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

[Cheryl**]

There is safety in numbers, but if you are travelling to the Dominican Republic as a single woman, for career reasons and don't know anyone apart from your employer, you are very alone. Could it be an idea to make suggeations regarding making the right friends, possible groups where people can meet other likeminded friends, thus decreasing their own vulnerability, aiding their integration into the society, etc?? This increases chances of the 'strength in numbers' theory.

Cheryl

[wimbleton]

any one who has widows that may or may have bars you should also plant plants that WILL TEAR TO SHREDS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE SOMEONE trying to enter bouganvilia or any real sharp dracena yucca so it makes prying bars tougher !!

[Matilda]

Originally Posted by Cheryl**

There is safety in numbers, but if you are travelling to the Dominican Republic as a single woman, for career reasons and don't know anyone apart from your employer, you are very alone. Could it be an idea to make suggeations regarding making the right friends, possible groups where people can meet other likeminded friends, thus decreasing their own vulnerability, aiding their integration into the society, etc?? This increases chances of the 'strength in numbers' theory.

Cheryl

To be honest it is a lot easier to make friends here than in the Uk!! I came to work here as a dive instructor, as a single female and quickly had a lot of friends - both Dominican and ex pat. Also Dr1 is a great source of friends - all of my best friends I have found through DR1!!!

Once you arrive, just say where you are and I am sure someone on Dr1 in that area will organise a welcome party for you!!

matilda

[lumberjack69]

Originally Posted by SantiagoDR

(1) Be careful about accepting drinks, and understand that someone may drug your drinks to rob you.

(2) Remember that "many" Dominicans will be very combatant(sp), whether they are right or wrong in a disagreement. No matter how minor the disagreement.

(3) If you are a woman and are in or seeking a relationship with a Dominican male, re-read statement 2.

(4) Motion sensor alarms are NOT reliable.

(5) Car Security: Put a siren/alarm INSIDE the car also. The noise will drive anyone out that breaks into it. This may also be a good idea for several inside your home also. Extremely loud ones will disorientate the intruder.

Number one is great advice to always open your own beer and never drink you can not see mixed. The bartender or waitress could be in on the robbery since they all have cell phones now. I would run fast to your hotel in groups or if you take a cab look the driver over real close and ask to see his ID. Get a cab drivers number from your hotel and meet him first to recognize him. Be careful the food could be drugged also. Rohyponal and GHB are common date rape drugs legal in some countries and available in most so watch out. Many people find it safer to hide out in their all-inclusives.

[heldengebroed]

Walk with 2 large dogs and you feel like moses whenthe red see opened people arre tumbling over temselves to get out of the way.

[Black Dog]

Originally Posted by lumberjack69

Number one is great advice to always open your own beer and never drink you can not see mixed. ### Rohyponal and GHB are common date rape drugs legal in some countries and available in most so watch out. .

This is sound advice in sooooooo many countries! UK & US included!

[wimbleton]

you might consider disguising a laptop bag since it is one of the top prizes 4 thieves here .one woman places it in a diaper bag .some to think about anything that does not bring attention to you is good

[liles]

Hello to all of you,

How is the general safety in the Sosua area?
If we live in the gated comunity, do we need to be concerned about break-ins of the house or to the car, etc...?
If you are a person who doesn't dress in a flashy way(no jewelry), expensive clothes or expensive car, do you have to be concerned about people robbing us on a street that's not in a bad neighbourhood?
Is it safe for children to play with other children without parental supervition?(at a reasonable age, of course)

Thanks a lot,

Liles

[TOOBER_SDQ]

Originally Posted by lumberjack69

Number one is great advice to always open your own beer and never drink you can not see mixed. The bartender or waitress could be in on the robbery since they all have cell phones now. I would run fast to your hotel in groups or if you take a cab look the driver over real close and ask to see his ID. Get a cab drivers number from your hotel and meet him first to recognize him. Be careful the food could be drugged also. Rohyponal and GHB are common date rape drugs legal in some countries and available in most so watch out. Many people find it safer to hide out in their all-inclusives.

What I like to do is insert myself into a sterile neoprene bubble before venturing outside of an AI Hotel.

I always bring with me 2 retired Secret Service Agents for my protection.

I also like to use a Food & Beverage Taster, just in case somebody is trying to poison me.

You can never be TOO PARANOID, ......err .... I mean cautious.

[Rbh44]

On the several trips I have made to the DR I have never felt unsafe. Some people here talk like it is a combat zone or something. Take the same reasonable precautions you would any place else.