It is the question almost every guest asks before booking, and it deserves a straight answer rather than reassurance. The short version: the vast majority of stays in Punta Cana pass without any trouble at all, and most of the risks that do exist are avoidable with a little planning.
What the official advice says
The US Department of State rates the Dominican Republic at Level 2, "Exercise increased caution". That is the same level it gives to a number of European countries. It cites crime, and notes that violent crime remains a concern even though police are more present in the areas visitors frequent.
The Government of Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in the country, mainly because of crime, and mentions petty theft, fraud and spiked drinks among the risks to be aware of.
Both are worth reading before you travel, at travel.state.gov and travel.gc.ca. Neither advises against travel to Punta Cana.
Where the real risks are
Punta Cana is a tourist region, and the problems visitors meet are the ones found in most tourist regions:
- Petty theft: bags left on a beach, phones on a restaurant table, valuables in an unlocked room
- Unlicensed drivers and unofficial guides offering rides or tours
- Card skimming at standalone cash machines
- Drinks left unattended in busy bars and clubs
Violent crime is the main reason both governments advise caution, which is why the habits below matter.
The areas themselves
Cap Cana and Puntacana Resort & Club are gated communities with their own security and controlled entrances. Bavaro is more open, with public beaches and a busy strip of shops and restaurants, and calls for the ordinary care you would take in any lively resort town. The country also has a dedicated tourist police force, known as CESTUR, present in the main tourist areas.
Habits that make the difference
- Arrange your transport in advance, from the airport and for evenings out. Most problems start with an unplanned ride.
- Use cash machines inside banks, malls or hotels rather than on the street.
- Keep passports and valuables in the room safe, and carry a copy of your passport.
- Do not leave drinks unattended, and be careful with drinks offered by strangers.
- Book excursions and boats through people you know, not through someone approaching you on the beach.
- Respect the red flags on the beach. Currents on some beaches can be strong.
Where we fit in
A large part of what a concierge does is remove the moments where things can go wrong: the negotiation at the taxi rank, the unknown driver at night, the excursion booked on the spot. Every transfer, table and boat we arrange is booked in advance with people we work with regularly. You can see how arrivals work on our page on airport transfers, and our guide on what to know before you travel covers the practical details.
