost two months, alone, and IMO it is just as safe (if not safer) here than it is where I live in Canada. I've made friends here, and gone to areas where I may not have gone alone, but it was fine with a group of Dominicans. If you're looking for a quiet, laid back place, this is it.

 

[Rocky]

It is my understanding that we are no longer classified as a third world country, but, in fact, a developing nation.

 

[gary short]

It is my understanding that we are no longer classified as a third world country, but, in fact, a developing nation.

HAHAHAHA...........YA RIGHT!!!!!!

 

[Caren M.]

I agree with missj and the others. Anyplace is dangerous if you walk around bad neighborhoods alone at night flashing money and jewels. Understand what I am saying? You have to be smart wherever you are. There are good and bad people everywhere. I feel perfectly safe in Punta Cana and have met some of the nicest people. It makes me sad that the US is hurting the Dominican tourist industry. I have heard this same warning from several people in the states.
Los corales which was mentioned to you in your other post is on a great stretch of beach. Safe but quiet. There are several restaurants in the complex and within walking distance aong the beach. Water sports close by too. Come see and enjoy!

 

[NALs]

Well, that depends....

It is my understanding that we are no longer classified as a third world country, but, in fact, a developing nation.

The PC version is developing nation, since the term third world often is seen as a derogatory term towards non-first world countries.

It also depends on whether people are using the classification third world in economic terms or in political terms.

Economically, third world simply means poor country and most people usually mean such when using the term.

However, politically, third world refers to certain ways a country functions (the existence of clientelism, votes gained through charismatic leaders, tremendous influence exerted by the military, the way resources are allocated which are based on relationships and not merit, etc).

Politically speaking, the term third world covers quite an array of countries. Thus, third world would apply to the DR as well as Nicaragua or the Bahamas. It also applies to Taiwan, Singapore, and United Arabs Emirate despite those countries being rather rich.

In the political arena, the wealth of a nation is not the determining factor of whether a country could be considered first or third world, it's all based on other underlying factors which may or may not be cultural in nature.

In the economic arena, the wealth of a nation IS the determining factor in considering whether a country is part of the first, third, or even fourth world.

In the political correct arena, no country would ever be considered third world, but rather underdeveloped, developing, or developed. Characteristics to define such country falls under the economic or political spheres, but its done in a more politically correct way.

Take your pick.

-NALs

 

[NALs]

Almost forgot,

You can walk around in Punta Cana without feeling "unsafe". Then again, that is true everywhere in the world..... until you're a victim of a crime! Then, even in the safest place on earth (please tell me where this is) you will feel paranoid and watchful over your shoulder!

Much of Punta Cana is a collection of what Americans like to call "willy nilly" development.

There is not much of a real town to speak off, just a collection of upscale gated communities (looks alot like South Florida), beach resorts the size of towns (we got lost trying to find the exit at the Riu Complex last September, can you believe it?? It was big and that's the norm out there), a collection of ramshackle slums along several spots on the main winding road (looks alot like an upgraded version of a batey), occasional poor dwelling in "el monte", some attractions which appear out of nowhere, and a few small shopping plazas, gasoline stations and the like.

The area (particularly around Veron) is covered in dust and much of the dust blows in the wind. Much of this is due to the unsurfaced roads which lead into the ramshackle slums and the construction which is everywhere. To add to the "excitement" of seeing dust in the air, it's not even brown like everywhere else in the DR. Instead, the dust in Punta Cana is white because the ground out there is white!!!

It has to do with the coral rocks which is what the land is there (similar to Florida) while the rest of the DR has more "real dirt" as land (especially in the Cibao where there is the most beautiful fertile black top soil, said to be the deepest in the world).

Most of the people in Punta Cana are there to do something of value to them and the economy.

You will see ALOT of Haitians out there, in fact more Haitians than Dominicans in various places. No surprise and no big deal, most of them are there for the construction jobs which abound.

You will see many Dominicans, again no big deal. They are there for jobs as well.

Then there are the pasty white (and of course, lobster red) Europeans, North Americans, and South Americans who are there on vacation to la la land of surf, sun, and fun while only paying once holiday! Well, at least that's what they think until they decide to go on such tour, shop in such place, yaddi yaddi yadda.

Having said all of that (I know it's alot), much of Punta Cana area is not really made for pedestrians. Sidewalks are almost non-existant, distances are long and in the sun you do not want to walk over there. Big shade trees are few and far between.

If anyone has a chance at being a victim of crime, it certainly will be a long term resident who becomes careless with who he meets and associates with OR a tourist who decides to rent a car from the avis out there and drive into who knows where, because there really is not much to drive to out there.

The nearest "real" town is Higuey and it's a long lonely ride. Driving there is not like in the Cibao, where you are never too far away from some campo. Out there, it's just you, the road, a few maniacs on the road, and lots and lots of open land.

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BTW, sorry AnnaC! I couldn't help myself! (You know what I mean).

-NALs

 

[BushBaby]

Please read the travel agents quote
"You must remember that Punta Cana is a third-world country. The safety of an all-inclusive resort is imperative. The resorts are large complexes. Unfortunately I cannot make any recommendations. thank you" :ermm:

as really meaning ........
"If you manage to get outside the complex you will find prices FAR more competitive & facilities FAR more varied than we offer in the complex!! This means LESS profits for us & a likelyhood you will enjoy the country so much that you will return again on a FLIGHT ONLY where we do not make such ungainly profits out of you"!! :squareeye

As others have said before here, the Dominican Republic has warm friendly people in a much higher proportion than elsewhere in the Caribbean or middle America tourist places. Be careful, watchful & attentive to your personal attire (no heavy & expensive jewellery, respectful dress etc) when going 'OUT' of campus; be friendly, warm & attentive to the Dominican population & you will have NO PROBLEMS at all.

Please give your travel agent a kick up the posterior from those of us that LIVE here. I am sure many of us would welcome said person (or persons) irate: from that company should they ever desire to learn a little about what he/she (they) are trying to "promote"????? :bunny: :bunny: :bunny: ~ Grahame.

 

[dv8]

yes but no

DR is a 3rd world country. you cannot get decent peeling or mascara unless you are willing to travel to the mighty capital. you can get a week long diarrhoea after eating a sausage. there is no 24h electricity, no central gas or water pipes. for a person coming fresh from civilisation it is not an easy country to be.
but to say that venturing out of resorts is DANGEROUS?!
gosh. i travelled alone most of my life. DR is no different to any other country i have been to. millions of people including thousands of foreigners live here. normally. like anywhere else.
:ermm: :ermm: :ermm:
obviously this tourist agent has not been here ever.

 

[cobraboy]

I remember a trip in the late 80's. Spanish signs everywhere, little English. Crazy drivers. Bars on the windows. Trash on the streets. News reports of corrupt police. Corrupt politicians. Drug gangs roaming the streets, bullets flying everywhere. Murders every day. Terrorized tourists.

I remember reading the sign as I left: "You are leaving Miami FL"...:bunny:

There is a little "Third World" everywhere.

 

[cobraboy]

you cannot get decent peeling or mascara unless you are willing to travel to the mighty capital.

Well, no wonder I never realized the DR was Third World...

Third World to me is warm beer and no pizza or ice cream.

:cheeky:

 

[Isitmebut]

Thank you to everybody that has replied; I think your messages are clear.

CommTHOR, here is the disclaimer the travel agency put at the end of their email:

Quote
"This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended addressee, nor authorized to receive for the intended addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this in error, please advise the sender by reply email and delete the message. Thank you. XXXXXXXX(Name of Agency)"
Unquote

Whilst it is debateable if this disclaimer carries any legal weight I will not try to test it by divulging their identity. However, this agency's arrogance and contempt for all DR tourist potential that does not earn easy bucks deserves a reaction. I shall reply to the agency to let them know of the transparence of their blatant self-interest and share with them a selection of your (anonymous) comments and views.

For my part I shall visit DR shortly and learn further by my own experience. Los Corales is the best match to my requirements I have seen so far and I am trying to make a booking.

Thanks once again.

 

[Rick Snyder]

Isitmebut,

Welcome to DR1, your 'Everything you want to know about the DR' message board.

A little history is in order. The area that you are thinking about visiting is the lastest new area to be developed in the DR for tourists. Because of its newness the area hasn't been developed to the level of such places as Puerta Plata. They have installed a lot of AI resorts due to its distance from any major towns as stated by Nal's. The beaches on the East coast are in fact whiter then any of the other beaches on the island.

With the massive building that was and is going on it has drawn a lot of Haitians into the area and for areas to live in those workers have developed a number of their own communities, barrios, close to those complexes that are being built.

Due to the distance from well established Dominican towns these complexes have built everything that a vacationer will need all within walking distance.

This area is also being developed for those wishing to retire and move here to the DR and because of that you will find most things much more expensive then you would around other resort areas within the DR.

If you are looking to come here for a relaxing vacation and can afford the prices then the Bavaro/Punta Cana area is for you. Because of the distance of the true Dominican lifestyle from where you will be staying they have assembled a large number of tours which you will pay dearly for if you wish to experience same.

If your desire is to enjoy yourself at a less expensive price then the DR offers many resort areas that have been in existence for many years. These other areas are all close to the true Dominican lifestyle and don't require tours to experience same.

As to the safety of the island I will tell you that I have been living here for 10 years and feel much safer then I did when I lived in the US. At the same time I must say that I don't walk around with jewelry hanging out and such . You know, those same precautions that you would use in your own hometown.

Hope this helps.

Rick

 

[Hlywud]

comment

It is my understanding that we are no longer classified as a third world country, but, in fact, a developing nation.

Rocky is correct a developing nation...just as safe a NYC, Toronto, chicago or Detroit.

Look for trouble enywhere and you will find it, DR is no different.

 

[bolivar_c]

As in all countries, it depends. I have traveled to the D.R. all my life, and have never been a victim or crime in any way. Granted, i spend most of my time in smaller towns such as Portillo, El Limon, Las Terrenas etc. Im only 16 years old, and pretty light-skinned so i obviously stand out in the rural areas. I recently took a trip from Miami to Puerto Plata, and from Puerto Plata to Portillo in bus, and i experienced no crime.

In the 10 years i spent living in Puerto Rico as a child, I can remember countless events where friends and family were assaulted or mugged on the streets. Now living in Miami, i do not feel very safe in many areas of the city either. All in all i feel MUCH safer in the D.R. than i do in Miami or Puerto Rico, so called first-world countries. I can only speak for the rural areas, as I haven't spent much times in the big cities, where i hear its more of a problem.

Theres crime everywhere, just try not to make yourself a target, by flaunting money or jewlery.

 

[CommTHOR]

"This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended addressee, nor authorized to receive for the intended addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this in error, please advise the sender by reply email and delete the message. Thank you. XXXXXXXX(Name of Agency)"

The disclaimer in itself contradicts itself.

In one part:
If you are not the intended addressee, nor authorized to receive for the intended addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message.

and in the next:
If you have received this in error, please advise the sender by reply email and delete the message.

If you did this, you would technically be breaking rule #1 by following rule #2.

As for the main part:
This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.

It's intended for you. (Maybe? Are you absolutely CERTAIN it was intended for you?) It's now yours to do what you want with. I should put a disclaimer in all my e-mails that read, "Adressee is only to read every odd numbered word, and any reading of even numbered words is subject to a fine and legal proceedings." Makes about as much sense.

You're doing the community a disservice by letting a boilerplate email threat scare you. Especially since this is one company that SHOULD be held accountable for its dishonest reccomendation. Feel free to PM me the company name and I'd be more than happy to play the dumb tourist (I pretty much am anyway! lol) and see if I get a response like that. I'll have the company name all over the net then. Empty threats like that don't scare me at all.

Don't let them get away with it tho.