Crime. The Dominican Republic is friendly and welcoming and the vast majority of visits to the country are trouble-free. However, there is a high crime rate, ranging from opportunistic crime like bag snatching and pickpocketing to violent crime.

As of early 2026, Santo Domingo is generally classified as a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) destination by the U.S. State Department. While the historic Zona Colonial is heavily patrolled by the "POLITUR" (Tourist Police) and is safe for walking during the day, the broader capital city faces challenges with petty crime and "snatch-and-grab" robberies. These often involve motorcycles (motoconchos) targeting pedestrians for phones and jewelry. Tourists are advised to avoid wearing flashy watches or gold chains and to stay within well-lit, populated areas after dark. Perhaps the greatest safety risk in Santo Domingo isn't crime, but traffic and driving; the Dominican Republic consistently ranks among the highest in the world for traffic accidents. To stay safe, it is highly recommended to use Uber rather than hailing unmarked taxis on the street, as the app provides GPS tracking and driver verification. Avoid secluded areas and unpatrolled beaches, and always keep car doors locked while driving through the city.