Is the Dominican Republic Safe? Know Before You Go.
Understanding if a location like the Dominican Republic is safe for travel is a common question. Travel comes with inherent risks. Some small, some not.
Knowing the history of a country and how that can impact safety while traveling is on us, the traveler. That said, bloggers and “travel influencers” glossing over safety issues by only sharing the glamorous side of travel are frankly dangerous.
Is the Dominican Republic safe? That’s a difficult question to answer for many reasons. Personal experience with riskier travel is one of them.
I might not be an influencer, but if there is any chance someone’s travel plans and therefore their safety could be impacted, then transparency is my obligation. With transparency comes another responsibility, fairness. It wouldn’t be fair to Dominicans to share a scary story without taking a look at the history of the Dominican Republic and at least trying to understand what’s driving current events.
Is the Dominican Republic Safe?
My goal with this post is, to be honest, fair, and helpful for anyone looking to answer the question, is the Dominican Republic safe for travel? I’m sharing the good, the bad, and to the best of my ability a little history behind the latter. For Dominican Citizens or history buffs, if you feel the summation of my research is lacking, incorrect or unfair, I welcome your knowledge and point of view. Please share it in the comments below.
Where to Safely Go in the Dominican Republic
Without further ado, let’s jump into the good and bad experiences we had while traveling the Dominican Republic, starting with Santo Domingo.
Santo Domingo Zona Colonial (Colonial Zone)
Founded in 1496 Santo Domingo is the oldest permanent city established by Europeans in the West. In 1990 Santo Domingo’s historic district known as the Colonial Zone was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Which is part of the reason Paolo and I wanted to see Santo Domingo when visiting the Dominican Republic. Paolo loves history and I love cities with unique architecture. Santo Domingo is rich with both.
Parque Colon
Our first stop in Santo Domingo was the picturesque Parque Colon. A lively square thanks to shade from mature trees. Locals line park benches reading the paper and cafe tables chatting over coffee. The first Cathedral constructed in the New World stands regal to one side while a statue dedicated to Christopher Columbus claims center stage.
Calle El Conde
A quick jaunt from Parque Colon is Calle El Conde a pedestrian street in Santo Domingo. Stretching between Parque Duarte and Parque Independencia, El Conde is lined with shops, restaurants, and offices. Music spills out of souvenir shops while locals buzz between offices. Walking El Conde gives a snapshot of modern Dominican culture right in the heart of the Colonial Zone.
San Francisco Monastery, Santo Domingo
We stumbled on the ruins of the San Francisco Monastery by accident and I’m glad we did. Between Calle Duarte and Calle Hostos the San Francisco Monastery ruins seem oddly out of place despite their legacy standing. Having endured fire and earthquakes the rustic walls have given way to life again as a concert stage on the weekends.
Plaza España Santo Domingo
Plaza España was pretty empty the day we visited due to mid-day heat. School kids clustered under trees surrounding the square. The minute a cloud broke free, so too did they. Laughter bounced through the square as a quick game of tag broke out. As the sun came back, back under the trees they went.
There is an enticing juxtaposition of pristine Spanish Architecture and patina throughout Santo Domingo. Colonial areas where most tourists remain are immaculate. While neighborhoods just outside the Colonial Zone hint of high crime rates the capital city is plagued with.
Staying Safe While Visiting Santo Domingo
This is where travel gets personal. Knowing who you are as a traveler is critical when exploring a city for the first time. Are you comfortable researching local crimes and scams? Staying aware of your surroundings? Not drinking too much in public? Trusting your instincts? Leaving all valuables including jewelry and electronics at home? If yes and Smart Traveler the official U.S. State Department app for travelers is something you’re already aware of, my cautionary advice is not needed.
If any of these questions bring even a moment of pause, especially the part about not carrying valuables or drinking too much in public, spend time researching before you go. I’m not saying don’t go or don’t relax and enjoy a beer on vacation in Santo Domingo. I am saying keep your wits about you and stick to one, preferably a lower ABV option like locally favored Presidente which is only 5%.
Where to Have a Beer in Santo Domingo
Here are four Santo Domingo spots to stop for a low ABV @cervpresidente.
- @ritascafe for an elevated and more importantly shaded view of Plaza España
- @dluisparrillada feast your eyes on the Caribbean Sea and your belly on Mofongo (YUM) and the absolute coldest beer we had on the trip.
- BODEGAS! Toilet paper by day, bar by night. Music from an old boom box blasts while locals dance and sip cold Presidente.
- @cava_billini or Lulu’s Tasting Bar. Both are perfectly situated on a beautiful crescent-shaped square, Parque Billini. Paolo’s photo is by day but at night, those large trees sway in the evening breeze making for a romantic evening drink.
Part of the reason Paolo and I were able to enjoy our time in Santo Domingo is that we are both experienced travelers and comfortable in big cities. We knew ahead of time to be careful in Santo Domingo and we were. We locked our valuables in the safe in our room. Stayed alert and kept drinks to a minimum before having a nightcap in our room from a bottle of wine we purchased at a Bodega.
Unfortunately, in order to split our time between Santo Domingo and our resort, we had to rent a car, which is part of where the trouble for us began. Most tourists go straight to all-inclusive beach resorts in Punta Cana for a reason. Something I’ll go into in more detail soon. Right now, I’d like to share my favorite part of our time in the Dominican Republic. Where we stayed and the beaches we visited.
Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic
We chose the area of Las Galeras for two reasons. One Las Galera is more out of the way and as introverts we prefer uncrowded beaches. Two we thought Las Galeras would be safer than Punta Cana.
Punta Cana Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is the number one tourist destination in the Dominican Republic. Famous for sandy white beaches and all-inclusive resorts most tourists flock to Punta Cana creating a target-rich environment. Instead, we got more for our money at El Paraíso in Las Galeras.
El Paraiso Dominican Republic
El Paraíso went beyond all expectations. Staying here was an experience in and of itself. This Swiss Family Robinson multi-bungalow rustic getaway was previously a family home. Three very lucky kids grew up in this paradise. Perched high above Samaná Bay Owners Nora and Jose take great pride in creating a space that is one with the surrounding landscape.
A clear love of Samaná Bay itself can also be seen in the touches of each bungalow. Construction materials were all drawn from the surrounding land. Each morning a hearty Dominican breakfast is served. A cup of coffee turned into three and sometimes four just to relax in front of this view.
Each bungalow only has three walls connecting guests to nature in a very real way. Our room had two hammocks that essentially made the fourth wall of our bungalow. A room that just so happened to be Nora and Jose’s master bedroom before 2016 when they decided to turn their family home into a resort.
On our first night, I awoke to a thunderstorm. After a bolt of lightning, I sat straight up in bed only to be met by strong winds and rain pelting my face. Even after rolling down a rain shield, that night was an unforgettable experience. We were taken aback by both the use of the land and the open architecture plan which provided endless panoramic views.
Dominican Republic Beaches
The Dominican Republic deserves its due when it comes to beautiful beaches. The weather is warm, sand is soft and the ocean is a mix of Caribbean turquoise and azure blue. Here are two of the best beaches near Las Galeras.
Playa Las Galeras
The first is Playa Las Galeras. The main downtown street ends at Playa Las Galeras. Off the beaten tourist track, Playa Las Galeras is an astoundingly beautiful city beach. Soft white sand washes into a rainbow of blue so beautiful I kept saying “I can’t believe this is a city beach! How is this a city beach?”
Playa Rincon
The second and more impressive beach was Playa Rincon. Again lined by soft white sands and Caribbean hues but this time, surrounded by more lush green mountains. One side of the beach has small stands for food and drinks while the other side ends in a mango grove.
Playa Rincon is stunning. Being there in the off-season meant we pretty much had the beach to ourselves. That ended up being a double-edged sword. Before leaving El Paraíso we were warned not to take anything to Playa Rincon. “Don’t wear anything that shines and park your car where we can see it.” Playa Rincon is indeed beautiful, but all the warnings made it hard to relax. This brings me to my final point. Safety issues in the Dominican Republic for tourists.
This story is to illustrate why personal travel experience is an important part of the ability to answer questions like, is the Dominican Republic safe for yourself.
For the most part, our trip to the Dominican Republic was enjoyable. The nature and the unique experience at El Paraíso alone would have brought me back. That is until we were stopped three times driving from Las Galeras back to the airport.
Is Driving in the Dominican Republic Safe?
The first time, a heavily armed officer stopped us by walking into the middle of the road and waving us down. Scowling, he looked into our car and waved us on. No big deal.
The second time, the officer asked where we were headed. Then asked for Paolo’s ID. Before handing it back he said “Dinero.” Calmly, Paolo said no. Thankfully he let us go. No big deal.
The third stop, was a bigger deal. There were two officers. One in front, standing off to the side of the road. Very large gun in hand. The second officer tapped on the window and asked for license, registration, and passports. Thankfully Paolo understood enough Spanish to know what he wanted and handed everything over.
Staring at Paolo, not the documents, the officer said in Spanish, “Otro documento.” Paolo paused. There were no other documents. Irritated and insistent the officer shouted “Otro documento! Otro!” After a third, increasingly angry request, the officer did something that made my heart race.
Our Drive Through the Dominican Republic Got Dicey
Crossing one hand over the other he tapped his wrists together and tilted his head as if to say, “you’re in big trouble.” The expression on his face matched his actions, which said it all.
Paolo “No. Turista.”
The officer tapped his wrists together making a “tisk, tisk, tisk” sound.
Paolo calm but firm “No. Turista.”
Tapping his wrists together the officer said “dinero” before nodding to the second officer who then took a step forward, clutching his gun higher.
Paolo had warned me this could happen. He’s driven all over the world and been stopped before. He had already warned me the best thing to do was to remain calm no matter what. Despite my heart now beating wildly in my throat and the blood draining from my face, I did my best to appear calm.
Paolo still calm “No, Turista.”
With that, the officer cracked a smile and said in English “Joking, joking. I got you!”
It wasn’t funny.
Somehow Paolo had the inner strength to laugh along saying “Good one, good one!”
The officer handed our documents back and waved us on.
After pulling away, Paolo’s false humor instantly disappeared. I finally breathed. Neither of us spoke.
While experiences like this are nothing new for a traveler like Paolo, feeling responsible for his wife’s safety in the middle of it is. These guys had our passports, guns, and motive, money. We had suntans, the jitters, and a flight to catch.
Is the Dominican Republic Safe From Corruption?
This historical timeline from the BBC helped me better understand the struggles the Dominican Republic has faced to stabilize as a country. There is a long and storied past of power struggles, inequality, and economic instability.
Colonization and annexing. Uprising and independent. Treaties and occupations. Dictators and massacres and that were all before 1940. In the 80s while America was living in excess the Dominican Republic faced austerity measures on food and gas leading to riots. Instead of reform, presidential corruption and fraud scandals followed.
Plus, natural disasters have strained Dominicans and their economy forcing them to start over and over again. Between 1979 and 2012, four hurricanes killed hundreds, displaced hundreds of thousands, and left well over $2 billion in damages.
Even I can understand that a legacy of instability, political corruption as high as the presidency, and natural disasters do not make for a strong economy. Nor does one political party hold power for too long without the will to create a system of reform and oversight into corruption.
What it makes for is persistent inequality and even more widespread corruption at all levels. Corruption this deep comes from the top down and without resources and proper elections, cries for change from the bottom up are stifled.
Is the Dominican Republic Safe for Tourists?
Is it fair for me to share beautiful photos of the Dominican Republic and then share a seriously cautionary tale? I think so, and here’s why. Stories like ours usually come out only when patterns make the news. Like in 2019 when there was a string of American tourists who died in the Dominican Republic.
Then in time, tourists return for the promise of a beautiful beach vacation at an affordable rate. No tourism board or all-inclusive brochure discloses cautionary tales. Their job is to get you to spend money in their country, not to share the history behind what’s happening. Frankly, that’s not okay. Not for tourists and not for citizens fighting corruption.
Final Thoughts on Traveling to the Dominican Republic
Once aware of the risk, only you can decide for yourself if it’s safe to travel to the Dominican Republic. I knew about the risks ahead of time. What I didn’t know was what it felt like to be asked for money by a man with a gun and my passport. I also didn’t know, an experience that frightens me can overpower the good memories of a vacation.
Now. If you’re already an experienced traveler who is comfortable accepting risk for a reward that’s one thing. However, if you are an inexperienced or sensitive traveler, think carefully about going to the Dominican Republic. At the very least, do research on recent crime rates and how to stay safe while traveling. Keep them both in mind when that amazing all-inclusive deal flashes up on your screen.
Sources On Dominican Republic History
- 11 US Tourists Have Died in the Dominic Republic in 2019, Should You Cancel Your Trip? – Time Magazine
- Dominican Republic Protests Elections – New York Times
- Dominican Republic Timeline – BBC
- Tens of Thousands March Over Corruption in Dominican Republic – Reuters
- Dominican Republic 2019 Crime & Safety Report – US Department of State Security Council
I can’t understand why you would want to venture out into the country? For what? To deal with corruption. Corruption is all over the world. People go to DR to stay at the resorts. No one is leaving. I think you caused the problems on yourself. It’s not just DR that is unsafe- everywhere is unsafe. Get with the program hunny.
Hi Salisha. Thank you for stopping by. I’m not sure I completely understand your feedback. The tourists in reference that were killed in the DR died at luxury resorts they believe from items in their minibars being poisoned. Can I ask where you are from?
It sounds like it would be best if we took a tour when visiting DR. Cruising would probably be the only way we’d visit there after the Corona scare.
I would recommend working with a tour company yes. Usually we prefer not to but if you like us enjoy seeing more of a country, then this would be a safer way to go then self guided. I thought when we left I wouldn’t return but our repatriation flight from Florida to Italy stopped in the Dominican Republic. Our surprise stop was incredibly well organized on the Dominican side. So I had to tip my hat to the Dominican government that day. What cruise line do you prefer?
Excellent discourse about the D.R., Brandy!
As a Dominican, and a world traveler that I am; I am grateful for your small description of my country. Fair, but there is a lot more than that. You made no reference about your interactions with any other local, except for the “bad” cops.
You also failed to inform, that as a rule of thumb of any foreign travel, especially if don’t speak the language, is DON’T venture by yourself anywhere, on a first journey unless it is a super safe place, like Switzerland or Costa Rica. And even then, be aware. Hire a local driver who can handle the unexpected. We have gone a long way since military men between the 70s and 80s where a real threat to society. Locals and tourists alike. A bad joke, as it was, the officers didn’t harm you in any way: As an experienced traveler, your partner handled it very well; one more anecdote to his sleeve, but certainly not the worst, I am sure of that. If you didn’t go outside the Colonial city, and nothing happened to you there, why put the city down? Santo Domingo is an amazing place, all the way around. Yes, be careful. But, at the same time, it is the same way anywhere you travel. For example: I was taken advantage of by a taxi driver out of Naples airport, Italy, on my way to a city center hotel while in transit to the Amalfi coast… I was also, at an Ibis hotel in Barcelona, a stone trhow away from the Sagrada Familia. Minutes after I arrived from my transatlantic flight. I went down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast; left my purse on my seat for just 3 minutes while helping myself from the buffet pastries, and in a snap, one of the few patrons, stole it. Luckily, I was a seasoned traveler and complained that it was an inside job. Complained to management. Went to the police station and demanded to see the video cameras after I came back from the scheduled Sagrada Familia tour. Just like magic, when returned to the hotel, there was a message to go to the police station, for they had found my purse. My phone and 1200 dollars in cash were gone. Luckily my credit cards and expensive jewelry, that I had forgotten to put in the safe, were intact. My passport was already in the safe. So, my point is, stuff happens everywhere. And that is the joy of travel. Exposing yourself -voluntarily to it all. You know how many tourist died at the marathon bombing in Boston? One of the -historically-safest cities to travel of all times.
Namaste!
Elizabeth Conroy
Right now is diferent, is very safety, the new government is focusing in the security a d is more beautiful than last.
I’m happy to have your feedback. It has been a while since this post was written and new government changes have not been addressed. Undoubtedly the Dominican Republic is absolutely beautiful.
Every time I think it could not get any better you come up with another gem. Love you Honey!
Chuck’s IPad Air
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Thank you for the support and encouragement! Love you too