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Common in Dominican Republic

Scam in Dominican RepublicTaxis

Pressure to abandon an Uber for a local taxi in Dominican Republic

Zona Colonial, the Los Tres Ojos entrance and resorts in Punta Cana.

How it works

Taxi drivers, people in uniforms or even Tourist Police may pressure you to use a local taxi instead of an Uber. They may follow you or cause trouble for your Uber driver.

Warning signs

  • Someone challenges you while you wait for an Uber.
  • A driver or uniformed person insists you take a different taxi.
  • Someone follows you after you refuse.

How to avoid it

  1. Arrange pickup from a safe, staffed place.
  2. In Santo Domingo, consider waiting inside a chain restaurant or supermarket.
  3. Avoid standing at the roadside constantly checking your phone.
  4. Do not argue with an aggressive group.

If it happens to you

Move into a staffed place and contact your driver. If the pickup feels unsafe, cancel it and arrange another safe option.

  1. Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront an aggressive group.
  2. If you are threatened, injured or in immediate danger, call 911.
  3. Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorized payments. Secure any accounts on a stolen phone.
  4. Save receipts, messages, booking details and a short account of what happened. Record the time and place.
  5. Report the incident to tourist police or police. Request a report or reference number for insurance.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
Where it happensZona Colonial, the Los Tres Ojos entrance and resorts in Punta Cana.Santo Domingo, Punta Cana

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in Dominican RepublicFriendly approaches that turn into money demands: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the pressure to abandon an Uber for a local taxi scam in Dominican Republic?

Taxi drivers, people in uniforms or even Tourist Police may pressure you to use a local taxi instead of an Uber. They may follow you or cause trouble for your Uber driver.

How can I spot it early?

Someone challenges you while you wait for an Uber. A driver or uniformed person insists you take a different taxi. Someone follows you after you refuse.

How do I avoid pressure to abandon an Uber for a local taxi in Dominican Republic?

Arrange pickup from a safe, staffed place. In Santo Domingo, consider waiting inside a chain restaurant or supermarket. Avoid standing at the roadside constantly checking your phone. Do not argue with an aggressive group.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move into a staffed place and contact your driver. If the pickup feels unsafe, cancel it and arrange another safe option.

Where in Dominican Republic does this happen?

Zona Colonial, the Los Tres Ojos entrance and resorts in Punta Cana. It has been reported in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana.

How common is this scam in Dominican Republic?

Common. The Dominican Republic is generally safe, but visitors can face persistent touts, inflated shopping prices and pressure over taxi choices. Other risks include people posing as resort staff, demands for protection money, motorcycle bag snatching and theft from accommodation.

Who can I report it to?

Tourist police / Politur: contact this agency if you encounter problems. Ask your hotel or a staffed business to help you reach it. National Police in Santo Domingo: the station is at Av. Leopoldo Navarro #402. The central line is +1 809-682-2151. Police in Punta Cana and Bavaro: call +1 809 686-8227. Stations are next to the Sitrabapu bus terminal in Bavaro and at Galerias Punta Cana near the airport. Card issuer: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorized charges. Accommodation management: report room theft or someone claiming to be a hotel employee. Ask management to preserve relevant records. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help replacing a stolen passport. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and provide receipts, evidence and any police report.

What number do I call in an emergency in Dominican Republic?

Emergency assistance: 911.

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