How to Stay Safe in the Dominican Republic

Before hopping on a plane for that getaway to Punta Cana or Puerto Plata, it is important to remember to protect yourself.

The first step a tourist should take is to tie up any loose ends before getting to the Dominican Republic. Talk to the travel agency; be certain any schedules or accommodations are correct. Make sure all bags are packed properly and that nothing important is left behind. It could take several hours to get in touch with a travel agent once there, so it is important to be sure before departure.

Upon arrival, the most basic step to safety is to remember to put valuables such as passports, cards and cash away in a safe. Bring only what is necessary, and leave anything else locked away where it can’t go missing.

Traveling outside of the resort alone can be incredibly dangerous for a tourist. While it is likely that most locals would mean no harm, just like anywhere, there are bound to be untrustworthy people. A tourist can be an easy target for criminals.

Be prepared to have a large number of people trying to sell you a wide array of goods and services. Many of these items will be illegitimate or of poor quality. Be aware of the current exchange rate, as locals could potentially use this as a way of scamming tourists by overcharging, expecting the tourist to be naïve. If a price seems too high, do the math yourself to verify.

By following a few steps for safety, a trip to the Dominican Republic can make for a truly amazing experience.