6 Tips for Staying Safe as an Expat in the Dominican Republic

You often hear stories of expats living abroad being victims of crimes, whether it’s a robbery, getting scammed by a supposed boyfriend or girlfriend, or being drugged by someone.

In most cases, a closer look at the backstory reveals that the expat could have taken steps to prevent the crime or at least reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

For the most part, the Dominican Republic is safe, with very little violent crime. Most incidents tend to be crimes of opportunity.

That said, things can happen, but as mentioned above, you can do things to reduce your chances of being a victim.

Here are six tips for staying safe in the DR.

1. Don’t Be Too Flashy: Dress like a local as much as possible to avoid standing out as a foreigner or the gringo(a), which can sometimes make you a target for crime. Wearing expensive jewelry or fancy watches can draw unwanted attention.

2. Watch Your Alcohol Consumption: Know your limits when it comes to drinking in public. If you re drunk or intoxicated, your ability to make sound decisions and be aware of your surroundings diminishes, making it easier for opportunists to take advantage.

3. Be Careful With Dating Apps: Scammers frequent dating apps like Tinder, targeting foreigners and posing as potential romantic interests to extract money or personal data. Always verify the identity of individuals you meet online through video calls before meeting in person, and choose public, well-lit locations for your first few dates. And if you do decide to go on a date, inform a friend or family member of your plans, who you are meeting, and where.

4. Live In A Secure Residence: Live in a gated community or a building with 24/7 security and a controlled entrance.

5. Build Relationships With Neighbors: Friendly relations with neighbors can provide mutual benefits in terms of security. Neighbors can watch your home when you are away and alert you to suspicious activity.

6. Be Cautious With Financial Transactions: Carry minimal cash to avoid becoming a target. Be discreet when withdrawing money from ATMs. Also, withdraw money during daylight hours and in a secure location to reduce the risk of potential theft.

The Dominican Republic is mainly safe for expats when you take common-sense precautions. Following the tips outlined above, you can significantly reduce the chance of becoming a victim and enjoy a secure, fulfilling life in this vibrant country.

______________________________________________________________

Maria Abreu is the CEO and Managing Attorney of Abreu & Associates, a law firm practicing exclusively in Dominican Republic Immigration and Nationality law. She is also the founder of Retire and Invest DR. This organization hosts conference events for foreigners interested in living, retiring, and investing in the DR. You can contact Maria at: mabreu@abreuimmigration.com.