Is Punta Cana Safe to Travel to? Punta Cana Travel Tips for Tourists
There’s nothing quite like a beach getaway to the Caribbean town of Punta Cana! White sand beaches go on for miles, all inclusive resorts provide the utmost luxury, and Dominican culture is colorful and diverse. To make sure you experience the best of this island gem, we’ve gathered the top Punta Cana travel tips so you have the trip of a lifetime:
- Soak up the sun, but in moderation
- Pay attention to your surroundings
- Look after your valuables and personal belongings
- Avoid drinking tap water
Is Punta Cana Safe?
Many travelers wonder, “Is it safe to go to Punta Cana?”
While Punta Cana is a generally safe travel destination, the U.S. Department of State recognizes that crime does exist in the area. You should always be aware of your environment and your actions so you don’t become a target or encounter any mishaps on your trip.
As with any major tourist destination, it’s a good idea to leave expensive watches or jewelry at home, and consider skipping carrying a purse or backpack when traveling in crowded areas. Another great way to stay safe is to stick to your resort area and travel only with a designated tour group. Many resorts offer excursions and tours, though you can also research reputable tour companies on your own.
So, is it safe to travel to Punta Cana? The answer is yes, as long as you take precautions.
Common Scams in Punta Cana
Punta Cana is generally safe, especially in resort areas. But petty scams can still happen.
Some common scams that tourists may encounter include:
- Overpriced taxi rides or unmetered taxis: Taxis may not display a meter, or otherwise charge much higher rates than normal when driving tourists.
- Street vendors selling fake goods: Fake designer goods are a common sight in stores and markets in Punta Cana, including purses, watches, t-shirts, and other goods.
- Timeshare pressure tactics: Resorts selling timeshares may try to lure tourists in with promises of discounted or free stays, free tours or tickets, or other gifts.
- Credit card skimming: Credit card skimmers placed on regular card readers in stores, restaurants, or gas stations may steal your credit card information when you swipe without you even knowing.
While these scams happen, there are some easy ways to avoid them. Arrange private transportation to and from your resort to avoid using taxis, and book excursions that include transportation. If you do use a taxi, make sure it’s a licensed taxi and that it has a flat rate or meter that you can easily view. Pay in local currency to avoid overpaying for goods and services, and to avoid needing to use credit cards. Always be cautious when strangers offer any “free” services or discounts that sound too good to be true. And skip buying luxury goods unless they are from a reputable and verifiable retailer.
Safest Way to Get Around Punta Cana
Like any city popular with tourists, Punta Cana has a lot of ways to get around. But staying safe starts with knowing the right ways to travel.
Some safe travel options include:
- Hotel shuttles
- Private drivers arranged through your resort
- Licensed taxis
Never use unmarked taxis or accept rides from strangers, no matter how friendly. While you can rent cars and even scooters locally, doing so as a tourist isn’t recommended, especially if you don’t understand the local driving rules and laws.
When traveling to and from your resort and the airport, a hotel shuttle or private driver arranged through your resort is a good choice. These are prearranged, so you won’t need to scramble to get a ride when you arrive. When you book excursions, look for reputable tour companies that offer transportation to and from your resort. Many resorts will help you connect with tour companies that they recommend, or allow you to book excursions through the resort.
If you do use a licensed taxi to get around, make sure that you confirm the price or the rate and the distance before you get into the vehicle.
Safest Activities in Punta Cana
There are tons of fun activities that are considered safe that you can enjoy during your time in Punta Cana. Some options include:
- Staying at all-inclusive resorts
- Resort-organized excursions
- Beach lounging, snorkeling, and catamaran cruises
- Visiting attractions like Monkeyland or cultural tours
Resorts will vet vendors and guides that they recommend to guests, adding an extra layer of safety and security.
Even when traveling with a resort-recommended tour company or guide, make sure that you take your own safety precautions. Always follow the guide’s instructions, and never wander away from your group. Check the weather before any water-based activities to make sure that a storm won’t ruin your trip or put you in danger on the water. Avoid carrying large backpacks, especially on tours where you can’t keep your belongings with you.
Natural Disasters in Punta Cana
Punta Cana is located in a hurricane-prone zone. Hurricane season runs from June to November. While serious natural disasters are rare in the Dominican Republic, travelers should always monitor weather forecasts ahead of their trip. Purchasing travel insurance can help you get your money back if you do decide to cancel or alter your travel plans due to a storm.
Should You Worry About Gang or Cartel Violence in Punta Cana?
Punta Cana is a tourist-focused area with very low gang or cartel activity. Violent crime is rare, especially in tourist zones and resort areas. While organized crime does exist in the Dominican Republic, it rarely targets tourists.
Following basic safety habits will help you stay safe during your trip. Check official sources to learn about any local warnings for travelers. Stick to resort areas, and only venture out on tours with reputable guides and tourists. Travel in groups or pairs whenever possible, especially if traveling outside of your resort.
Health Risks in Punta Cana
Illness and disease
Mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue and malaria, are a risk during the wet season, which runs from May to November. You can also prevent insect bites with insect repellent or by covering up as much as possible (though this may be difficult in such a warm climate). Zika virus is widespread as well and may be a danger to pregnant travelers. Consult with your doctor before traveling.
Never interact with wildlife and animals, including dogs, cats, and mongooses, as these may carry rabies. If you do get bitten, seek medical attention right away.
Water and foodborne diseases may be a risk in Punta Cana. You can avoid these by eating at resort restaurants and drinking bottled water instead of tap water. Avoid eating raw or undercooked foods.
RELATED: Best and Cheapest Time to Visit Punta Cana
Bottled Water vs. Tap Water
Drinking the tap water in Punta Cana may leave you with a stomachache. Your safest option is to stick to bottled water only. Luckily, resorts offer plenty of bottled water for guests. You should also be cautious when ordering drinks, especially when you’re not on resort property. Ice cubes served at local restaurants and bars may come from unfiltered water. If you’re concerned about getting sick, pack medication like Pepto Bismol in the event of an upset stomach.
Emergency Numbers You Should Know
Before you travel to a new country, it’s important to make sure that you have local emergency numbers saved. In times of emergency, the last thing you want to do is try to look up the right number to call.
Some key emergency contacts to have when you travel to Punta Cana include:
- 911 – Just like in the U.S., dialing 911 in Punta Cana will connect you to general emergency services, including ambulance, police, or fire
- The Politur (Dirección Central De Policía De Turismo) – 809-222-2026 or 809-222-2123 — the Dominican entity in charge of tourist assistance and protection. They are available 24/7 by phone and can be contacted for tourists in need of assistance with a variety of issues, including stolen passports.
- The Tourist Police (CESTUR) – +1 809-222-2026 ext. 2385 — provide police assistance in tourist areas, and can be contacted by tourists who need help finding lost items like stolen passports or dealing with emergencies.
- The U.S. Consular Agency in Punta Cana – 809-552-8990 or 809-567-7775 ext. 0 (after hours) — provides emergency assistance to American citizens living in or visiting Punta Cana.
- The Office of the Embassy of Canada – (809) 455-1730 — provides emergency assistance to Canadian citizens living in or visiting Punta Cana.
Save these numbers in your phone before your trip, and consider writing them down and keeping them in your luggage and your day pack when you venture away from the resort.
Travel Insurance: Is It Worth It?
While optional, travel insurance can save you serious money and stress. Travel insurance can protect you in the event of many kinds of situations. Maybe a member of your family falls ill before your trip, and you need to alter your travel plans. Or, a hurricane could get close to Punta Cana and wreak havoc on your flights or even cause damage to your resort.
In these and other instances, travel insurance can help you get a refund for things like your flights, resort stay, transportation, and excursions. There are other things that travel insurance can help protect as well, such as your luggage if it’s lost by the airline or your belongings if they are stolen during your trip.
There are several different types of travel insurance to choose from, including coverage for:
- Medical emergencies
- Trip cancellations or delays
- Lost luggage
- Natural disasters or weather-related interruptions
Some travel policies might cover several of these categories. For instance, you might choose a policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage, or a policy that covers all of the above.
While Punta Cana is generally safe, unexpected issues, like illnesses, injuries, and hurricanes, can happen. Purchasing travel insurance can help you protect your investment and get your money back so that you can rebook your trip at a later date if something does go wrong. While you will pay upfront for a travel insurance policy, it could end up saving you a lot of money down the road.
Other Helpful Travel Tips
Know the Local Area
Travelers will be at ease knowing Punta Cana has a special police force dedicated to tourist safety. But you should still remain cautious and alert during your visit. Before your trip, research the local area surrounding your resort. If off-site exploring is on your radar, it’s wise to know of any unsafe locations to avoid. It’s recommended to stay off the beaches at night and have a buddy with you wherever you go.
Jewelry and Personal Items
No one wants to be the victim of petty theft or robbery, especially while on vacation. Leave valuable items at home where you know they’ll be safe. Keep a close eye on anything you do end up bringing and don’t flash it around for everyone to see. You can utilize your resort’s in-room safe to store things like your money, passport, and jewelry when you don’t need them.
Book a Safe and Enjoyable Trip to Punta Cana with All Inclusive Outlet
No matter what kind of experience you’re looking to have in Punta Cana, you want it to be a safe one. With help from our top travel tips, there’s no room for worry; only fun!
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