[lipitrRrxX]

Hello DR1.
I am a 20y/o male, and I am currently visiting the Dominican Republic. I was ready to embark on a journey through the islands' various campos and towns on my own, in a rented jeep. That was until my good uncle warned me not to take the trip because the island is very dangerous due to crime. And not being from around here puts me in great danger of being robed/raped and killed.

Okay, so that leaves the question. Should I go? or stay put.
The whole point of my trip here is to visit and get to know the island, and I really hate the capital. But, If it is really that dangerous out there, than I rather not risk it.

[Izzy]

T, I'd say it depends on how you're traveling, budget, and if you speak the language. Speaking Spanish will make the whole experience more enjoyable, safer, etc. Staying at hotels that are mid-level and not at US$10/night places will make things safer.

If you're planning to go out and hit the local bars at night, drink a lot, etc... perhaps not the bestest of ideas.

If you're planning to drive around, sightsee, eat at some local restaurants, make casual acquaintances, etc... it's probably just fine. For your first time here, if you stick to some of the more touristy places that are used to visitors(but not necessarily super touristy) like Jarabacoa, Monte Cristi, Samana, Barahona, Puerto Plata... you should have no problems and not have to worry about standing out too much.

[Kilsimpaile]

Where are staying now?
There is no reason why you can't go exploring with a trusted driver.
AS CFA suggested, there are tons of places to see and experience local life without being in danger. Just stay out of the barrios. If you do like cocktails, find someone you trust to watch over you.

[Izzy]

Hello DR1.
I am a 20y/o male... puts me in great danger of being robed/raped and killed.

just re-read... your uncle said you as a 20 yr old male would be raped?
he really wanted to scare you! hahaha

[hopertveyk]

You won't be alone long, so don't worry so much.

[Anavaralo]

Fear not, there are people in little towns that are afraid of the rush hour traffic when the one plant in town lets out and 400 people are all on their way home at once. How scary!
Der FIsh

[Anavaralo]

Hello DR1.
I am a 20y/o male, and I am currently visiting the Dominican Republic. I was ready to embark on a journey through the islands' various campos and towns on my own, in a rented jeep. That was until my good uncle warned me not to take the trip because the island is very dangerous due to crime. And not being from around here puts me in great danger of being robed

You may be disrobed by some local lady but I wouldn't worry about that!

[pedFlicle]

You may be disrobed by some local lady but I wouldn't worry about that!

If this occurs, just relax. It will make the experience less traumatic for you.

[wasssallx]

It is quite possible to do what you want to do. The biggest let down for people travelling the land is usually themselves, often getting a drunken delusion of who they are, who they can be, and where they are.
Contrary to popular short sighted ness it is possible to travel the land without raising an eyebrow of any local women, if you go to visit sex tourism then obviously that doesn't count.
dont try to do it on a Dominican level, do it as a tourist, pay your tourist prices, stay to decent places to stay. Don't go out of your way to make friends, but be friendly, sensible friendly.
do the basics right and leave it all down to luck. I strongly believe wrong place wrong time has a lot to answer for in peoples misfortune in DR, more than anything else, apart from alcohol.
Im still to hear of a man being raped before, although obviously it happens it doesn't seem to be one of the obvious concerns.
go for it.

[pedFlicle]

Make a sincere effort to communicate in Spanish. Also, know when to pretend that you can't.

[xquFzpNw]

Hello DR1.
I am a 20y/o male, and I am currently visiting the Dominican Republic. I was ready to embark on a journey through the islands' various campos and towns on my own, in a rented jeep. That was until my good uncle warned me not to take the trip because the island is very dangerous due to crime. And not being from around here puts me in great danger of being robed/raped and killed.

Okay, so that leaves the question. Should I go? or stay put.
The whole point of my trip here is to visit and get to know the island, and I really hate the capital. But, If it is really that dangerous out there, than I rather not risk it.

Hola tachie3000, welcome to DR1.

If your purpose in traveling is just to see the country, by all means go ahead with your plans. But you do need to take a few precautions.

1. I am assuming you will need your passport for identification since it doesn't sound like you have a cedula or other form of DR ID. But keep your passport in a safe place. Before you start your trip, take the passport to a copy shop and have the copy the photo and ID page(s) and encase it in plastic. Carry that as your ID.

2. Don't wear an expensive watch or jewelry, and don't flash money. In other words, don't give some low life the impression that you have something worth stealing.

3. Don't travel at night. People who live here avoid traveling at night if at all possible. There is enough risk driving in the DR in the day, but even more risk at night. Animals on the road, motorcycle without lights, people walking on the road, cars with their brights always on, etc.

4. Drink sensibly, don't make yourself a target by getting drunk.

5. Don't pick up hitch hikers.

6. Don't stop to swim at some secluded beach. Always go to beaches where others are swimming and sun bathing.

Enjoy your trip and be sure to keep us informed.

[Enjoymms]

In the words of Tex Antoine ",,,,,,,,,,,,,,Relax and enjoy"

[wgX44EEn]

Hello DR1.
I am a 20y/o male, and I am currently visiting the Dominican Republic. I was ready to embark on a journey through the islands' various campos and towns on my own, in a rented jeep. That was until my good uncle warned me not to take the trip because the island is very dangerous due to crime. And not being from around here puts me in great danger of being robed/raped and killed.

I am about 13 years older than you. When I was 3 years older than you, I did the same thing and people told me it was dangerous. I have been back and forth to and from and residing in the DR for many years and in many cases, alone. The answer is that it is not any more dangerous than a big city in America. Just stay away from drugs or bad parts of town and prostitutes and you will be good. Bond with people and set up a network of friends and locals who are looking out for you. You can even pay people.

People are very friendly and will look after you, you will nto be alone in the DR. Trust me. It will be the experience of a lifetime, you will love it.
Okay, so that leaves the question. Should I go? or stay put.
The whole point of my trip here is to visit and get to know the island, and I really hate the capital. But, If it is really that dangerous out there, than I rather not risk it.

I am about 13 years older than you. When I was 3 years older than you, I did the same thing and people told me it was dangerous. I have been back and forth to and from and residing in the DR for many years and in many cases, alone. The answer is that it is not any more dangerous than a big city in America. Just stay away from drugs or bad parts of town and prostitutes and you will be good. Bond with people and set up a network of friends and locals who are looking out for you. You can even pay people.

People are very friendly and will look after you, you will nto be alone in the DR. Trust me. It will be the experience of a lifetime, you will love it.

[wgX44EEn]

If you need me to big brother you since I have 13 years on you and have been there and done that in your shows, just send me a private message if I can be of any help and go for it, you only live once. You wil never be happy if you do not enjoy your life.

[lipitrRrxX]

Thank you all for the great responses.
I'm trying to make the best of this trip, and so far i'm leaning towards going with someone else. It would probably be funner that way.

Victor

[FsQGF1Mp]

Just stay away from drugs or bad parts of town and prostitutes and you will be good

then why go?

[PoideAdelereX]

Prepare to fall in love with the girl of your dreams.

[Tic Tac Took]

Yet you remain there in DR? You must like it there very much? How is bus travel? Is that a safe way to get from town to town?

I been in barrios.
In bad neighborhoods.
Out alone.
I broke all your rules and been fine.

The Dominican Republic is not very dangerous if you do not flash money , cars or jewelry.

[elapicearpisp]

Well, I don't let myself live in fear! I learn the rules to keep myself as safe as I can and get on with living. Yes, I travel in barrios too, but only when I know people there or know where I am going. Believe me, the locals can read how long you've been here and how vulnerable you are, but they are so friendly and kind most of the time that you can be lulled into a false sense of security. I love it here and always have, but I've learned to listen to what the locals tell me is safe and what isn't. All the things I recommend are what locals have advised and are based on individuals' experiences... Most of the locals will go to great lengths to keep you safe, but how do you recognize the one who won't? I don't think many people would choose to be hijacked by five men with guns and a metal bar, be driven off late at night into the middle of a sugar cane field in the middle of nowhere with a gun at their heads or expect to come out alive... unless, of course, they like dancing with death. Still, it was the only time I have ever made it to the front page of a national newspaper, and, even then they managed to get my name wrong! I wasn't to be famous after all!!!
Long-distance bus transport is pretty safe. The hijackers would never be able to keep up with them! Just don't look out of the front windows, if you are a nervous passenger, and put on thermal underwear, on Caribetours at least! You just about freeze to death.

[wasssallx]

Maybe Dr1 should carry a health warning, everyone has a story!