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Tourist scams in Dominican Republic

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.
  1. 1 ShoppingVery commonPressure selling and inflated shop pricesFriendly salespeople draw you into a shop. Prices start very high. Sellers may argue or insult you when you bargain, making you feel pressured to buy.Punta Cana, Bavaro 2Read
  2. 2 On the streetCommonPersistent beach vendorsVendors repeatedly ask you to look at their goods. Some keep following or pestering you after you refuse, hoping you will stop or buy something.Punta Cana 3Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonPressure to abandon an Uber for a local taxiTaxi 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.Santo Domingo, Punta Cana 2Read
  4. 4 On the streetCommonFriendly approaches that turn into money demandsSomeone starts a friendly conversation, then asks for money. Some demand protection money. They may keep following you until you pay.Santo Domingo 3Read
  5. 5 On the streetOccasionalResort employee impersonation and sympathy requestsA stranger reads your resort wristband and pretends to work there. They offer help, sightseeing or protection from vendors. Later, they ask for cash for medicine, baby milk or another urgent need. They may refuse an offer to buy the items directly.Puerto Plata 1Read
  6. 6 Tours and guidesCommonUnsolicited guides expecting paymentSomeone offers to lead you to your destination, then expects payment. The offer could also be a way to lead you into an unsafe situation.Santo Domingo 1Read
  7. 7 TheftOccasionalBag snatching from passing motorcyclesA rider on a moped or motorcycle passes close to a pedestrian and grabs their bag or purse.Santo Domingo 2Read
  8. 8 Hotels and roomsOccasionalTheft from accommodationPassports or valuables left unsecured at your accommodation may be stolen, including by housekeeping staff.Santo Domingo 2Read
  9. 9 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor exchange rates when paying or changing moneyA purchase paid in dollars or euros may use an unfavorable exchange rate. Airport and harbor exchanges also offer poor rates. A poor rate alone does not prove fraud, but it can make your purchase or exchange more expensive.Merchants accepting foreign currency, airports and harbors. 3Read
  10. 10 On the streetOccasionalUnwanted offers of sexual servicesYoung men or women may approach visitors and persistently offer sexual services. An unwanted approach alone is not proof of fraud.Puerto Plata province. 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Zona Colonial, Santo DomingoVisitors waiting for Uber may face pressure to take local taxis.
  • Los Tres Ojos entrance, Santo DomingoPeople waiting for Uber may be approached, pressured or followed.
  • Resorts in Punta CanaTaxi groups may harass visitors and interfere with Uber pickups.
  • Shopping plazas outside resorts in Punta Cana and Bavaro, Punta Cana / BavaroInsistent salespeople and very high opening prices are described.
  • Resort beaches and beachfront shops, Punta CanaVendors may keep pestering or following visitors who decline.
  • Puerto Plata and surrounding areasSome unsolicited helpers pose as resort employees before asking for money.
  • Puerto Plata provinceVisitors may be hassled by people offering sexual services.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • In Santo Domingo, ask a business to call a dispatched taxi. Avoid unrequested street taxis, especially at night.
  • In Punta Cana, confirm the destination, price and payment currency before leaving. Pay on arrival.
  • Use posted airport taxi fares where available.
  • For a prearranged Punta Cana transfer, check in at the tour company counter before looking for your bus.

Money

  • Check the exchange rate before paying in dollars or euros.
  • Change only the cash you need immediately at airports or harbors.
  • Compare shopping prices and leave if a seller pressures you.
  • Plan to exchange leftover pesos before leaving the country.

Cards and ATMs

  • Check withdrawal fees before confirming. The stated fee range is RD$100–200 per withdrawal.
  • Remember that repeated small withdrawals can mean repeated fees.
  • Cover your PIN and keep your card in sight.
  • If an ATM reports an error, check your account before retrying.

Your belongings

  • Carry your bag away from passing traffic and keep hold of it.
  • Avoid showing expensive jewelry, watches or cameras.
  • Keep your passport secured at your accommodation.
  • Carry only the cash and valuables you need.

Where you stay

  • Use a safe for your passport and valuables.
  • Verify anyone claiming to work for your resort through the front desk.
  • Do not treat knowledge of your wristband or hotel as proof of employment.

Tours and guides

  • Decline unsolicited offers to lead you somewhere.
  • Ask for directions without accepting an escort.
  • Attend your tour operator's welcome meeting for transfer and excursion information.
  • Agree on any guiding fee before accepting help.

Police and officials

  • Contact the tourist police, called Politur, if you encounter problems.
  • If a uniformed person pressures you over transport, avoid confrontation and move to a safe, staffed place.
  • Keep a record of the location, time and any identifying details when reporting an incident.

Nights out

  • Arrange a taxi or designated driver before going out.
  • Avoid unrequested street taxis at night in Santo Domingo.
  • Check entrance fees before visiting a costly club.
  • Use a firm no for unwanted offers of sexual services.

What travellers say about Dominican Republic

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is the Dominican Republic safe for a first visit?

It is generally safe with sensible precautions. Watch for persistent sales pressure, unsolicited helpers, taxi pressure and theft. Avoid displaying valuables.

How should I agree on a taxi fare?

Confirm the destination, total price and currency before leaving. Punta Cana taxis use standard rates, and most drivers carry a copy. Airport taxi fares are posted outside airports.

Can I have trouble getting an Uber?

Yes. Pressure is described at Zona Colonial, the Los Tres Ojos entrance and Punta Cana resorts. Wait in a safe, staffed place and avoid confrontation.

How can I spot someone pretending to work at my resort?

Be cautious if an unfamiliar person approaches you and names your resort. They may have read your wristband. Verify their claim with the front desk before accepting help.

Should I bargain in shops?

Bargaining is expected in the Punta Cana and Bavaro shops described here. Opening prices can be very high. Compare prices, set a limit and leave if the seller becomes aggressive.

What should I do about persistent beach vendors?

Decline politely and keep walking. Avoid stopping to browse unless you want to. Move toward a staffed area if someone keeps following you.

Is it better to pay in pesos or foreign currency?

Check both totals before deciding. Merchants may accept dollars or euros, but their exchange rate may be poor. Ask for the peso price and the rate first.

Are ATM fees a sign of a scam?

A fee alone is not evidence of a scam. The stated withdrawal fee range is RD$100–200, and low limits can lead to repeated fees. Check the fee and your account after any error.

How do I protect my bag and passport?

In Santo Domingo, keep your bag away from passing traffic because motorcycle bag snatching is described. Secure your passport in a safe at your accommodation.

Who should I contact after a scam or theft?

Contact tourist police, called Politur, or the police. Call 911 for immediate danger. Contact your card issuer for stolen cards and your embassy or consulate for a stolen passport.

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