Crime in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

I am Dominican and live in Santo Domingo Este. I would say that over time it has gotten more dangerous than it is in the past. I remember my parents telling me how much safer it was for them in the 80s and 90s. Not so much now.

As a tourist, you can stick to the Zona Colonial, the nearby beaches(Juan Dolio or Guayacanes but not Boca Chica), and Los Tres Ojos are beautiful to see. Just be careful not to get ripped off by people preying on anyone. If you are not very assertive in not wanting to buy souvenirs or having to purchase a beach table package just because you want to go to the beach, they will take advantage. It happens to us natives too jaja. But those are annoyances rather than actual dangers to your safety. The actual danger comes from not following sense or doing stupid things at night. But even then, I'd also be careful walking during the day. Use Uber as a tourist for anything past your hotel or airbnb. Unless you drove in India, you shouldnt drive here. Punta Cana or Las Terrenas is much better and safer if you are just looking for a getaway. Wish i could afford that but maybe you can.. jeje

I spent well over three years living in Santo Domingo in the mid 90's. I was a single female aged 41 -44. I had a contract to teach English at a private school. I had a high-rise Apt. in the city and I walked to work, to shopping, for recreation, etc. I know for a fact that many of the resorts and hotels warn their clients "not to go outside the property" because of "dangers". This is hooey. They want you to stay in THEIR establishment and spend your money there rather than elsewhere. It's a commonly used scare tactic and it works on many tourists. I used public transportation, the Banda buses or Carro taxies, and went shopping into the inner city (downtown) all the time. I NEVER had a problem, not in over three years. The people are warm and interested but not aggressive or hostile in the least. At least at the time I lived there. Violent gun crime was unheard of. The men can be overly amorous, especially if you're a blonde Caucasian or obviously a foreigner, but they will only be vocally flirtatious and obnoxious, certainly not dangerous. They only want to know you as you are unique in their eyes. I walked alone at night with no problem. travelled by city bus all over the city with no problem, I would bus to the Airport and Boca Chica Beach with no problem, and I was never afraid to live alone in the city. I wasn't ever afraid to walk a long distance to a favorite Casino at night. I'm considering moving back to the Island, for good. I may choose Samana because it was one of my favorite weekend "get away" spots with a gorgeous beach and a ridiculously low cost of living. I'm weary of American city life and want to simplify and slow down in my retirement. I'm sure much has changed in the past years, but I'm also sure it is no where as near as dangerous as living in one of the American cities. Drugs were nonexistent, I was never once approached to purchase or use weed or other illegal substances. Other Caribbean Island are literally crawling with drug users and sellers. Not there. I know my information is dated, but I still want to get my two cents in. M. Kasun, Holiday, Florida