Health and Safety

Never drink tap water in the D.R. (look for a hotel or restaurant that has earned an H for food-service hygiene or that has a Crystal America certification). Don't buy food or even juice from the street vendors.

Dengue, chikungunya, and zika have all been reported in Martinique. We recommend that you protect yourself from these mosquito-borne illnesses by keeping your skin covered and/or wearing mosquito repellant. The mosquitoes that transmit these viruses are as active by day as they are at night.

Although crime rates in the D.R. can be high, violent crime is rare against tourists. Nevertheless, poverty is everywhere in the D.R., and petty theft, pickpocketing, and purse snatching are an increasing concern, particularly in Santo Domingo. Pay attention, especially when leaving a bank or casino. Take hotel-recommended taxis at night.