What you wear is of course up to you. But if you want to know how you will be perceived and what standard apparel is, see HB's post 14.
Shorts are acceptable in beach areas, of course.
Shorts are acceptable in beach areas, of course.
- Thread starter Chris
- Start date
Safety in The DR
The no-shorts rule is out of date. Sure, as in most other places it's a no-no in formal settings. But many respectable Dominicans wear shorts in informal situations, well beyond the beaches.
I can't speak for stuffy Santiago, but Santo Domingo is more relaxed.:cheeky:
I can't speak for stuffy Santiago, but Santo Domingo is more relaxed.:cheeky:
The issue here is .. will I be 'safer' wearing shorts, or 'safer' wearing no shorts :laugh: Of course I mean dressing like most average people on the street.
Certainly in the Cabarete and Sosua areas many local people wear shorts, but then, those are beach towns. But I do not see the average middle class person going to the supermercado with shorts, unless it is a lady of the night.
Certainly in the Cabarete and Sosua areas many local people wear shorts, but then, those are beach towns. But I do not see the average middle class person going to the supermercado with shorts, unless it is a lady of the night.
Hillbilly,
I kind of worry about fences--as a woman I have been taught that fences, while they may keep some out, depending on the type of fence can also be a good hiding place for a thief/rapist/murderer--whatever. So if someone is planning to get a fence, make sure it is not a privacy type of fence. You want it to keep folks out as well as make anyone that does get past it still visible to passersby or neighbors. Your suggestions are very good!
I wanted to add a few things for the ladies as a person who travels to different places and sometimes alone:
Do your homework first. Check State Department website for any advisories that they may have. You might think some of it is over the top, but it's better to know of the possiblity that something will happen than to be ignorant of the possibilities.
BEFORE you leave your hotel, plan your route! The last thing you want to do is go outside and immediately look lost and in a daze. The thieves will LOVE YOU. People who don't know where they are or where they are going are so preoccupied with that that they lose track of what's going on around them and become easy targets.
Walk with an heir of confidence even if you have no idea where you are. If you are lost, go into a place that looks reputable and ask them for directions.
Learn the number of a cab company that can be called in case of an emergency.
Do not travel alone into areas that are poorly lit or have few people around.
Do not carry your money in your back pocket. If you have a bag keep your money in an inside zipper and keep the main bag zipper closed at all times.
Do not flash large amounts of money or credit cards. Take out only what you need and leave the rest in your bag until needed.
Do not carry your cell phone or camera on a waist attachment. If you have a bag leave these items in it and take them out only when needed.
When you are in a restaurant or other public venue, do not place your purse on the floor or leave it otherwise unattended.
Do not be easily distracted by loud noises or brawls going on around you. Thieves work in teams at times and sometimes cause distractions (dropping things, falling or other things) that take your attention off of your own personal safety and may cause you to become careless. If you do find yourself in a situation, REMEMBER to be consious of your own personal belongings if you are forced to help someone. Random stuff like picking things up for people should be avoided.
When riding the carro publicos, if you know you are taking one of them, do not carry anything valuable in your pockets. Keep any belongings in front of you and covered with your hands. Be fully aware of the locations of others' hands.
Leave valuable jewelry at home in your home country. I did read once that sometimes women who travel alone have been known to wear a fake wedding ring to ward off unwanted male attention--but don't let it be a gaudy one. A simple band might do the trick.
Sometimes you might have to take a long bus ride to get to another city in the country. Get a good night sleep the night before because you don't want to be falling asleep on a public bus.
Don't walk with your purse flinging around your knees or in some other careless manner. Have it tucked under your arm or other guarded position.
Beware of people with extra jackets or coats. In the tropical climate of DR, usually this is not necessary to have heavy jackets or coats and this could be used as a disguise for picking someones purse. If the hands are covered with the coat and the person is standing in close proximity to you, they may be trying to hide that they are about to or are robbing you.
On the beach, don't leave your belongings unattended.
Learn as much of the language as possible.
Make eye contact with people you are saying hello to or who may be near you. This will approve your ability to identify them if something should go awry.
This is just my 2 cents. Be confident, be vigilant, have fun!
Do your homework first. Check State Department website for any advisories that they may have. You might think some of it is over the top, but it's better to know of the possiblity that something will happen than to be ignorant of the possibilities.
BEFORE you leave your hotel, plan your route! The last thing you want to do is go outside and immediately look lost and in a daze. The thieves will LOVE YOU. People who don't know where they are or where they are going are so preoccupied with that that they lose track of what's going on around them and become easy targets.
Walk with an heir of confidence even if you have no idea where you are. If you are lost, go into a place that looks reputable and ask them for directions.
Learn the number of a cab company that can be called in case of an emergency.
Do not travel alone into areas that are poorly lit or have few people around.
Do not carry your money in your back pocket. If you have a bag keep your money in an inside zipper and keep the main bag zipper closed at all times.
Do not flash large amounts of money or credit cards. Take out only what you need and leave the rest in your bag until needed.
Do not carry your cell phone or camera on a waist attachment. If you have a bag leave these items in it and take them out only when needed.
When you are in a restaurant or other public venue, do not place your purse on the floor or leave it otherwise unattended.
Do not be easily distracted by loud noises or brawls going on around you. Thieves work in teams at times and sometimes cause distractions (dropping things, falling or other things) that take your attention off of your own personal safety and may cause you to become careless. If you do find yourself in a situation, REMEMBER to be consious of your own personal belongings if you are forced to help someone. Random stuff like picking things up for people should be avoided.
When riding the carro publicos, if you know you are taking one of them, do not carry anything valuable in your pockets. Keep any belongings in front of you and covered with your hands. Be fully aware of the locations of others' hands.
Leave valuable jewelry at home in your home country. I did read once that sometimes women who travel alone have been known to wear a fake wedding ring to ward off unwanted male attention--but don't let it be a gaudy one. A simple band might do the trick.
Sometimes you might have to take a long bus ride to get to another city in the country. Get a good night sleep the night before because you don't want to be falling asleep on a public bus.
Don't walk with your purse flinging around your knees or in some other careless manner. Have it tucked under your arm or other guarded position.
Beware of people with extra jackets or coats. In the tropical climate of DR, usually this is not necessary to have heavy jackets or coats and this could be used as a disguise for picking someones purse. If the hands are covered with the coat and the person is standing in close proximity to you, they may be trying to hide that they are about to or are robbing you.
On the beach, don't leave your belongings unattended.
Learn as much of the language as possible.
Make eye contact with people you are saying hello to or who may be near you. This will approve your ability to identify them if something should go awry.
This is just my 2 cents. Be confident, be vigilant, have fun!
A question to the folks that live in the DR, are the ATM's safe? I read on the state department website that there is some scam that can copy your number or some business like that. Does it accept american debit/credit cards? I have never had to use an ATM before because I always had enough, but the next time I go, I'm going for a longer time and don't want to carry all of the money I will need for the whole trip around the whole time.
I don't know if this is the right thread for this question but it is a safety concern of mine.
I don't know if this is the right thread for this question but it is a safety concern of mine.
Just carry travelers checks.
I recall there was an ATM scam in Sosua a couple of years ago.
C
Chip00
Guest
ATM's
I've been using the BHD automatic teller machines for the last year to withdraw money from my US Bank of America account and have had no problems other than they charge you an arm and a leg for the transaction. I think it's about $10US. I would assume that most banks or tourist hotels would take or convert American Express checks. I would personally pay cash for most things unless your buying in a big established franchise like La Sirena, etc. or maybe on the resort grounds.
I've been using the BHD automatic teller machines for the last year to withdraw money from my US Bank of America account and have had no problems other than they charge you an arm and a leg for the transaction. I think it's about $10US. I would assume that most banks or tourist hotels would take or convert American Express checks. I would personally pay cash for most things unless your buying in a big established franchise like La Sirena, etc. or maybe on the resort grounds.
Chip...go into all the banks and find their exchange section...talk to the manager about taking your checks for exact dollar amount. One of them may accept your checks. If you know someone who has been banking at a bank for some time...have them take you and introduce you and explain what you need. I was in your situation and spending about $900 USD per year on fees until a friend did this for me. Now I write a check for $1000 USD and they give me $1000 USD no strings attached. I am not required to exchange for pesos there. Best of luck.
C
Chip00
Guest
Thanks
Thanks Snuffy - I have an account at Banreservas and I'll give them a call tomorrow.
Thanks Snuffy - I have an account at Banreservas and I'll give them a call tomorrow.
You sound as if you would definitly make it in the South West where there is no real law..And you need to live exactly as you just described .If you are not prepared for this type of life, then you need a gated community as a home base...And don't leave home alone.......Go for the kill because they will. Very very True........I'm so remote that my home is starting to look like a private prison just to sleep well and not worry when I'm away..Looking into the razor wire as a final touch......NO DON'T TOUCH..!!!!!
Shorts
Well then, shorts will be the ticket, seeing it is in Cabarete. I think it will at least be better than wearing my white, faded, size youth speedo from 20 years ago .......... wait a sec ..... definitely won't get robbed in the speedo ....... hmmmmm ........ but probably would be beaten up though.
O.k, for sure it'll be shorts then.
Steve
Well then, shorts will be the ticket, seeing it is in Cabarete. I think it will at least be better than wearing my white, faded, size youth speedo from 20 years ago .......... wait a sec ..... definitely won't get robbed in the speedo ....... hmmmmm ........ but probably would be beaten up though.
O.k, for sure it'll be shorts then.
Steve
I don't think it's been mentioned -- kinda' obvious to most, but perhaps not to a new traveller -- your bag should be small enough so it's easy to handle and it should have no wheels. To me wheels on luggage are like a flashing sign that says you're new -- and possible prey.
Having read this thread from start to finish I think it is worth pointing out that places like Cabarete are far safer than is perhaps being portrayed generally. Certainly, I feel safer walking around Cabarete or even Puerto Plata, than I do in London! I've only been 'mugged' once in my life, (beaten up but not actually robbed) and that was in my home town in the UK (Morecambe, pop around 40,000) so keep it in perspective.
So, from a tourist point of view, especially the AI tourist who is now convinced they will be mugged just walking to the gate at Playas Doradas...
Get out there and enjoy this beautiful country!!
But don't switch your brain off either!
Carry as much money as you need at that time and that you can afford to lose. Someone jumps out in front of you with a knife or a gun, give them your cash! Most thieves are 'hyped up', don't give them a reason to use the weapon. My life is more valuable to me than a few thousand pesos, he can have the pesos and I keep my life. Try and be a hero, he may well take both or 'simply' the wrong one.
If you go out dripping in gold, you'll get mugged. That's the same in London, Manchester, New York, where ever. If you are going to a 'posh dinner', you get driven there and picked up... same as you would back home. If you're an AI tourist, it's doubtful you'll be doing that though!
Most male tourists who tell you"I got robbed by a prostitute" don't add... "but I was drunk in the street at 4am and thought they really liked me". Guys, if you're approached by a girl at 4am it's not because she thinks you're a sex object! She wants cash and will go for it one way or the other. Keep walking and don't talk to her. You talk to her, you get robbed, your fault! Besides, if you followed rule 1, you'll not have much left at that point!
First time you go into the city, especially if you don't speak the language, take a guide. Our first trip, we 'chatted' to a waitress in the hotel who agreed to show us around PoP on her day off. It's a quiet city and no problem to walk around unescorted. After that first time to get some confidence and bearings, I was more than happy to go in alone. The difference with having someone is they can show you the tourist bits. Don't be a snob, you're a tourist, that's why you are there! Get the gua-gua and have your 20 pesos note in your hand when you get on.
Someone previously mentioned camera bags. I have a 'ruck-sac' type camera bag, which carries a laptop computer and about $3000 of camera equipment. But it looks like a battered old ruck-sac, not worth anything. The camera is either in use or in the bag. Insure your kit, then use it. No point carrying it all that way only to leave it in the hotel room because you've been scared into thinking you'll be robbed!
I tend to have a few large notes in one front pocket, a few in the other front pocket and small notes in back pockets. If you are pick-pocketed it is almost always the back pockets. Also, you can 'choose' when to show your cash. If you only need to pay a small amount, you can pull low denomination notes out rather than a large wad of 500 or 1000 peso notes!
If you are AI and walking around PoP, you might meet one of your friendly waiters! "hey, you know me, I'm a waiter at the ...... Hotel" where you just happen to be staying... First time this happened to me I carried on walking, convinced he wasn't but confused anyway. D'oh, these guys know all the hotels by the colour of the band you have on your wrist! You've forgotten about it, it's been there so long, they see you a mile away! If people can get you to stop walking they've a better chance of selling you something... or scamming you! Sometimes, if you ask at the reception, they will cut the band off and put another on when you get back if you let them know you are going into town. Better still, don't go AI unless it's your first trip! If you go into town with an 'official guide', they are probably on commission rather than trying to rob you. So 'negotiate'. "You can take us into four souvenir shops, and only after 3pm" or whatever. Then accept that you will buy a load of tat in the shops he takes you into. The guy has a living to make. If you are feeling nervous about the route he's taking, especially if it looks 'off the beaten track', turn around and head back to the crowds.
As the thread is actually titled "How to be Safer in the DR", could I move the conversation off crime?
Especially for tourist...
The moto-concho (sp) or 'moped taxi'. Why would you even think for a nano-second that this is a "good idea"? Do you ride a motorbike back home? Percentage wise, probably not. If you don't, why? Probably because you've had years of thinking it is 'unsafe'. So let's think this through... you won't go on a motorbike in a 'first world' country, where the roads are reasonable, the standard of driving generally okay, an ambulance will come quickly to pick you up if you come off, yet when you're on holiday, you'll jump onto the back of some kid's bike, that was last serviced when it was new and the only rule of the road is biggest wins? If you do ride a bike back home, do you wear leathers and a crash helmet? My leathers & helmet would cost about $2400 to replace. Someone once said, when asked by a novice 'how much should I spend on a crash helmet?' replied, "if you have a five dollar head, buy a five dollar helmet"... If you really want to improve your safety in the DR, avoid moped taxis like the plague. This is from someone who has a CBR 600 and has seen 140mph on the speedo... but who also witnessed a double fatality in Vietnam when a bike went under a truck (where the style of driving is very similar to DR). Two dead bodies laying in the street, one with no skin on their back from being dragged along by the lorry is a sight I'll always remember... If you want to increase your safety, just don't even think about it.
So, from a tourist point of view, especially the AI tourist who is now convinced they will be mugged just walking to the gate at Playas Doradas...
Get out there and enjoy this beautiful country!!
But don't switch your brain off either!
Carry as much money as you need at that time and that you can afford to lose. Someone jumps out in front of you with a knife or a gun, give them your cash! Most thieves are 'hyped up', don't give them a reason to use the weapon. My life is more valuable to me than a few thousand pesos, he can have the pesos and I keep my life. Try and be a hero, he may well take both or 'simply' the wrong one.
If you go out dripping in gold, you'll get mugged. That's the same in London, Manchester, New York, where ever. If you are going to a 'posh dinner', you get driven there and picked up... same as you would back home. If you're an AI tourist, it's doubtful you'll be doing that though!
Most male tourists who tell you"I got robbed by a prostitute" don't add... "but I was drunk in the street at 4am and thought they really liked me". Guys, if you're approached by a girl at 4am it's not because she thinks you're a sex object! She wants cash and will go for it one way or the other. Keep walking and don't talk to her. You talk to her, you get robbed, your fault! Besides, if you followed rule 1, you'll not have much left at that point!
First time you go into the city, especially if you don't speak the language, take a guide. Our first trip, we 'chatted' to a waitress in the hotel who agreed to show us around PoP on her day off. It's a quiet city and no problem to walk around unescorted. After that first time to get some confidence and bearings, I was more than happy to go in alone. The difference with having someone is they can show you the tourist bits. Don't be a snob, you're a tourist, that's why you are there! Get the gua-gua and have your 20 pesos note in your hand when you get on.
Someone previously mentioned camera bags. I have a 'ruck-sac' type camera bag, which carries a laptop computer and about $3000 of camera equipment. But it looks like a battered old ruck-sac, not worth anything. The camera is either in use or in the bag. Insure your kit, then use it. No point carrying it all that way only to leave it in the hotel room because you've been scared into thinking you'll be robbed!
I tend to have a few large notes in one front pocket, a few in the other front pocket and small notes in back pockets. If you are pick-pocketed it is almost always the back pockets. Also, you can 'choose' when to show your cash. If you only need to pay a small amount, you can pull low denomination notes out rather than a large wad of 500 or 1000 peso notes!
If you are AI and walking around PoP, you might meet one of your friendly waiters! "hey, you know me, I'm a waiter at the ...... Hotel" where you just happen to be staying... First time this happened to me I carried on walking, convinced he wasn't but confused anyway. D'oh, these guys know all the hotels by the colour of the band you have on your wrist! You've forgotten about it, it's been there so long, they see you a mile away! If people can get you to stop walking they've a better chance of selling you something... or scamming you! Sometimes, if you ask at the reception, they will cut the band off and put another on when you get back if you let them know you are going into town. Better still, don't go AI unless it's your first trip! If you go into town with an 'official guide', they are probably on commission rather than trying to rob you. So 'negotiate'. "You can take us into four souvenir shops, and only after 3pm" or whatever. Then accept that you will buy a load of tat in the shops he takes you into. The guy has a living to make. If you are feeling nervous about the route he's taking, especially if it looks 'off the beaten track', turn around and head back to the crowds.
As the thread is actually titled "How to be Safer in the DR", could I move the conversation off crime?
Especially for tourist...
The moto-concho (sp) or 'moped taxi'. Why would you even think for a nano-second that this is a "good idea"? Do you ride a motorbike back home? Percentage wise, probably not. If you don't, why? Probably because you've had years of thinking it is 'unsafe'. So let's think this through... you won't go on a motorbike in a 'first world' country, where the roads are reasonable, the standard of driving generally okay, an ambulance will come quickly to pick you up if you come off, yet when you're on holiday, you'll jump onto the back of some kid's bike, that was last serviced when it was new and the only rule of the road is biggest wins? If you do ride a bike back home, do you wear leathers and a crash helmet? My leathers & helmet would cost about $2400 to replace. Someone once said, when asked by a novice 'how much should I spend on a crash helmet?' replied, "if you have a five dollar head, buy a five dollar helmet"... If you really want to improve your safety in the DR, avoid moped taxis like the plague. This is from someone who has a CBR 600 and has seen 140mph on the speedo... but who also witnessed a double fatality in Vietnam when a bike went under a truck (where the style of driving is very similar to DR). Two dead bodies laying in the street, one with no skin on their back from being dragged along by the lorry is a sight I'll always remember... If you want to increase your safety, just don't even think about it.
GREAT suggestion!!! Thanks!!!
A CBR 600 in the DR??? :surprised On those roads??? You nutz?KeithF said:
I'm a biker guy from waaaaay back, and I can't imagine... That being said, my biggest fear in the DR is not getting robbed/mugged, but being in a serious traffic accident and having to wait for an "ambulance" to take the pieces to a bad medical facility. Jumping on the back of a moto, IMO, is just crazy. You're asking for some bad mojo to go down, wearing a hat or not.
for the non AI tourist... the biggest thing they can do is to carry as little cash as possible....stick a few thousand peso notes in your sock..carry 4 or 5 hundred peso notes in your front pocket, then put a bunch of 50 and 20 and 10 peso notes in an old wallet with a copy of your drivers license and a credit card that has only about 2-300 dollars worth of credit left on it.
turn around once in while and pretend you missed looking at something, if you walk for a long time... dont drive your car into closed positions often....back into spots when you park.......as a woman it is really wise to keep cash in your pocket and STILL CARRY a small purse......put nothing important in it.... it is the bait for any would be theif.....dont have a strong strap...you dont want to be hurt when he grabs it and runs....
its best as a tourist to let them take what they want...since you dont live there it wont happen often enough to cause you heavy financal loss
a person living there has to take a different approach...they cant be in harms way every day, and absorb the losses on a regular basis.
watch traffic ahead....usually the people up front are encountering trouble before you do...like a protest.....
thats the kind of situation that is totally unpredictable.. and needs to be avoided at all costs......
if you prepare yourself so you are not in a position to loose a lot of money or exspensive items....then you dont have to worry about fighting for anything...or chasing after someone........
dont carry your phone on your waist...put it in your pocket...especially if it a newer phone.
cameras....dont set them down...keep them hidden in the car under a shirt or towel......
exchange your money in $200(us) max amounts in places you are unfamiliar with.....in some areas have your money ready before you need to pay.....that way you dont have to open your wallet in front of a a strangers eyes.........
and..........dont look like a wimp!
they want easy marks
if you drive keep your eyes on the motor cycles....
one thing you need to do if you rent an auto...is go buy a brand new set of wiper blades...300 pesos...worth it....the lights are pooor and at night when it rains, and half the motor cycles or cars dont have lights...YOU need all the help you can get to SEE!!!!
bob
turn around once in while and pretend you missed looking at something, if you walk for a long time... dont drive your car into closed positions often....back into spots when you park.......as a woman it is really wise to keep cash in your pocket and STILL CARRY a small purse......put nothing important in it.... it is the bait for any would be theif.....dont have a strong strap...you dont want to be hurt when he grabs it and runs....
its best as a tourist to let them take what they want...since you dont live there it wont happen often enough to cause you heavy financal loss
a person living there has to take a different approach...they cant be in harms way every day, and absorb the losses on a regular basis.
watch traffic ahead....usually the people up front are encountering trouble before you do...like a protest.....
thats the kind of situation that is totally unpredictable.. and needs to be avoided at all costs......
if you prepare yourself so you are not in a position to loose a lot of money or exspensive items....then you dont have to worry about fighting for anything...or chasing after someone........
dont carry your phone on your waist...put it in your pocket...especially if it a newer phone.
cameras....dont set them down...keep them hidden in the car under a shirt or towel......
exchange your money in $200(us) max amounts in places you are unfamiliar with.....in some areas have your money ready before you need to pay.....that way you dont have to open your wallet in front of a a strangers eyes.........
and..........dont look like a wimp!
they want easy marks
if you drive keep your eyes on the motor cycles....
one thing you need to do if you rent an auto...is go buy a brand new set of wiper blades...300 pesos...worth it....the lights are pooor and at night when it rains, and half the motor cycles or cars dont have lights...YOU need all the help you can get to SEE!!!!
bob