Health
Use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice. Otherwise water should have first been boiled or sterilised. Milk is pasteurised. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Malaria risk exists throughout the year, especially in the western provinces and in La Altagracia province. Risk in other areas is low to negligible.
It is strongly recommended that you purchase health insurance (to include emergency repatriation) prior to visiting Dominican Republic. Medical care is limited and variable in quality. An emergency service is available in Santo Domingo.
Safety
Petty crime (theft, pickpocketing) is the biggest danger most travelers will face, though it isn't particularly widespread except in downtown Santo Domingo.
Some guests at all-inclusive resorts report having items stolen from their rooms. As in any hotel, don’t leave money or valuables in plain view. Use the room safe (if one is available) or lock items in an inside pocket of your suitcase.
The greatest danger by far is on the roads. The Dominicans have little respect for traffic laws, traffic lights or other drivers.
Dominican Republic Gallery
There are 14 pictures in our Dominican Republic gallery. Click the thumbnail to enter.
