Scam in Dominican RepublicHotels and rooms
Theft from accommodation in Dominican Republic
How it works
Passports or valuables left unsecured at your accommodation may be stolen, including by housekeeping staff.
Warning signs
- Your passport or valuables are left out in the room.
- You have not secured valuables before leaving.
How to avoid it
- Keep your passport in a safe at your accommodation.
- Secure cash and other valuables.
- Keep a separate copy of important documents.
If it happens to you
Notify management and report the theft to police. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront an aggressive group.
- If you are threatened, injured or in immediate danger, call 911.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorized payments. Secure any accounts on a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and a short account of what happened. Record the time and place.
- Report the incident to tourist police or police. Request a report or reference number for insurance.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026Dominican Republic Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralian travel advice states that travellers have reported thefts at hotels.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Travel advice and advisories for Dominican RepublicCanadian travel advice reports theft at resorts and hotels, including from private rooms and room safes.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the theft from accommodation scam in Dominican Republic?
Passports or valuables left unsecured at your accommodation may be stolen, including by housekeeping staff.
How can I spot it early?
Your passport or valuables are left out in the room. You have not secured valuables before leaving.
How do I avoid theft from accommodation in Dominican Republic?
Keep your passport in a safe at your accommodation. Secure cash and other valuables. Keep a separate copy of important documents.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Notify management and report the theft to police. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing.
Where in Dominican Republic does this happen?
Accommodation in Santo Domingo. It has been reported in Santo Domingo.
How common is this scam in Dominican Republic?
Occasional. 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.
Reviewed by @snuck