caymanmama

Hello,
I've traveled all over the world but only for pleasure. This time, I'm planning a trip to work a medical mission in Dominican Republic so I'm sure it will be night and day to the resorts and hotels I've previously traveled to.
Can anyone give me info on the outer areas of the DR and is it safe for Americans?

Thanks!

SAnParis2

I apologize a tad because you are a first time poster. However, your question is a bit silly. How is anyone going to know if you are American ? Are you planning on wearing a sign, a red, white & blue outfit (oh, that could mean you are French as well) or what. I've never heard of anyone having any problems in the DR but I will defer to those who have visited more recently than I.

girlonthego

San Paris2 is just being bad. So ignore.
You may want to post in the lounge because it gets more traffic than the caribbean board.

While I have no personal experience with the DR, outside of the resorts are extreme poverty in many places. I would say to be careful and not bring anything you wouldn't want to lose. Stay with your group. I have had friends that have done missionary work in the caribbean and south america. I would think you will probably live in a convent, especially since DR is mostly catholic. If you are giving medical help, I am sure the locals will be very grateful.
But try posting on the lounge section. Maybe someone there has done missionary work in the DR that can be more helpful.

virginia

hi caymanmamma, i've not been on dominican republic either. here's some info from the state dept that would be useful to read: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1103.html
as long as you are with your group i think you'll be fine. an orthopod friend of mine has been to haiti several times, to do volunteer work, with no problems! 2 sets of friends have been to dr resorts. one group never left the resort. the other did but only with resort tours. neither had any problems.

and thank you for choosing to do this work.

SAnParis2

Sorry, when ever I see the "...is it safe for Americans..." it just burns me a tad (& yes ,I am American). I mean, we're all humans aren't we ? Is it safe, would be sufficient.

faithie

Been, there, loved it, tored all around, without a "group", came back alive....But, "Oh", I'm Canadian?

faithie

"toured", lol!
That was tongue in cheek, BTW.

expatdr

Hi Caymanmamma. We are Americans and live in the DR. There are lots of Americans living in the DR as well as tourists. Will be you safe here? Sure, you'll be safer than in many towns at home. It all depends on where you go and who you surround yourself by. There's no aggression or violence directed against foreigners. Which area of the DR are you going to?

RD_Gringa

DR is as safe as anyplace in USA you might visit. There are bad places and good. just pay attention and if not sure or something doesn't feel right don't go to that place. Just like in any place in USA. don't go to really bad areas, don't carry lots of money with you, don't wear expensive jewelry.

but I'm sure you will be with others and all will be fine. Dominican people are friendly. As long as you treat them well most will treat you the same

firstclassfishing

Dominican republic is very safe and Dominican treat the visitors as kings because this is the main industry in the country.

Peter

Curucu

I agree with RD Gringa. I visit the DR alot, going next week actually, and in general, if you use the common sense you would use at home, you should be fine in the DR. Remember that many of the people there have family in the States, so don't be surprised if they ask you if you're from New York.

Also, Dominicans are some of the nicest people you'll meet. Everyone I've met there has been gracious and lovely.

Go, have fun. You have nothing to worry about.

jetsetj

what town is most scenic and can anyone recommend lodging?

doug_stallings

jetsetj, please start a new thread. Your request has absolutely nothing to do with the original topic here, so it's just going to confuse things.

demi56

I've been living here for almost 5 years (Canadian), and yes Dominicans are nice friendly people. Is it safe? I would say as safe as anywhere in the world you travel. There are parts of cities you wouldn't go in either country and the same applies to Dominican Republic. If you will be in remote areas, the people are even nicer then in bigger cities, but that applies to most of the countries in the world too. The only problem you might tun into is if you are away from touristy areas and do not speak Spanish, you might have a bit problem to communicate. Other then that you should be fine.

Oldanalyst

We spent some time last January in the DR. We stayed in Boca Chica, traveled around the eastern section of the DR and then drove to Cabarate on the north coast. We ate locally, shopped locally, got directions from motorcyclists (motochonchos), went on our own to a cacoa production area and had a lot of fun. We were NEVER afraid and found the people of the DR to be helpful and friendly. We respected the people we met, talked with them as much as we could and joked as much as our Spanish would allow.

But remember that the people are poor by our standards and don't be afraid to tip. Only one person practically demanded a tip. Others simply accepted what we gave them and thanked us. We even had discussions about tipping with a number of the people we tipped. I don't think the people we talked with had ever talked with a tourist about tipping. They seemed to enjoy the conversation.

I suppose you could find trouble, but don't go -especially as a medical professional- with the preconceived idea that you will have problems. Respect the people and they will respect you.

beanyncecil

I don't think it's silly of the original poster to ask if it's safe for Americans. There are definitely places in the world where Americans are less safe than would be persons of other nationalities. To believe otherwise is to put yourself at risk (if you are American). I'm sure there are also places where Americans are safer than some other nationalities due to hostilities within the country visited.