Is Sosua Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Sosua is located in the Puerto Plata province of the Dominican Republic.

Sosua is a small beach town north of the Dominican Republic, belonging to the Puerto Plata province.

It became a tourist attraction in the mid-1980s when all-inclusive tourism began on the island.

Its beaches are beautiful, which attracts many tourists from all over the world who loves beach time spending.

The town is relatively small, and you can walk around it.

Playa Sosua is the town’s main beach.

It is a fun, colorful, and lively beach, which is approximately one kilometer long.

The beach is trendy and offers the best local option for the snorkeling enthusiast – snorkelers should swim out to the reef that lies about 100 m from the shore.

Warnings & Dangers in Sosua

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

In Sosua, the average level of security and the risk of getting into trouble are if you do not follow the usual precautions. Watch your surroundings, never leave personal items unattended. Do not walk on the beach after sunset. Use sun protection.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation is safe enough, but always watch your pockets and things. Taxis are more reliable to travel, especially at night. Use only licensed services and make sure that the driver has turned on the taximeter.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Pickpockets are found, but not very common. It is enough to monitor your pockets and bags, not to leave valuables unattended, and carry a minimum of cash with you so as not to be exposed to this risk.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The Dominican Republic is considered a hotspot for natural disasters. The country is exposed to droughts, earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, landslides, temperature extremes (heat waves), tropical storms, and tsunamis. Explore the situation in the region before your visit to Sosua.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Attacks and robberies against tourists are frequent. The best way to avoid this risk is to travel in Sosua in groups and avoid being in the streets after sunset. In case of an attack - give the criminals what they demand and then contact the police.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in the Dominican Republic, the possibility of attacks cannot be ruled out. Avoid any political or religious demonstrations and study the situation in the region before your visit to Sosua.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Remain vigilant against thieves and scammers—especially on the beach and near the airport. Withdraw money only at ATMs at banks - fraud with cloning your credit cards is widespread. Petty fraud with overpriced prices for goods and services is also common.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women traveling alone may be harassed and verbally abused. Usually, ignoring this kind of attention helps. It is recommended not to walk alone, move in groups, and spend the night in a hotel. Use a taxi when returning late at night.

So... How Safe Is Sosua Really?

Sosua is a relatively safe city.

The crime rate here ranges from low to medium.

The main crimes are related to hacking houses and cars, theft of personal belongings, and vandalism.

There is a small crime rate related to drug trafficking.

Bribery and corruption are also widespread in the city.

Do not flash your money, your new phone, your laptop, anything.

Criminals respond quickly to those who do not keep the right eye on their belongings and promptly steal them.

In general, in Sosua, it is generally better not to leave personal items unattended.

Pickpockets and bag snatchers are not uncommon here.

Keep in mind that illegal drugs in the Dominican Republic and for any contact with drug dealers for tourists can be followed by severe punishment.

Take your usual precautions, as everywhere else, without dark alleys at night, and everything will be all right.

Do not get drunk in the bars and watch your drink – there are times when ill-wishers pour intoxicants into the victim’s drink to rob you.

Get ready for the heat.

The Dominican Republic is subtropical and warm year-round.

Take care of sunscreens and have a bottle of drinking water on hand.

How Does Sosua Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Visitors to the Dominican Republic must obtain a visa unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. Nationals of the 108 countries and passport-issuing jurisdictions do not require a visa to enter the Dominican Republic for 90 days A valid passport is a must.

Currency

The Dominican peso is the currency of the Dominican Republic. Its symbol is "$," with "RD$" used when distinction from other pesos. Each peso is divided into 100 centavos ("cents"), for which the ¢ symbol is used.

Weather

The climate in Sosua is tropical, with warm weather throughout the year. The temperatures are higher during the rainy season from June to October. The high season for tourism in Sosua is from December to March, whereas the fall from August to October is a hurricane season with occasional devastating hurricanes.

Airports

Gregorio Luperón International Airport also known as Puerto Plata Airport, is located in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. It is the Dominican Republic's fourth busiest airport by passenger traffic and aircraft movements. The airport is located 6 km from the Sosua city center.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Sosua Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Dominican Republic - Safety by City