Tourist Scams in Caribbean

Bank card cloning and identity theft are formally documented risks in Santo Domingo, flagged by the UK FCDO, Canadian government, and US State Department in their Dominican Republic travel advisories. Criminals install skimming devices on card terminals and ATMs, particularly at standalone machines outside bank branches. Card data is harvested and used for unauthorized transactions, often noticed only after the tourist has departed.

How to avoid: Use ATMs located inside bank branches or major hotel lobbies rather than standalone street machines. Shield the keypad when entering your PIN. Check your account for unauthorized charges within 24 hours of any ATM use. Consider using a dedicated travel card with low limits.

The Dominican Republic requires all arriving and departing travelers to complete a free online e-ticket via the official government migration portal. Fraudulent websites that closely mimic the official government site appear prominently in search engine results and charge tourists between $36 and $90 USD for this free service. The Dominican General Directorate of Migration issued a formal public warning about these fake portals in June 2025. Victims submit personal information and payment to fraudulent sites and may receive a convincing but non-functional QR code.

How to avoid: Only use the official Dominican migration e-ticket portal at eticket.migracion.gob.do — note the .gob.do domain which indicates an official Dominican government site. The service is completely free. If any website requests payment for the e-ticket, it is fraudulent. Book directly through the official portal rather than via search engine top results, which may be paid advertisements for fake sites.

Unlicensed taxi drivers and informal fixers at Las Américas International Airport target arriving tourists with fares that can be two to three times the standard rate for the 30-minute drive into Santo Domingo. Drivers sometimes quote in USD for maximum effect and use traffic as justification for higher prices. Some taxis divert through unofficial stops adding time and cost to the journey.

How to avoid: Use only official OMSA taxis from the regulated rank outside arrivals or pre-book a transfer through your hotel. Standard fare to the Zona Colonial should be approximately USD 35-45. Agree the price before getting in. Ignore anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering transport.

Drive-by robbery by thieves on motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles is a formally documented and increasing threat in Santo Domingo. The US Embassy issued a specific advisory in June 2025 warning citizens against using motoconchos (informal motorcycle taxis) and flagging motorcycle-based street crime. Criminals approach pedestrians at speed, snatch phones, bags, or jewelry, and accelerate away before victims can react. The tactic can cause physical injury when items are worn or held tightly. The National Police reported a significant concentration of armed robberies in Santo Domingo in 2025.

How to avoid: Keep phones out of sight when walking on streets, particularly on the Malecón and busy tourist routes. Carry bags across the body with the strap on the side away from traffic. Remove visible jewelry before walking in public areas. If a motorcyclist slows alongside you, move toward a building entrance or group of people. Use ride-hailing apps like Uber rather than walking long distances in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

The US State Department travel advisory for the Dominican Republic specifically warns against leaving food or drinks unattended and against consuming alcohol alone or with new acquaintances. Incidents of drink spiking facilitating assault, robbery, and sexual assault have been reported in Santo Domingo bars, nightclubs, and resort venues. In some documented cases hotel staff or other guests were implicated. The UK FCDO and Australian DFAT also flag sexual assault risk at tourist accommodation and nightlife venues.

How to avoid: Never leave drinks unattended at bars or clubs. Do not accept drinks from people you have just met. Travel to nightlife venues with trusted companions and establish a check-in arrangement. If you feel suddenly dizzy or disoriented after a single drink, alert a trusted person immediately and seek medical attention. Stick to sealed bottled drinks when possible at informal venues.

Shops clustered near Prince George Wharf and Bay Street lure cruise passengers with offers of free facials or skin consultations, then use high-pressure sales tactics, alcohol, and in documented cases sedative drugs to coerce purchases of $5,000–$30,000 worth of skincare products. Victims sign receipts marked "absolutely no refund" while intoxicated. Multiple incidents involving the shop operator NWL Bahamas were reported in 2024–2025, with passengers disputing charges for weeks after their cruise. The shops operate within the licensed port shopping area, giving them a veneer of legitimacy.

How to avoid: Decline all free facial or consultation offers near the cruise pier. If you enter a shop, do not consume any drinks offered. Set a firm budget before entering any port shopping area and leave immediately if a salesperson becomes aggressive. Contact your credit card company the moment you notice an unauthorized charge.

Cuban taxis operate under a dual pricing system; drivers charge tourists in CUP at the tourist CUC-equivalent rate or simply quote prices far above what Cubans pay. Mojito runs, airport trips, and sight tours are regularly overcharged.

How to avoid: Agree on the price in Cuban pesos (CUP) before getting in. Ask a trusted local or your casa host for guidance on fair fares.

Vendors on Playa Las Terrenas and Playa Bonita patrol the beach persistently offering coconuts, sarongs, jewelry, hair braiding, and sunglasses at grossly inflated prices. After any positive engagement — including eye contact — vendors follow tourists for extended distances and become verbally persistent when refused.

How to avoid: Do not make eye contact or respond to initial approaches. A calm no gracias without further engagement is most effective. Resort-adjacent beach sections typically have vendor-free zones enforced by security.