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

[Soosahn]

I have been offered a job and am considering a move to Sosua. I have read the contributions to this thread and, to be honest, am beginning to have second thoughts, although I am wondering if the advice here is equally applicable to Sosua? I am a 50 something woman who is not a sissy. Dressing down is no problem and I will be working with locals who will give me trustworthy advice. But I am planning to retire there. I want to relax and enjoy a small group of friends. I DO NOT want to be afraid all the time... not my idea of retirement. I see here that we, as "gringos", have to beware of each other, too. What's with that? Am I foolish to think that I would be happy there?

On another note ... can anyone give me an e-amil address or current phone number for Ivelisse who has been suggested to me as a trustworthy custom's broker?

[CFA123]

Soosahn,
There are many expats happily working and/or retired in Sosua and other areas of DR. That you're having second thoughts is probably a good thing - as long as it doesn't indicate excessive worrying, I'd say it means you'll have a good chance of being happy in DR since you won't just 'jump into something' that could be a problem.

Take into account the things you've read:

• rent for a while before you put money into a purchasing a place to live
• when choosing where you'll live, take into account the advice in the forum about trying not to live in too isolated an area
• listen to advice from anyone - expats & Dominicans - but be discretionary in what advice you take to heart as some people have agendas that profit them while not necessarily good for you
• many problems can be avoided with reasonable caution & research up front, however should you run into conflicts with others - property rights, legal issues, criminal activity - sometimes it is better to walk away than to pursue what you believe is right. some people are more aggressive in maintaining their shady pursuits than you want to go up against
• avoid anything/anyone that hints of something illegal or risky as you hopefully would in your home country

Come, join the fun

[lasalsa]

Hello All.. First post here. Question:

Has anyone ever thought of having a personal protection Dog throughout D.R.? I mean a companion as well as a guard dog that will accompany you everywhere you go, in the car, at home, walk to the store.

Reason I ask is because my parents (Dominican in the U.S.) are nearing their retirement ages and they complain about the security in the D.R. One of the things my Dad wants to have is a Dog, attack-trained, that can go with him wherever. Is that a viable option?

Thanks..

Richie.

[richmex]

I was staying at the Dominican Hotel and one night in 2004, and I was waiting for someone on the corner, never thinking that this could happen to me. I was alone, plus it was dark, then all at once three guys surround me and take me to off to the side of the road. While they were checking my pockets, one guy had a machete to my body. Thank god they took off and I went back to the hotel, but after that happened I learned where to go, and what to look for. The main problem I see is that wherever you go in Santo Domingo, you need eyes in the back of your head, in the car, with the police, or in a tourist area. I lived there for one year in Coastal Azul, nice area outside of S.D., but once you walk more than 50 meters away you are in fear of your life. Its very simple, when the POLICE ARE NO GOOD, HONESTLY GOES OUT THE WINDOW.

[lollipop]

With all due respect, you were alone in a dark corner! it's common sense my friend! we shouldn't do that! no matter what part of the world we're at!

I totally agree with you when it comes to the police, they're worst than the thiefs.

[Chris]

Would you please open a new thread for comments not specifically focused on the title of this one. This is a compilation of tips by DR1 members. Please take conversations to a new thread.

[Jaxson33]

I was just robbed on Thursday evening in the DR. I won't say what area because the police told me not to talk about it for a few weeks. They said it may hinder their investigation. After being robbed I know how may ignorant moves I made. I was so naive. I let security help us with our bags and groceries several times. DO NOT DO THIS. They think that one of them unlocked our window and that is how the thief(s) entered. We woke up in the middle of the robbery and were then forced into a bedroom at knife point. He wanted to take my friend hostage so he could escape in our car and get passed security. I faked a panic attack and it scared the robber enough that he backed out of the bedroom and we were able to jump out a window. I was coming home with truckloads of things every day. I bought a nice SUV. I carried a Chanel purse. I paid with things with large bills. I was nice to everyone. I didn't even realize I was doing these things. We were being watched and they knew there were two young girls staying there alone. It was a layup for them. I don't think they ever intended to hurt us, but it was still the most terrified I have ever been in my life. I may now get an alarm installed, get a guard dog, maybe even a gun. I did like the idea of bars on the inside windows, but I know if those were there we wouldn't have been able to jump to safety. I will now tone down my spending, and not be so flashy. Live and learn.

J