Dominican Republic News and Posts

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.

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

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

December 3, 2024 No Comments

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Air Transat has flights between Montreal and Samana and Puerto Plata Dominican Republic

Air Transat has flights between Montreal and Samana and Puerto Plata Dominican Republic Air Transat reported that it would increase its frequencies to destinations such as Cancun (Mexico)

December 3, 2024 No Comments

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Top attractions and activities to do in Samana Dominican Republic

Top attractions and activities to do in Samana Dominican Republic Samana, Dominican Republic, is a stunning destination known for its natural beauty and vibrant culture.

September 19, 2024 No Comments

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Ten Interesting Facts About The Dominican Republic

Ten Interesting Facts About The Dominican Republic When people think about the Dominican Republic they immediately picture endless white-sanded beaches under a perpetual sun,

September 19, 2024 No Comments

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Waste-to-energy plant that will produce electricity in Samana

Waste-to-energy plant that will produce electricity in Samana Former Major League Baseball pitcher Mariano Rivera will invest in a waste-to-energy plant that will make waste

September 12, 2024 No Comments

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Pueblo de Los Pescadores in Las Terrenas Will Be Ready by November

Pueblo de Los Pescadores in Las Terrenas Will Be Ready by November The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, has enthusiastically announced that the iconic Pueblo

September 12, 2024 No Comments