Santo Domingo and Safety

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OceansHwy

Guest
Did a forum search and came up with zilch - our little Frommer's book says that Santo Domingo (even Zona Colonial) is no stranger to muggings and some "guides" tend toward harrassment. Is this overstated? We're leaning toward a walking tour excursion for this reason.
 
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thomaseu

Guest
If you don't speak Spanish, this might be a good idea. Some guides are quite legitimate and wear ID to show they are registered. Some do try to persuade you to go with them. Most are quite good.
I doubt that there daylight muggings but tourists are often easy prey when caught unaware of their surroundings.
 
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Camelia

Guest
I spend a week by myself in Santo Domingo, work related. I stayed at the Hotel Jaragua downtown, which was a very nice luxury hotel. Arriving at the airport was scary - very crowded, very small building, and people trying to get money from you. Definitly watch your bags and purse there. Thank god I had a driver pick me up and take me to the hotel. Saw a lot of poverty driving from the airport to Santo Domingo.

At first I was reluctant to leave the hotel area to walk around by myself, since as soon as I stepped a foot outside, people - mostly young man - would come up to me to sell me stuff or talk to me. Of course having blond hair - I looked very touristy. But then I realized that the people are very friendly, and they will leave you alone after a firm "no." I walked around and explored the old downtown by myself. I would not go alone in the evening though.

Having said that, as long as you are in a group, and know where you are going, it's a great place and all the people I met were very friendly.
 
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