How to be safer in the DR - Compilation of tips by DR1 Members - Page 13

korejdk · #**121** 11-21-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky

Robbery in Costa Azul...
This is a different world than where most expats come from.
People who want to and do move here, who subscribe to the mentality that the government should take care of everything for them, including personal security, should go back to where they came from, as they will always be crime targets.
This country offers wonderful possibilities for a happy fulfilling life for individualistic type people, who welcome the opportunity to make their own decisions in life, who welcome taking care of themselves, rather than the robot-like life style (you're just a number) of the industrialized nations.
The DR is not for everybody, but those who do fit in, find a paradise that is virtually unparalleled.

I totally subscribe to this! Once you have common sense regarding your safety you'll be OK - I personally find Bed Stuy 100 times more dangerous than a bario, not to mention Coop City ( for those who live in NY ). I ofthen go to the billiard in Cabarete ( the Dominican place on the 2nd piso ) and almost always I am the only gringo yet I have NEVER had any issues since I behave by the law "when in Rome..." and actually I made friends there. I lost my phone on Cabarete Beach back in Sept and I actually tracked the person who had it - I went to get it with a Dominican friend and when my friend was asked " why do you side with the gringo?" my friend answered "because he's my friend"....( by the way know eachother since they were 10 ).
Yes, DR is not a stroll on the park, yet I totally subscribe to Marco's views, it can be the most that your life can ever give you when it comes to everything. I was about to move there very soon, yet what is happening on the Street is too hot to miss so I decided to bring the novia here instead, yet I do hope to visit on monthly basis. On a personal note, I lived in several countries and I couldn't find my "place, yet when I first been to Sosua I knew immediately...Best to you all !

Chris · #**122** 11-21-2007, 11:41 PM

This is a compilation of safety tips by DR1 members. It is not a debate! 'Rants' and 'Raves' please should start another thread.

diyum · #**123** 01-25-2008, 01:53 PM

Read the whole thread. Excellent safety tips, thanks! Will definitely be leaving all my designer gear at home!

sauteedpeas · #**124** 01-26-2008, 02:41 AM

You might want the long pants for mosquito protection. They love the gringo blood.

blacklilah · #**125** 01-26-2008, 02:41 AM

Ok, reading all these threads are making me nervous... we're considering a move to Sosua. Is there a safety issue? I don't want to live in fear or constant worry. Do people really walk around with guns? Is it safe to go for a run, walk around the streets, take the dogs for a walk? I had thought so until I read this thread.

sauteedpeas · #**126** 01-26-2008, 02:43 AM

I want to be in shorts! 82 degrees and in long pants? ...... I MIGHT have 1 pair of long pants with me.
Steve[/QUOTE]

You might want the long pants for mosquito protection. They love the gringo blood.

Bob K · #**127** 01-26-2008, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacklilah

Ok, reading all these threads are making me nervous... we're considering a move to Sosua. Is there a safety issue? I don't want to live in fear or constant worry. Do people really walk around with guns? Is it safe to go for a run, walk around the streets, take the dogs for a walk? I had thought so until I read this thread.

We have been living here for two years. We walk the dog, eat out, walk around without a problem. You need to keep normal precautions that you would anywhere and stay away from certain areas like you would anywhere. We feel safer here then where we lived in the states. PM me if you want to chat some on the move.

Bob K

retiree · #**128** 01-26-2008, 08:55 AM

I would second that - we have spent the winters here in Sosua for 7 years and have never had a safety problem but take security at home seriously because of the stories we hear. We are out around town alot - walk our dog and feel safe.

Kemo · #**129** 01-26-2008, 11:20 AM

I have been lucky in the more than 15 Years no robberies . The only thing i recommend people when they go to the D.R have allot of change????? If you go to the local markets and stores they never have change for big bills this a strategy so you buy the difference in the store or you be compelled to leave the change there. Also when you pay with Credit cards make sure that you see the Cashier pass the card in front of you and pin the right amount because always they make mistakes and funny always in there favor. Try to do business with recognize reputable companies even if it cost you more. I am not saying to be a snob but expats gringo looking foreigners that decide it will be a fun adventure to move to a Dominican Village understand that the economic and Social circumstances of survival in those places are completely different than in the U.S and Europe. So you could be targeted for blackmail and different types of Fraud. Understand that the Police members are on the same boat as those poor villagers and they need to be corrupted to survive!!!!! understand you could be a Middle income or even lower income in the States but for them you are rich!!! as simply as that. My recommendation is to try to live in areas were the Dominican Upper classes live so you won't be targeted. Also it need so you need to get into a rental or business with a local hire a Notario or attorney they charge you pennies on the dollar compare to the U.S also become friends with him Attorneys tend to be very connected with the police and government if you become their client they will protect you. Another thing is that the masses of Dominican public are mainly Ignorant due to their economic situation they tend to repeat urban legends tales and stories they seemed to be very oblivious to the world and their realities and truth are not them. For example if a Dominican tells you that Santo Domingo has the tallest building in Earth don't answer back let it be, If a Dominican tells you that Autopista Duarte is the longest in the world so on. If a Dominican tells you that Sammy Sosa's house that is now abandoned in mirador is worth 120 million DOLLARS!!!!!, And the new one if a Dominican tells you that the Metro that they are constructed is the most modern in the world don't laugh take it in they are managing the disinformation given by them that is all.

kellyjfisch · #**130** 04-01-2008, 11:28 PM

Thank you all for posting all of this very helpful information. I have just returned from spending approx. 4 weeks in the Dominican Republic. I was a week and a half in Santo Domingo, a week in Playa Dorada (resort) and a week in Munoz ( barrio of Puerto Plata). I am returning in June for a month. I will be travelling solo (woman) and want to rent an apartment in either Puerto Plata (preferably torre alta) or Sosua. However, I want to be able to travel to Playa Dorada for nightlife as I have many friends who work in the resorts and I would like to meet up with them after. This would mean I would have to travel back to my apartment late at night. Is this safe? Would it be safe if I had a driver? Please let me know, as it will help me make my final decision about my accomodation plans!

Thanks!