scared to visit

[AUDREYWILLIAMS]

is it possible that the multiple threads regarding criminal activity in DR may be slightly overblown. on one hand i keep hearing how the Dominican people as a whole are honest people, then on the other hand im reading threads suggesting the hiring of night watchman and armed guards to protect family and home , i mean come on. im planning to visit in march and now am scared to death. am i just reading too much into these threads or what?

[Lambada]

Staying in a hotel or elsewhere? Until we know how much you know about living in DR it is difficult to pitch advice at the right level. But if you're coming to a hotel & you're a sensible person & behave sensibly then you should be just fine. Have you looked at the travel Forums?

[BushBaby]

So as to not hijack the other thread which is designed more to give tips on safer living in the DR, I will answer your question (as it seems to me) on this thread you started.

Is criminal activity in the DR being overblown?? In relation to criminal activity in many other countries, yes maybe we ARE over-blowing things here - it is not as bad as many other countries that tourists go to quite happily. In relation to what the criminal activity in the DR was 4, 5 or 6 years ago - NO, we are not over-blowing it. It IS getting worse & will get even more obviously worse before it gets better.

If night-watchmen with guns "scares you to death" then the DR is NOT the place for you to come on holiday (I assume your visit IS a holiday?). Many men walk the streets with guns in their waistbands, police are to be seen carrying all sorts of weapons (some are even loaded!) & security guards with automatic pistols or pump shotguns are on patrol at nearly all public places & hotel compound entrances.

Maybe Florida, Southern Spain or Egypt might give you a greater sense of security! ~ Grahame.

[gini]

Originally Posted by BushBaby

Maybe Florida, Southern Spain or Egypt might give you a greater sense of security! ~ Grahame.

Egypt ? certainly not ! I felt much more insecure in the streets of Sharm-El-Sheik (2005) than last year in DR driving a car for 2 weeks in the whole country ! and smiles are a big difference !

[SKY]

Next time you are in NY take a walk in Central Part at 2AM them see what scared is. The DR is as safe as anyplace, just use your common sense. You would not do as I suggested in NY nor the DR.

[jackieboo]

You should not be afraid to visit the DR, period.

I feel safer here than I do on the streets in America or most European countries.

Fearmongering is common on this site as so many of the posters love to be negative. If we posted the 'real' everyday positives as much as the occasional negative it'd become pretty boring reading.

Have a great vacation and treat your trip the same as if you were going to any other lovely, sunny and fabulous destination.

Jack

[Robert]

Originally Posted by AUDREYWILLIAMS

is it possible that the multiple threads regarding criminal activity in DR may be slightly overblown. on one hand i keep hearing how the Dominican people as a whole are honest people, then on the other hand im reading threads suggesting the hiring of night watchman and armed guards to protect family and home , i mean come on. im planning to visit in march and now am scared to death. am i just reading too much into these threads or what?

Start reading some message boards about New York, LA or London if you really want to be scared The DR is visited by 1000's of tourists every year and 99.9% of these are never a victim of crime. I guess if you feel that the odds are staked against you and you might fall it to that 0.1% category, then I would head towards Jamaica

People slow down at car wrecks, why is that?

[Music]

I visit the DR at least once a year. I stay at a hotel but I do go off the resort day and night. As someone mentioned use your common sense, that's what I do. There is crime everywhere in the world. So far have not had any bad experiences nothing but good I have done a lot of reading on this site which has helped me on every trip!

The DR is a great place that's why it has me coming back every year!!!

[Conchman]

For example, in my opinion, The DR is much safer than Miami.

[appleman]

As long as you use comon sense, you should not be any more afraid of visiting the DR than any other place. I don't live in the DR, but I have been there 5 times in the last 6 years as a tourist. We have stayed in AI resorts, small private hotels, rental villas, and always felt safe. We usually rent motorcycles and get WAY off the beaten path, and NEVER have had any problems. The Dominican people as a whole are friendly and helpful.

Don't get me wrong, crime does happen, but usually it is to those who flaunt money or jewelry or look affluent. Do not draw attention to yourself, and use common sense and you should have a great time in the DR.

bob