Thanks for sharing your harrowing story, Abner. That is really scary and awful that being ripped off turned into something so much worse and life-threatening. I’m glad you didn’t get hurt but being face to face with a weapon is something I can’t imagine, even after being forcibly robbed in SD. Stay safe on future travels as well.

I came acrossed this post because I was researching crime in Santo Domingo to see if this was a common thing for tourist. This past weekend my friend I was robbed at gun point around the same areas you have mentioned. I was staying at an Airbnb in Zona Colonial. While i was in the uber, the uber driver cancelled my trip and demanded money from me and my friends or he was going to drop us off on the highway. My friend told him we didnt have cash but we have card and we can give him gas. As we stopped at the gas station I walked off to blow some steam off. I was very upset because we was getting scammed left and right while on this trip. As I walked off my friend followed me and her and I was talking about the situation. As we was talking and walking back to the car a guy on the motorcycle pulled up and demanded whatever we had! I attempted to run away but I fell on the ground and scrapped my knee very badly. My friend gave him my phone as he cocked the glock 40 back and pointed to her face. Once he got my phone he hopped on the motorcycle with someone else and sped off. I would never go there again . We were on our way back to the airbnb from Boca Chica (beach). Please be safe while traveling.

Thanks so much for your comment, Harold! I am also glad to hear that your trip went without incident but I completely understand not really wanting to return to the DR. Sometimes you have to trust your gut. Plus, you’ve given the country two chances already, and it sounds like you were much more prepared than I was for any possible trouble. I’ve also been hearing about the Americans who have been attacked there in recent weeks, which is very troubling. I totally agree that Colombia and Mexico are great alternatives for future travels. I lived in Mexico for almost a year and visited Colombia twice; highly recommend both! Colombia especially is an up-and-coming destination where I always felt safe.
Cheers, Kevin