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Dominican Republic
17 scams
Of all Caribbean nations, Dominican Republic is the most diverse, with beautiful beaches, exquisite golf courses, upscale hotels, and stunning views of mountains and waterfalls.
However, there are a number of scams, some unique (e.g. sanky pankies) and some painful (e.g. casino, beach, photo scams), to fall for.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency number
- Ambulance: 911
- Fire department: 911
- Police: 911
- Tourist police: 809-200-3500
Travel guide
Isla Saona scams in Dominican Republic
5 0How it works: Scam 1: if you go on a tour, a photographer helps to take photos of you with their camera. They then offer to send a CD of…
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Timeshare scams in Dominican Republic
6 1How it works: Opening: someone posing as an official claims that you have won a resort stay. Set-up: to redeem it however, you have to attend a 90 minutes timeshare…
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Beach scams in Dominican Republic
5 1How it works: Scam 1: friendly locals who will try to direct you to overpriced shops where they get a commission. Scam 2: tons of touts who peddle overpriced fake…
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Sanky Pankies in Dominican Republic
5 1How it works: Situation: sankies are male gigolos who operate in tourist spots (e.g. bars, hotels, restaurants, beaches). They are master manipulators looking to steal from unsuspecting women. Opening: these…
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Unlicensed tour operators in Dominican Republic
6 0How it works: Version 1: you may see unlicensed tour operators offering cheap packages. Safety costs are likely to be skimped (e.g. using poorly maintained transport, not providing life jackets,…
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Drink spiking in Dominican Republic
4 0How it works: Situation: these scam artists will wait at bars/popular drinking spots to pounce on unsuspecting victims. Sometimes though, resort/hotel employees are the ones who do it. Opening: they…
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Fake cigars in Dominican Republic
4 0How it works: At some hotels/resorts, there are vendors who will set up shops from time to time. One fake product they like to sell is cigars. Places to beware:…
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Progressive keno gambling scam in Dominican Republic
3 0How it works: Situation: This scam has many names – e.g. super keno, Caribbean keno, progressive roulette, 8 ball jackpot, jackpot roulette, etc. Opening: A casino offers $20 free credit…
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Massage prostitution scam in Dominican Republic
3 1How it works: Situation: the vast majority is fine, but there are a few rogue shops that have been reported to perpetrate such a scam. Set-up: after a massage session…
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Restaurant and bar scams in Dominican Republic
2 1How it works: Situation: Most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: Version 1: tourist menus…
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Fake beggars in Dominican Republic
1 0How it works: A beggar here is most likely fake (i.e. a professional one) and more than able to work a job if he wants. Places to beware: Santo Domingo…
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ATM skimming in Dominican Republic
1 0How it works: Situation: the vast majority of tourists would probably not fall for this but on the off-chance that you do, you need to know how to spot the…
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Snatch thefts in Dominican Republic
1 0How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Car/taxi/bus: snatching valuables through a window at…
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Pickpockets in Dominican Republic
1 0How it works: Version 1: they are generally teenagers here and work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final…
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Fake police in Dominican Republic
1 0How it works: Version 1: a stranger shakes your hand or slip narcotics into your pocket. Fake police officers immediately arrive at the scene and arrest you for carrying narcotics,…
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