Street Scams in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Punta Cana — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Willemstad, Havana, and Montego Bay.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Punta Cana
How it works
Vendors entering resort beaches sell hand-made bracelets, cigars, and sarongs at prices several times their value, often using guilt or friendship to prevent tourists from haggling to reasonable levels.
How it works
Vendors at and around Palma Real Shopping Village in Bávaro sell items presented as authentic Dominican crafts — including larimar jewelry, amber pieces, and handmade goods — that are mass-produced imitations made from glass, plastic, or synthetic resin. Prices are often set well above what the same items sell for at local markets, and sellers use high-pressure tactics to close the sale quickly. The shopping center environment lends false legitimacy to the items.
See all scams in Punta Cana
10 total warnings across all categories