I want to encourage everyone to get out of the hotels, they are given a great deal of misinformation before coming here and after arriving and that needs to be cleared up! Let me put something together for a list to contribute as well.
- Thread starter Chris
- Start date
Safety in The DR
I lived there for 15. You have a slight point, but it's an unfair generalization. If I can say anything negative about dominicans, it's that they tend to be too closed-minded/taboo, or others being too politically dependent, or just too 3rd world in their mentality. It sickens me at a certain point. That said, you can't go claiming that everyone is like that.
I also live in NYC and that same exact description can be made no matter what part of the social ladder you refer to. I'm sorry that your experience sucked.
"DocT" may I remind you,and "MANY OTHERS", this is DR1,NOT "NYC1"??????????????????????????
We deal with the DR,it's problems,and pleasures,not comparisons.
"So What", to what is going on "Everywhere Else"!!!
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We deal with the DR,it's problems,and pleasures,not comparisons.
"So What", to what is going on "Everywhere Else"!!!
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You missed the point. I never said or implied that DR was even anything LIKE NY or any other place in the world. I said, that you can say that ANY place can be accused of having "low-quality life, thieves, liars and no-dignity people?" at certain parts of community...It doesn't mean that it's ok to make a bold generalization that borderlines with stereotype. I brought up NY to make the point that you can say that about ANY place you go if you look for those specific kinds of people that dalmatix mentioned.
Listen, I practically grew up and still live in DR, as ever since I moved there at age 10 (I'm 26 now), I haven't been away for more than 3-4 months, usually spending the rest of the year there, and 80% of the people that I know and grew up with are still there. Home...man, it has a lot of problems. But when our own people go around saying that it's worst than it actually is, or try to exaggerate bad parts without mentioning the real issues, it bothers me. A lot.
A great tip I'd give to people visiting, is NOT listening to a lot that's been said in this thread.
Great. What a beautiful life! looooooooooolWoudn't it be easier if you can find someone else to live your life instead of you in that "beautiful and safe country"?
One of my best friends was murdered for his Black Berry last April. He was a 1st Lt. for the Ejercito Nacional. Crime is at an all time high.
Now,do you think that this will make me stay away or even tell people to not go? No, I'd tell them to not walk down a dark street near a liquor store at 1am with their phone in hand, even if they are drunk. You hate your home instead of embracing it. Sucks for you. African Americans would love nothing more than something to call a home land and youd ecide to throw it away because you feel like it's beneath you.You've been well westernized.
MY tips:
- Pay cash at the pump and make sure that the guys not fiddling with it while it's pouring
- ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS check the receipt for over charging if you DO decide on plastic
- If you get read ended by a carro publico, they're likey trying to rob you. Either way, if not, they can't do **** for you. Drive off.
- If you drive into a guy driving a motorcycle, take him to the hospital personally unless they refuse in front of the AMET agent. You're guilty right upon the hit, but if they refuse treatment, you're good to go. Don't feel obligated to fork over cash.
- Don't buy the chargers at the stop lights, 8/10 never work, trust me. You'll waste your money.
- In fact, don't lower your window at a stop light.
- Drive extremely defensively if you don't live there. You won't know what to do if you get in trouble.
- Never walk down the street with a valuable in your hand. It's a mugger-magnet. Tuck in gold chains, also, if you won't leave them home.
- This ones a no brainer, but if a drunk runs into you, apologize. They're usually 10+ deep and will want to start a fight.
More to come as I think of them.
Lots of excellent tips. I haven't read since day 1 of the thread, so I may be repeating, but here a few more from a blue-eyed, blonde-haired gringo that sticks out like a sore thumb:
1) DO minimize the sore thumb appearance. Look around you: how many local Dominicans do you see in SD walking around in shorts, sandals, and a franela? If you stick out, you're just asking for it. Typical wear is casual to dressy, but don't forget your shoes. If you haven't washed them or shined them in the last month, you're sticking out.
2) DO be aware of your surroundings. See what's going on and use a little common sense.
3) DON'T be the loud American (or European, or whatever). Nobody likes a group of loudmouths. Dominicans can often get away with being macho and yelling their way through an altercation. If you're gringo, you're going to get called out.
4) DON'T carry a gun, especially if you know how to use it. Dominicans (and domincanized gringos) can be very flashy with their piece, when they really don't intend to use it, or may not even know how to use it. Kind of a macho mine is bigger than yours'. It may be humbling, but apologize and walk away. And if you shoot them, you're automatically going to jail.
5) Goes with 4. If you want a gun at home, realize there is no home-defense provision for use of a gun in self-defense. I personally keep a youth bat next to my bed, and one in my truck. You can beat the crap out of someone with that, and nobody will question you. Backup would be the ever useful colin.
6) In an accident if nobody's hurt drive away! Or at least drive to a safer place (business, security guard, somewhere where people are). If they want your info., they'll follow you.
7) Confidence. Know where you are and where you are going, and show it. If you're feeling out of sorts, step into a local, small colmado, buy a soda, and get a grip on your surroundings.
8) DO talk to people. 99.9% of the people out there are good. Even the bad guys talked to in the right way are not so bad.
9) Debit cards suck. Get the money you need from a safe ATM and NEVER use plastic. Fraud is rampant here.
It's mostly just attitude and fitting in. When they quit calling you "americano" and start referring to you as "rubio" you'll know you've made that first step. Always be aware, because danger exists as much or more for dominicans than gringos.
FYI, I've lived off and on in the DR since 1995, from tourist areas, to campo, to the capital. Currently going on 3 years in SD.
1) DO minimize the sore thumb appearance. Look around you: how many local Dominicans do you see in SD walking around in shorts, sandals, and a franela? If you stick out, you're just asking for it. Typical wear is casual to dressy, but don't forget your shoes. If you haven't washed them or shined them in the last month, you're sticking out.
2) DO be aware of your surroundings. See what's going on and use a little common sense.
3) DON'T be the loud American (or European, or whatever). Nobody likes a group of loudmouths. Dominicans can often get away with being macho and yelling their way through an altercation. If you're gringo, you're going to get called out.
4) DON'T carry a gun, especially if you know how to use it. Dominicans (and domincanized gringos) can be very flashy with their piece, when they really don't intend to use it, or may not even know how to use it. Kind of a macho mine is bigger than yours'. It may be humbling, but apologize and walk away. And if you shoot them, you're automatically going to jail.
5) Goes with 4. If you want a gun at home, realize there is no home-defense provision for use of a gun in self-defense. I personally keep a youth bat next to my bed, and one in my truck. You can beat the crap out of someone with that, and nobody will question you. Backup would be the ever useful colin.
6) In an accident if nobody's hurt drive away! Or at least drive to a safer place (business, security guard, somewhere where people are). If they want your info., they'll follow you.
7) Confidence. Know where you are and where you are going, and show it. If you're feeling out of sorts, step into a local, small colmado, buy a soda, and get a grip on your surroundings.
8) DO talk to people. 99.9% of the people out there are good. Even the bad guys talked to in the right way are not so bad.
9) Debit cards suck. Get the money you need from a safe ATM and NEVER use plastic. Fraud is rampant here.
It's mostly just attitude and fitting in. When they quit calling you "americano" and start referring to you as "rubio" you'll know you've made that first step. Always be aware, because danger exists as much or more for dominicans than gringos.
FYI, I've lived off and on in the DR since 1995, from tourist areas, to campo, to the capital. Currently going on 3 years in SD.
Generally good advice but I will dispute a few things.
For number 1, I will almost always wear T-shirts and shorts. It is too hot here for me to wear long pants except on the coolest of days and evenings. No problem, I live on the north coast and it is less of an issue than in the cities, I suppose.
Number 4 and 5. Guns are certainly not for everyone. I personally would rather be in jail for defending myself with a firearm than getting shot while raising my bat or machete and the ladrone shoots me. You are telling everyone that there is no valid reason to use a gun in your own home even if a criminal is inside your home and wants to attack you. I do dispute that concept.
Number 6. ALWAYS drive to a safer place if you have an accident. Your chances of having serious problems are even greater if you injure someone and stick around the accident scene.
Alarm System Did Function
Luper?n / Isabela Hist?rica
Last Friday the villa of a long time Belgian resident was burglared; the owner is not in the country at the moment.
The alarm system did work but did not deter the criminals much, they opened the safe and stole an unknown amount of money.
The good thing is, that the alarm alerted neighbours causing the thieves leave behind much of their booty.
I hope they catch them.
DELINCUENTES DESCONOCIDOS ATRACAN VILLA EN LA ISABELA HISTORICA, COMUNIDAD RECLAMA A POLICIA APRESAR LADRONES
donP
Luper?n / Isabela Hist?rica
Last Friday the villa of a long time Belgian resident was burglared; the owner is not in the country at the moment.
The alarm system did work but did not deter the criminals much, they opened the safe and stole an unknown amount of money.
The good thing is, that the alarm alerted neighbours causing the thieves leave behind much of their booty.
I hope they catch them.
DELINCUENTES DESCONOCIDOS ATRACAN VILLA EN LA ISABELA HISTORICA, COMUNIDAD RECLAMA A POLICIA APRESAR LADRONES
donP
Thanks for the article....Some thoughts and questions...
The house did not have secure iron on doors and windows?
They had time to open a safe? Not only open it, but locate it and open it in time. Sounds like an inside job...maybe the maid put them on to it?
Has anyone here on DR1 ever been home burglarized even with hierros in every door and window and an alarm system? Want to get some feedback as I plan on putting both on my house. Cheers.
Facil con un gato....
Most of the 'burglar proofing' I have seen here is a joke, more of a decoration than preventing entry.
Criminals use a small hydraulic jack to pull them out, quietly and without effort.
Alarm systems can alert neighbours and depending on the neighbours they can help.
The police usually does not respond quickly enough to alarms and thieves know that (or them).
donP
Most of the 'burglar proofing' I have seen here is a joke, more of a decoration than preventing entry.
Criminals use a small hydraulic jack to pull them out, quietly and without effort.
Alarm systems can alert neighbours and depending on the neighbours they can help.
The police usually does not respond quickly enough to alarms and thieves know that (or them).
donP
Yeah I;ve heard of them using car jacks to open the gates then send in a child. I guess it is a must to have the alarm system monitored by a security company.
Not me personally, but my in-laws in Santo Domingo were robbed during the night while the 5 of them slept, even took things off the night table [money clip and watch] next to my brother-in-law's head. They cut through the bars and slipped through. Entire place was secured with hierros. Now he's added additional bars, both horizontally and vertically.
Like anywhere else in the world, if they want to get in, they will.
Behind Bars
That's what I call 'Doing time in paradise'.... :cheeky: :bunny: :lick: :laugh:
donP
That's what I call 'Doing time in paradise'.... :cheeky: :bunny: :lick: :laugh:
donP
Like a lot of families, they don't use it when they're home, everything is on one floor and it can be tricky with the motion detectors. There is a "stay" setting on most alarms that will bypass the motion detectors, but unless you have every window wired that's the same as having no alarm on.
Here in NJ we have a second pad upstairs that we use to arm the system at night, no motion detectors up in the bedrooms, just window and glass break alarms.
Question..
I'm an Australian who lives in the capital and wants to spend some time in Cabarete. I'm self employed and work from my MacBook, ideally I would like to stay at a hostel in cabarete and continue my work during the day at the hostel then go out at night. Only worry is how safe it is leaving my laptop in the hostel "locker"(would prefer my car) or even how safe it is in my car. I speak fluent spanish but am more worried about someone seeing me with a new macbook and taking it from my car when I'm out...
I'm an Australian who lives in the capital and wants to spend some time in Cabarete. I'm self employed and work from my MacBook, ideally I would like to stay at a hostel in cabarete and continue my work during the day at the hostel then go out at night. Only worry is how safe it is leaving my laptop in the hostel "locker"(would prefer my car) or even how safe it is in my car. I speak fluent spanish but am more worried about someone seeing me with a new macbook and taking it from my car when I'm out...
I have metal heavy gauge screens covering my principal doors,keeps using bars,jacks,hack saws more difficult.
But my three Chuhuahuas alert when a "Nat Farts".That wakes the two outside "Junkyard Dogs"!
Get DOGS!
I can't
get Dominicans to come in my yard during the day,when I'm there!
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I've got 5 laptops,and a PC,no problems.
We also,like Dominicans,NEVER leave the house without one person at home!
But my three Chuhuahuas alert when a "Nat Farts".That wakes the two outside "Junkyard Dogs"!
Get DOGS!
I can't
get Dominicans to come in my yard during the day,when I'm there!
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I've got 5 laptops,and a PC,no problems.
We also,like Dominicans,NEVER leave the house without one person at home!
Our watch dogs together with our security dogs have proven in the last month that they can stop robberies to our property, even when shot at. Not that I had any doubt they could do it.