Greater than 2.7 million People journey to the Dominican Republic annually, making it America’s second-favorite vacationer vacation spot. With vacationers from Europe and different international locations included, round 6.5 million folks go to the Dominican Republic yearly.
There’s lots to see and do on this space, and locals exit of their strategy to help guests – whether or not you’re visiting or not. However, as with each journey to a brand new location, a couple of security strategies could maintain you much more protected and safe whereas additionally offering better peace of thoughts.
Is it true that the Dominican Republic is a protected vacation spot?
The Dominican Republic is quickly turning into a protected vacationer vacation spot. In 2018-2019, the nation rose seven factors on the International Peace Index to rank 84th between Switzerland and the USA–making it significantly safer than many well-known vacationer locations comparable to Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, India, and even the US.
As a result of the Dominican Republic’s economic system is basically depending on tourism, its authorities does all it might to make the nation as tourist-friendly as attainable. You aren’t required to acquire a vacationer visa if you’re a citizen of the USA, Canada, Japan, or most European international locations. The Journey and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) ranked the Dominican Republic (DR) among the many high ten international locations prioritizing tourism and journey in 2019.
The TTCI additionally named this island nation “essentially the most improved nation within the subregion” “on account of above-average regional and worldwide progress on 11 pillars.” The most important enhancements have been within the areas of Cultural Heritage and Environmental Sustainability.
There’s a lot extra to see on this stunning island than simply the seashores and resorts. In case you’re on the lookout for an journey, it’s completely attainable to go off the overwhelmed path. Nonetheless, there are some things it’s best to consider to remain protected (and wholesome!). A lot of the following tips are most likely stuff you already do in your hometown, particularly for those who’re coming from a significant U.S. metropolis.
Easy methods to keep protected as a traveler
If you’re in an unfamiliar place, it’s at all times finest to be cautious. The identical goes for vacationer traps and hotspots—it’s best to by no means let your guard down. Be weary of leaving drinks unattended, stranger hazard, and getting too drunk round new mates. In case you can assist it, use the buddy system when going to the lavatory—even at resorts!
Hold your costly clothes and niknaks to a naked minimal, and keep away from displaying them in public. Additionally, don’t go away your bag or cellphone accessible from the window of a car.
Hold your valuables near you by sporting a crossbody bag within the Dominican Republic. Carrying it in entrance of you’ll assist forestall any pickpocketing makes an attempt.
In April 2019, the US State Division issued a Stage 2 journey advisory for the Dominican Republic as a result of a rise in daterape and theft experiences. The advisory additionally warns vacationers to restrict any private hazard brought on by extreme inebriation.
Easy methods to keep wholesome as a traveler
Please needless to say faucet water isn’t consumed within the Dominican Republic. Bottled water is all that individuals there drink. Within the warmth, contemporary juices on the road are attractive, however the ice is normally produced from faucet water, so they need to be prevented.
Meals vans and cubicles is probably not as clear as Dominican eating places and resorts, so it’s best to keep away from them. Your native cafe will supply nearly the entire similar avenue snacks and drinks which might be attracting you, with out placing your abdomen in danger.
Visitors security is necessary for everybody, however particularly for pedestrians. Bear in mind to look each methods earlier than crossing the road, and pay attention to your environment always. Bikes can typically
be onerous to see, so at all times be looking out for them if you’re crossing the street.
Is there an out there WiFi connection? Can I make calls with my cellphone?
Wifi is on the market at most main motels and plenty of boutique lodgings. In case you intend on utilizing it incessantly or eat quite a lot of information, look into the price of wifi whereas on the lookout for lodging; a number of locations do present free wifi, at the very least till a certain quantity.
There are millions of free Wi-Fi sizzling spots within the Dominican Republic, with first rate protection in main cities and key locations comparable to Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, La Romana, Santiago de los Caballeros, and San Pedro de Macoris.
If you’re determined for wifi, it’s simple to suppose that any sign will do. Nonetheless, if you would like extra reliability, contemplate roaming together with your common cellphone provider. Then if you don’t want the web in your cellphone, merely put it in airplane mode.
Most unlocked telephones for international utilization could also be used within the Dominican Republic, though worldwide cellphone calls and information roaming prices will range. Test in case your cellphone can use the web frequencies utilized within the Dominican Republic earlier than buying a SIM card there.
You probably have an unlocked cellphone, getting an area sim card will provide you with a lot better sign power than utilizing your own home provider. Claro has the very best protection within the space and their pay as you go playing cards solely price 150 pesos (roughly US $2.85*).
Why journey to the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic is famend for its pristine seashores, delectable cigars and low, in addition to a captivating heritage of Main League Baseball stars. Its residents are additionally keen about good meals, dancing, and residing life to the fullest.
Positioned on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Playa Encuentro is among the world’s most beloved seashores for surfers. The waves are particularly spectacular throughout winter months when massive swells roll in as a result of steady year-round wind. In February, a few of browsing’s largest names come to play at Grasp of the Ocean, an annual match that attractsWindsurfers and kitesurfers from throughout compete.
The Dominican Republic is teeming with pure magnificence, from wild tropical forests to vibrant small cities and picturesque mountain paths. And there’s a lot to do past the resorts, from mountain biking and mountaineering to caving and white-water rafting. So come discover all that this nation has to supply!
In case you’re interested by colonial historical past, take a stroll via the five hundred 12 months outdated Colonial Zone downtown Santo Domingo, or go to the Catedral Primada de América. For these extra interested by indigenous peoples, there are dozens of web sites of cultural significance for the native Caribbean Taíno folks, and loads of residing tradition too.
All through their lengthy historical past of colonialism, slavery, piracy, and authoritarian governments on the street to turning into a free republic, Dominicans have regularly proven exceptional heat, tenacity, enterprise acumen, and generosity.
In case you’re on the lookout for a extra genuine Caribbean expertise, look no additional than the Dominican Republic.
