Scam in Dominican RepublicTours and guides
Unsolicited guides expecting payment in Dominican Republic
How it works
Someone offers to lead you to your destination, then expects payment. The offer could also be a way to lead you into an unsafe situation.
Warning signs
- A stranger insists on walking you somewhere.
- They avoid explaining whether their help costs money.
How to avoid it
- Ask for directions without accepting an escort.
- Do not follow someone who approaches you with an offer to guide you.
- Check your route before continuing.
If it happens to you
Stop following the person and move toward a busy, staffed place. Avoid arguing over money if you feel threatened.
- 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.
Questions
What is the unsolicited guides expecting payment scam in Dominican Republic?
Someone offers to lead you to your destination, then expects payment. The offer could also be a way to lead you into an unsafe situation.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger insists on walking you somewhere. They avoid explaining whether their help costs money.
How do I avoid unsolicited guides expecting payment in Dominican Republic?
Ask for directions without accepting an escort. Do not follow someone who approaches you with an offer to guide you. Check your route before continuing.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop following the person and move toward a busy, staffed place. Avoid arguing over money if you feel threatened.
Where in Dominican Republic does this happen?
Streets in Santo Domingo. It has been reported in Santo Domingo.
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.
Reviewed by @snuck