AboutGeorge Derringer Expertise I know attractions and hotels in the Puerto Plata (North Coast) area of the Dominican Republic. Please note: Punta Cana is NOT in this area!
I have traveled to several islands and love them.I was thinking of Punta Cana next.I have read that it is very dangerous,more so than others.Cops bribe you and you can get robbed easily from airport to hotel and even at the resorts? I know you always have to watch out but this sounds so much worst than say Aruba.. Cayman. your advise?
Answer You've been told several things wrong, but let me help. Punta Cana is a development without a town nearby, to make a long story short. There's nowhere outside the resort areas to go but if you do, you might have some problems.
Second, Punta Cana is at the southeastern corner of a BIG country -- it's a good eight-hour ride to the opposite corner of the country (the northeast corner, in other words).
No, you won't be robbed between the airport and the hotel, whether you take a taxi or a tour bus. Do NOT rent a car because it's a long way to go around unfamiliar, unmarked and bumpy roads from Punta Cana to anywhere else. If you want to go to another area, it's pretty much an all-day tour.
Again, the DR is not the place to rent a car. The country is too big. Without a car, anyone who takes any precautions is perfectly safe. My wife (age 63) wanders around on her own in Puerto Plata, Sosua and environs without worries. That's because it's a real city with lots of folks around all the time.
Punta Cana? A great place with a wonderful beach -- but not a great place from which to do any do-it-yourself touring.
