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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

  • Dominican Republic hotels
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  • Dominican Republic travel guide by NTripping

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Dominican Republic

Travel scams in Dominican Republic

Start over
Saona Island

Isla Saona scams in Dominican Republic

3 0

How 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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Ocean World Adventure Park, Puerto Plata

Timeshare scams in Dominican Republic

5 1

How 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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Bavaro Beach

Sanky Pankies in Dominican Republic

4 1

How 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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Punta Cana beach

Unlicensed tour operators in Dominican Republic

6 0

How 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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Bar in Punta Cana

Drink spiking in Dominican Republic

5 0

How 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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Beach in Boca Chica

Beach scams in Dominican Republic

5 1

How 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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Cigar rolling in Dominican Republic

Fake cigars in Dominican Republic

4 0

How 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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Roulette

Progressive keno gambling scam in Dominican Republic

3 0

How 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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Calle El Conde, Santo Domingo

Massage prostitution scam in Dominican Republic

1 1

How 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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Lobsters caught near Saona Island

Restaurant and bar scams in Dominican Republic

2 1

How 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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Travelscams.org is the largest community built database of tourist scams and key travel safety issues globally, with 1777 travel scams and 1688 user stories shared on 101 countries.

If you ever wondered how it feels like to glide along the Ganges in India’s holiest City or to trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, just go, as we have you covered on all pitfalls you may face. About us →

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