Dominican Republic🇩🇴
The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean region and shares the island of Hispaniola with its neighbouring country, Haiti. The country is known for its attractive beaches, lush green landscapes, and tropical climate, making it a popular destination among tourists. It is particularly renowned for its tradition of Merengue and Bachata music, beautiful spots like Punta Cana, vibrant Santo Domingo and breathtaking mountains such as Pico Duarte. The cordial relationship with neighbouring countries, coupled with its fascinating culture and natural beauty, makes the Dominican Republic a special place to visit. When there, it's highly recommended to explore the vibrant artisanal markets, experience the lively music and dance scene, discover the colonial history in Santo Domingo, and indulge in the local gastronomy.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid drinking tap water – opt for bottled water to avoid waterborne diseases.
- Avoid displaying wealth – keep expensive jewelry, gadgets, and cash out of sight to deter would-be thieves.
- Avoid unmarked taxis – always use vetted cab companies for safety.
- Avoid risky outdoor activities during hurricane season – it's best to check weather conditions before planning adventure sports.
- Avoid non-tourist beaches after dark – most crimes against tourists occur on less-busy beaches.
- Avoid isolated areas at night – stick to well-lit areas to minimize the risk of crime.
- Avoid discussing sensitive topics – the Dominican Republic has conservative social attitudes and it's wise to avoid offending locals.
- Avoid public protests and demonstrations – they may quickly turn violent.
- Avoid illegal substances – drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts can lead to prison.
- Avoid walking along the Malecon in Santo Domingo after dark – it's a known area for theft and other crimes.
Overall
5
Crime 🔫
4
There is a serious issue of crime in the Dominican Republic, particularly street crimes like bag-snatching and robbery are frequent. Although violent crimes against tourists are relatively rare, Santo Domingo and Santiago are among the unsafe cities where extra vigilance is needed. The crime rate has been steadily growing over the years, and the authorities continuously strive to combat this.
Terrorism 💣
8
The terrorism threat in the Dominican Republic is considered to be low, and there haven't been any significant terror incidents. This doesn't imply that there's zero risk, so it's always wise to maintain personal safety and vigilance. It is essential to stay informed about the political situation and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.
War ⚔️
9
There have not been any wars in the Dominican Republic for a long period. The country has mainly experienced internal conflicts and civil war in the past, like the Dominican Civil War in 1965 but currently enjoys a relatively peaceful political climate.
Natural Disasters 🌊
3
Dominican Republic is prone to several natural hazards, including hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. The country is situated in the hurricane belt, and the season from June to November carries a potential threat. For example, In 1930 the Dominican Republic was hit by a devastating hurricane named San Zenon, which caused extensive damage to properties and claimed thousands of lives.
Medical Care 🏥
5
Though the quality of medical services in the Dominican Republic has improved, there are still challenges to access in rural areas. Major cities hold hospitals with highly trained medical professionals. However, outside these areas, medical facilities are limited.
Tap Water Quality 💧
3
Tap water quality varies highly, primarily based on the location. It's generally not safe to drink tap water in the Dominican Republic. In many places, including urban areas, the tap water contains bacteria and parasites.
Disease Burden 🤒
3
Dominican Republic is still struggling with several diseases such as Dengue Fever and Zika Virus, primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. The healthcare system is underdeveloped, lacking in rural areas, making it difficult to control such disease outbreaks.
Corruption 💸
3
Corruption is a prevalent problem in the Dominican Republic, affecting many sectors, including law enforcement and the judiciary. The government has taken steps to tackle corruption, but it still remains a significant issue.
Safety for Women ♀️
5
While many women travel safely in the Dominican Republic, safety varies widely across the country. There have been cases of harassment and gender-based violence. It is highly recommended for women to avoid walking alone at night and to take care of their belongings.
Safety for Queer People 👬
5
While homosexuality is legal in the Dominican Republic, the LGBTQ+ community often faces discrimination and lack of legal protections. Hate crimes are rare but occur, and thus, public displays of affection may attract negative attention.
Censorship 📺
7
The Dominican Republic enjoys freedom of speech and press, though there have been instances of journalists facing harassment and intimidation. Internet access is unrestricted, allowing free use of social media and international news channels.
Public Transportation 🚌
6
Public transportation in the Dominican Republic is fairly reliable and inexpensive, but safety remains a concern. Overcrowding and reckless driving are common, and accidents occur frequently. It's generally safer to use taxis from reputable companies.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
The Dominican Republic is generally safe if you maintain awareness of your surroundings and take normal safety precautions. It's important to stay vigilant with possessions in crowded areas and be aware of local crime trends. Natural disasters do pose a risk, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November. It's advised to monitor weather forecasts during the season.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
There are significant embassies located in Santo Domingo, including but not limited to the Embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend getting Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations as these diseases can be contracted through contaminated food or water in the Dominican Republic. You may also required to have vaccines for Hepatitis B, rabies, Yellow Fever, and routine vaccines before traveling to the country.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
The Dominican Republic is home to some dangerous animals, including the Hispaniolan Solenodon and several species of poisonous spiders. You should also be careful of marine creatures like the Long-Spined Sea Urchin and numerous types of jellyfish along the coast. Use appropriate caution when trekking in the wilderness and swimming in the ocean.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Travellers from most countries, including the US, UK, EU, and Canada, can get a 30-day tourist card on arrival. The tourist card cost is often included in your airfare. For extended stays, you should apply for a visa at a Dominican Republic embassy.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). Money can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaux, and some hotels. It is recommended to carry small denominations.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in large businesses, hotels, and restaurants in major cities. However, cash is preferred in rural areas or small establishments.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
The Dominican Republic can be a suitable place for travelers to work, especially in the tourism and teaching sectors. However, be aware that work permits are required and the process can be quite lengthy and bureaucratic.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living in Dominican Republic is relatively low compared to North America and Europe, but slightly higher than many other Latin American countries. Travel costs vary depending on lifestyle preferences, but generally, Dominican Republic is considered an affordable destination for many travelers.