“There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different.
The question of “Is Dominican Republic Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved.”
I agree, and I listed the 10 safest cities in the Dominican Republic according to multiple factors, not just the low crime rate.
Contents
10 Safest Cities in The Dominican Republic
1. Santo Domingo (Sections Of It)
The overall Santo Domingo crime index is 68.34 with 100 being the highest, and this concerns me.
However, I learned that some residential areas of Jose Contreras are not as dangerous as other sections of the city.
More recommended safe sections in Santo Domingo include Gazcue, Praderas, Naco, Piantini, Bella Vista and El Millon.
Your overall risk, however, is partly up to you.
Locals and past visitors recommend not wearing expensive clothing in neighborhoods with high theft or mugging ratings.
You also may want to avoid carrying a handbag while walking the streets.
2. Puerto Plata
2020 reports say that Puerto Plata is the safest city in the Dominican Republic.
The Nomad Advisor mentions San Felipe, a mountainous community that also has white sand beaches.
It’s a spot that’s often recommended for families.
Photographers seem to enjoy taking pictures here too, and I hear the Cabarete section of Puerto Plata is quite breathtaking.
There’s also a replica of the Christ the Redeemer statue in the vicinity.
3. Bayahibe
I have mixed feelings about Bayahibe from what I read about it.
It’s regarded as safe for tourists.
However, some tourists had what they rated as a “poor” (two-star) or “terrible” (one-star) experience here.
One person vented about having their belongings stolen from their car, for instance.
They also said to stay away from Dominicus Beach at Bayahibe.
Another conversation discussing this location reveals that some people walked right on its beach.
They also never felt afraid while there and preferred village food over hotel food.
Keep in mind that there are at least three Dominicus coastal areas where you can spend your time though.
It’s the portion of the coast officially called the “La Laguna” Blue Flag Award for eco-friendliness, safety, security, and water quality, as well as for environmental education.
Other people involved in the conversation said they prefer to stay near the hotels.
However, they have also taken walks into the village, which only takes 5-10 minutes.
They went to places such as Cafe Cubana or Barco Bar and watched people walk by at a local corner store too.
4. La Romana
One source says the safety index is about 58 out of 100.
It’s at least almost as safe as the rest of the country, which has a 61 out of 100 rankings.
Crime has increased in the past three years.
However, you won’t have to worry as much about home burglaries and theft as opposed to the rest of the country on average.
If I were you, I would stay close to the beaches and other areas where security and law enforcement may be.
5. Juana Dolio
This area has some white sand beaches that provide umbrellas onsite to protect you from sun rays.
I burn easily, so I would appreciate this amenity if I were there.
I saw this on some travel recommendation sites as one of the safest places in the Dominican Republic.
One Trip Advisor user also described the Villa Mora accommodation they stayed in as “days and nights in absolute comfort and security.”
Some people thought it was disgusting and dirty, however.
This could affect sanitation, which could make you sick.
That’s one case for washing your hands often.
6. Santiago de los Caballeros
I would fear the possibility of an earthquake more than I would a violent crime or theft, though it does have a higher crime rate than other Dominican locations.
A real-time Earthquake Track report shows that this location has experienced 16 shakes and/or tremors within the past 365 days, as reported in September 2022.
Some nearby quakes measured a magnitude of more than 7.
Others only rated about 1.5 though, so they’re not always life-threatening.
Pay attention to disaster reports wherever you are.
Some of the safest Los Caballeros neighborhoods include Los Jardines, Los Cerros, La Esmeralda, La Zurza, Las Colinas, and Las Trinitaria or Las Antilles.
I’m trying to remain positive because of that, and this report came from an American who spent 10 years in the Dominican.
I’m not sure how Santiago de los Caballeros made the 10 safest lists though.
Its overall crime index is 60/100, which is considered high.
This includes a high percentage of violent crimes.
You at least don’t have to worry as much about racism-related physical attacks as in other places though.
Either way, I suggest traveling in groups here.
Reporters also urge you not to walk alone at night and don’t show off your money in public or keep valuables in your vehicle.
Maybe stay at beach resorts that have a high level of personal security too.
7. Las Terrenas
The overall level of crime in the Las Terrenas area ranks about zero.
That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any crime, and some people who’ve been here warn you about being alone at night.
Despite what you may have heard, this area apparently has a crime-to-safety index ratio of 88.97 to 11.03, meaning the overall safety of this area overpowers existing criminal offenses.
Las Terrenas has even been described as one “among the safest places on earth” by Cost Abroad.
Of all the Dominican Republic places I learned about so far, I would feel most comfortable visiting here.
It has a very low violent crime ranking, and you don’t have to worry as much about someone breaking into your car or home as in other locations.
Every area of the world seems to have its downfalls, however.
Las Terrenas sometimes suffers severe hurricane damage.
Here, about 44 total tropical storms have affected districts and houses.
Another 32 hurricanes affected the whole country.
However, I found out all 76 incidences occurred during a span of 500 years, and the most recent was in 2007.
It doesn’t happen all the time.
Also, keep in mind this accounts for the entire country, not Las Terrenas.
According to the U.S. Embassy, tsunamis (water storms because of earth movements) in the Dominican Republic are also rare.
8. Cabarete
Cabarete’s overall safety index ranks slightly above average (50.82 out of 100).
Attacks related to racism are quite low here.
However, you may still have to make sure you don’t end up getting involved with the wrong people.
Corruption and bribery are high.
You have a low chance of having your car stolen though.
On the other hand, concerns about theft of items inside a car are moderate, so watch out for that.
Violent crimes aren’t as high in other Dominican locations but high enough that you should take caution.
Don’t go into unfamiliar territories at night alone.
9. Boca Chica
Boca Chica’s overall crime index rates are fairly high (61.57 out of 100).
However, you may feel safe in the beach areas.
Just avoid eye contact with people when walking alone, and don’t try going anywhere you don’t know that well by yourself.
As long as you stay away from problem people, you shouldn’t have a problem staying safe here.
Keep as many of your valuables at home and hidden as much as possible.
It’s also best to wear conservative outfits rather than flashy tourist hats or large sunglasses that make you stand out.
10. Punta Cana
The beach sand appears so picturesque that you might feel like you’re in a dream when you visit Punta Cana.
This location rates #7 in Best Spring Break Destinations according to U.S. News.
U.S. News also calls Punta Cana one of the safest places to vacation in the Caribbean.
You can feel at least traveling outside your immediate hotel area.
However, you could just spend your entire vacation at a resort if you want.
It’s designed that way here – for ultimate relaxation.
4 Safety Tips for Traveling to the Dominican Republic
1. Don’t draw too much attention to yourself.
Not drawing too much attention to yourself will prevent you from becoming a theft victim.
For instance, don’t wear shiny necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, etc. while walking outside.
It’s also best to check your phone or directions or to make a call indoors (ex: at a restaurant or store).
Keep all your most valuable belongings hidden in public as much as possible too.
If leaving them in a car or at your hotel, make sure you conceal them well.
2. Keep financial information locked.
Use the highest level of security you can on all your mobile devices.
This includes two-layer authentication and not leaving your smartphone unattended anywhere.
Be wary of strangers looking over your shoulder to see what you’re doing on your computer too.
I know people don’t carry paper money around as much as they used to.
If you do have to use cash, the old standby still applies.
Don’t wave it around in front of everyone.
Watch out for pickpocketing on public transportation too.
3. Avoid walking alone at night.
Even in some of the safest of the safe Dominican cities, don’t walk around at night unless you have to.
If you’re traveling alone, try to plan most of your sightseeing before dark.
Otherwise, use the safest transportation available.
4. Use only licensed taxis or the bus.
I have heard that buses may be safer than taxis.
That’s because you’d have more witnesses if someone tried to mug you.
When it comes to hiring a taxi, there’s no foolproof plan.
However, you should look out for the one that has the sign on the roof with the name of the company you called for a ride.
Some people on the street asking you for money may have legitimate needs.
However, it may be better to donate through a local charity.
You can also let them know where they can get the help they need once you find out.
It’s a good policy to follow this because some people make a living off panhandling – which is true everywhere in the world, not just in the Dominican.
Dominican Republic Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Dominican Republic Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is the Dominican Republic?
Lebawit Lily Girma of Trip Savvy says, “The State Department’s current Travel Advisory remains at Level 2, or increased caution due to crime—this is the same level as destinations such as the U.K., Denmark, Germany, and Jamaica, among many others.
In other words, it’s about as safe as anywhere I’d want to go.
Therefore, I feel confident enough to travel to the Dominican Republic after learning what Girma says about it.
There’s also enough security in the tourist areas to make most travelers feel comfortable with arriving here.
What are some significant Dominican landmarks?
Significant landmarks in the Dominican include the Fortalezas of San Felipe and Santo Luis in Santiago de los Caballeros.
Also in Los Caballeros is the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration.
Moreover, you can see the Juan Ponce de Leon home or go to La Isabel, where Columbus established the first European settlement.
Warning: Keep in mind some of these landmarks may not be in some of the safest areas.
That’s the reason I mention joining group tours, which often have a professional guide leading you.
What areas of the Dominican should you avoid?
I’ve seen mixed reactions to Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic.
Some say it’s one of the safest, but others say to stay away from it.
Stay near one of the least dangerous sections, such as El Millen or Praderas.
If you want to see historical sites in areas that have a high violent crime rate, perhaps join a group tour.
That’s what I’d probably do if I wanted to see some of this location’s oldest standing buildings.
There is no one answer to the question of whether the Dominican Republic is safe, as it depends on various factors and can have different answers for different individuals.
Jarabacoa should be on top of the list
I had an amazing experience visiting the Dominican Republic, and this list of the safest cities is incredibly helpful! I’ve been to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, both of which are featured here. It’s great to know that safety is a priority in these cities, making my travel decisions easier.
I appreciate the insight into the safest cities in the Dominican Republic. As someone who loves exploring new places, safety is always a top concern.
Knowing about the safest cities like Bavaro is excellent information for someone like me who values safety while traveling. Can’t wait to make memories in these beautiful and secure destinations!