It is perfectly safe, just use the same precautions as you would do at home or going anywhere new in the world............. dont go flashing the cash around or wearing expensive jewellery. Get out and explore you will love the place.

Generally, it is safe to leave your hotel in the Dominican Republic, particularly in major tourist zones like Punta Cana, Samaná, and La Romana, where specialized tourist police (POLITUR) maintain a high presence. However, as of 2026, many government advisories suggest "exercising increased caution" due to petty crime and theft. While violent crime against tourists is rare, "snatch-and-grab" robberies by motorcycle riders (motoconchos) can occur in larger cities like Santo Domingo. To stay safe, it is best to avoid wearing flashy jewelry, carry only small amounts of cash, and use regulated transportation like Uber or hotel-arranged taxis rather than hailing unmarked cars. Interestingly, the biggest safety risk is often cited as traffic and road conditions rather than crime, so it is highly recommended to avoid driving at night or walking on unlit roads where stray animals and aggressive driving are common.