República Dominicana

So How Safe Is It? A short answer? My wife has travelled to, and stayed in Cabarete, on her own, and I honestly worried less about her safety than I do if she is in England on her own.

There are risks, of course, so I've split this safety section into four parts. Malaria & 'crime' on this page, then a page on transport and one on sun, water, food & booze and general health.


So to begin...



MALARIA!
First and foremost;

THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE!
FOR MEDICAL ADVICE VISIT YOUR DOCTOR!

That should be clear to all. That said, an informed patient can make their own decisions.
In the UK, the Health Protection Agency is a good source of up to date information...

At the time of writing this web site, (Feb '09) The Dominican Republic east coast (Bavaro, Punta Cana) is considered 'low to variable' risk. The north coast, Playa Doradas, Puerto Plata, Sosua & Cabarete, are all "extremely low risk".


Some people think that they are 'better off safe than sorry' and 'what harm can the medication do?' The problem is, the medication can have some severe side effects, especially gastric upset, including nausea and diarrhoea. They can be especially dangerous for children and if you suspect you are pregnant you really must talk to your doctor before taking them, even over the counter, non-prescription anti-malarial medication.
PERSONALLY I don't take anti-malarial medication when I visit the Dominican Republic. Have a read of the fact sheet about malaria on the HPA Web site.
A PDF copy of Malaria Guidelines

MUGGING:


If you stay inside an All Inclusive Resort, you are very unlikely to get mugged. A bit like if you stay in your house all day, watching TV, you are unlikely to get mugged?

If you go out and do stupid stuff, you increase your chances of getting mugged. If you make it obvious that you are carrying a lot of cash, or you are wearing lots of expensive jewellery, you increase the odds of becoming a victim. And if you are a drunk guy, walking home alone, and you are approached by a prostitute, she really doesn't think you are Brad Pitt and she wants to have your babies! If she's prepared to have sex with you for your money, then there's a good chance she is happy to pick your pocket to get it. If you wouldn't chat with a prostitute in your home city, then why on earth are you doing so in a developing country?
And if you are looking for a prostitute, then as long as it's a transaction between two consenting adults, who am I to pass judgement? But it still stands to reason, if she can take some extra, she probably will, so be careful, not only with regard to your valuables but also... wear a condom.