Santo Domingo Warnings Or Dangers

Hi,
I am preparing to go to the CECIP hospital in Santo domingo in April for a breast reduction and lipo. I just wondered how your procedure went. Is there anybody out there also going for a procedure in April. Has anybody had a breast reduction and lipo done there

There's a lot of men, women and kids begging for money. Us locals don't give them anything so I wouldn't recommend you do either, no matter what trick they come up with: injuries in fingers, hands or legs, handicap people, people saying they need money for a prescription, etc. These people just want to buy booze with that money.

If you're on a carro público or share-a-taxi or if you dare to drive, be careful of those sellers selling everything from fruit to cell phone chargers. And be especially careful about those "windshield cleaning people": they have the ability of throwing their sponge to our windshield from afar and meet it right on target, without you giving your consent to have them wash it for you. Most of the time the water is dirty so the job isn't all that good.

You might also meet beggars in all sizes, shapes and of all ages. Give them money if you feel like it but shut your window immediately (if you're driving) or keep your valuables safe and at your sight at all times.

While in a share-a-taxi, keep your purse/bag as safe as possible and put your wallet in your front pocket, where it's more difficult for a thief to take it without you noticing. Thieves "develop" ways to rob you while going to your destination without you even noticing, like the "bag" trick: the thief sits next to you and lets his bag "rest" on you. While you both accommodate, the thief takes advantage of the wallet that gets slightly out of the back pocket and take it. Then he excuses himself and gets off the car, leaving you broke. OR they might open your purse and steal whatever they can come up to.

(Read about share-a-taxis on my Transportation page.)

Most of the time the amber and larimar jewels some street sellers (and some souvenir shops) sell at Calle El Conde are fake. And they look so much like the original that it's difficult to spot, so what can you do to be sure you're getting the real deal? Buy your amber/larimar jewelry at the Amber or Larimar Museums or from a reputable jewelry store/merchant.

For more info, read the articles I submit about amber and larimar. They also have some tips on how to test fakes from original pieces.

And last but not least, it's against the law to export rough pieces of amber.

If you need to withdraw money, use the ATM machines located on a bank's premises and do it while the bank is open. This in case the machine "eats" your card so that you can get it right away.

Also the usual: be aware of your surroundings, look out for weird looking people and protect your pin code with your body and hands as much as you can. Also check in case the ATM machine has been tampered with and what not. There are plenty of articles on the Internet about this. Some say it's a good idea to have a separate ATM card with little money in it, and that you transfer money to it from your main account whenever needed. That could help you out in case that your card gets skimmed (even after taking all precautions).

The less jewelry you wear, the better. Thieves are attracted to bling bling, even if it's cheap or fake. Also, if you're not going to use your expensive cell phone, leave it in the safe of your hotel or locked inside your suitcase.

Also, and although this is a given there's a lot of people that miss it or ignore it, don't flaunt your money. Take with you the cash you might think you need and put it safely in your front pocket. It's a good idea to take an ATM card and withdraw money if needed.

Thieves on motoconchos will definitely try to snatch a purse or bag off someone if they see it hanging carelessly. So hang your purse/bag on the side of the sidewalk that's close to buildings and have a good grip on it. There might also be 2 thieves, the one driving and the other jumping from the motorcycle and robbing you for what it's worth. IF this does happen, it's better (or less bad?) to give them what they're asking for and try to get away unscathed.

If you happen to ride a motoconcho be aware that you will not be provided a helmet to wear.

Take care!

On areas having a lot of tourists there's bound to be hustlers trying to push you inside their shops to sell you stuff at high prices. Do not give into them.

Always haggle. It's possible that the shop next door has the same item (or a better one) for a better price.