Is Dominican Republic Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Solo Travel in Dominican Republic

While Dominican Republic can be a captivating destination with stunning beaches and vibrant culture, it is advised to take certain precautions as a solo female traveler. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night, as incidents of pickpocketing and mugging have been reported. Public transport safety standards can be lower than expected and you may encounter aggressive street vendors. However, majority of your visit should be incident-free if precautions are taken. It is important to respect local customs and stay in tourist-friendly areas.

Safety rating

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How safe is Dominican Republic?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

While Dominican Republic is generally a popular tourist destination, it is advisable to be more cautious at night, especially if walking alone. Instances of crime tend to increase after dark, with incidents such as muggings and petty thefts becoming more common. Public transport tends to be less reliable during late hours, and many areas lack adequate street lighting. Therefore, if necessary to travel at night, opt for reputable transport services or taxis, try to travel in groups or populated areas, and always remain vigilant about your surroundings.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Unsafe

Public transportation in the Dominican Republic can be quite unpredictable and challenging. Buses and smaller local transport known as 'gua-guas' are often crowded and may not adhere to reliable schedules. Cases of petty crime such as pickpocketing are not uncommon, especially in crowded vehicles or stations. Unless you're familiar with the system, it might be more advisable to use registered taxis or rideshares for traveling within cities. It's recommended that you always stay alert and keep your belongings secure.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

The Dominican Republic can be an interesting and vibrant place to visit. However, as a solo female traveler, you may experience a noticeable amount of attention from locals, specifically men. This attention can range from flirting to persistent advances and even non-verbal forms like catcalling. It's advisable to carry yourself confidently, avoid drawing unnecessary attention, dress modestly, and abstain from travelling alone at night at certain areas for your own safety.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:High

Petty crimes, like pick-pocketing and bag-snatching, can be fairly common, particularly in urban areas and tourist hotspots in the Dominican Republic. Scams can also occur, so caution and awareness are vital when moving around, especially at night.

Is Dominican Republic worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 7 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

Punta Cana, Family travel

Safety was our priority and apple vacations and the concierge told us what places and activities were the safest and most reputable.zip lining over the mountains was breathtaking. Cost was a little over $2,000 round trip air and hotel for 7 days.

Posted: August 19, 2024
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Aviva

Aviva

United States

Dominican Republic, Group travel

I had an amazing time DR! Loved the beaches and felt very safe walking around at night! The beaches were stunning, the culture rich, and the locals incredibly friendly. Highlights included exploring Santo Domingo’s historic sites, savoring delicious local cuisine, and enjoying vibrant nightlife. Highly recommend!

Posted: July 12, 2024
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Ashley

Ashley

Canada

Salvaleón de Higuey Punta Cana, Solo travel

It was very safe. Ubers were safe. The food was amazing, with lots of Italian restaurants. We stayed in an Airbnb on an old golf course far away from the main part. My friend (also female) and I took an Uber from the club to our Airbnb with no problem.

Posted: July 10, 2024
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Ashley

Ashley

Canada

Salvaleón de Higuey Punta Cana, Solo travel

Punta Cana was amazing! I stayed in a Airbnb that was an old golf course. A little out of the way but it was quiet and beautiful. We took Ubers day and night and it was safe. Never felt unsafe at any point. I went alone to the beach as well as with another girl we went to a club at night and got an Uber back. Our phone died and we had pre booked the Uber. The driver actually came early to look for us and waited since he knew what time the club ended. He gave us phone chargers. Lots of great Italian foods

Posted: July 10, 2024
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Dominican Republic, Couple travel

We went for our honeymoon. It was a last minute change as Covid was just beginning in Asia, which was our original destination. We stayed at an all inclusive resort which was good. I am not huge fan of staying in the same place for a week. We did take several excursions, one of my favorite was a local experience. We went cocoa farm and had fresh cocoa and saw how it is farmed. Second stop was a two room school house (I’m a teacher) so that was very impactful for me. Last stop was a waterfall and river experience. That was my favorite day of the whole week. 🙂

Posted: April 14, 2024
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Puerto Plata, Solo travel

I went to Puerto Plata by myself and felt very unsafe. There was constant, incessant, and degrading catcalling even by the police themselves. As a solo female traveler, I’d advise against visiting Puerto Plata.

Posted: March 29, 2024
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Punta Cana, Group travel

I traveled with a group to Punta Cana. It was very nice. We had the best boat tours at Infinity Ocean Punta Cana - the best party boat so far. The food was delightful. In the evening, we went to Coco Bar or to Drink Point.

Posted: January 17, 2024
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Dominican Republic, Family travel

I travelled with my 2 kids and my father. It was a direct flight Madrid - Punta Cana. We went to a resort, Occidental Caribe, all inclusive at Arena Gorda Beach. We went Saona Island and made an excursion with boogies and zip lines

Posted: January 7, 2024Experienced: July, 2023
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Minerva

Minerva

Spain

Dominican Republic, Group travel

The photos are from my traveling Journal as I backpacked the phone free throughout the island. This experience introduced me to a new way of traveling. Walking around not touristy places and rather diving into untouched wild nature: deep green forests, transparent turquoise blue beaches and jungles where i truly felt human, just a girl alone in the inmentisy of.....earth. It was amazing. I am vegan and food wise it was actually cheaper to fit myself through pasta, bread and rice, and fruit. Also regarding fruit I would highly highly recommend trying mangoes from Dominican Republic. And cacao. Regarding safety it's a tricky topic I found locals to be very welcoming and overall happy especially towards me as a Spanish and therefore someone they could speak Spanish with. But it's also important to acknowledge the political and safety and therefore poverty and how that can affect safe interactions with locals.

Posted: December 4, 2023Experienced: June, 2022
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Dominican Republic, Solo travel

I just returned from a solo trip to the Dominican Republic and it was incredible. Everyone in my family was so scared, but I was very safe in my Airbnb. The locals were super nice, and the food was amazing.

Posted: November 7, 2023
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Is Dominican Republic safe for women?

Safety index

2.5 /5

Based on 6 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 6 local experiences

Santiago De Los Caballeros

Santiago is consider one of the most safest city in Dominican Republic but you should be aware of your surroundings like everywhere in the world :) , if you’re walking around the city don’t use your phone in case you really need it

Posted: September 29, 2024
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Carlota

Carlota

Santiago De Los Caballeros

It's not an unsafe city in comparison with other places in Latin America. However, our place as women is very low as this is a very patriarchal society. Each time I go out to walk there's a man that harrases me or that tells me that k should walk alone. It's irritating!!

Posted: May 7, 2024
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Is Dominican Republic safe right now?

Before your visit to Dominican Republic, it's essential to check travel advisories for Dominican Republic, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises to **exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.** Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: June 18, 2024
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: October 1, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

**The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic due to the threat of violent crime.** Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 16, 2024

Meet locals in Dominican Republic

Laura

Laura

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Hey!, I'm Laura and I'm interested in backpacking, camping, food & cuisine, hiking and trekking

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Rosmery

Rosmery

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Me considero una persona bastante amigable y respetuosa, me gusta hablar de temas interesantes y conocer personas distintas formas de pensar, puedo dar alojamiento a quienes necesiten un hogar en Santo Domingo.

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Stay with locals in Dominican Republic

Rosmery

Rosmery

Dominican Republic

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Me considero una persona bastante amigable y respetuosa, me gusta hablar de temas interesantes y conocer personas distintas formas de pensar, puedo dar alojamiento a quienes necesiten un hogar en Santo Domingo.

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Danelsy

Danelsy

Dominican Republic

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, My name is Danelsy and I'm interested in animals, camping, culture, cycling, hiking, games, languages, nature, live music, photography, shopping, solo travel, van life, swimming, trekking, sightseeing, diving, dancing, events & social, food & cuisine, health and running

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Upcoming visitors to Dominican Republic

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Mackenzie

Mackenzie

About Me

Hi there! My name is Mackenzie, and I’m a traveller based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I love travelling, hiking, and adventuring anytime I can!

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Lara

Lara

About Me

Hi!, I'm Lara and I'm interested in animals, books, dancing, writing, solo travel, culture, food & cuisine and nature

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Safety in Dominican Republic