Solo woman renting an Airbnb in the Dominican Republic

Hi, I usually go to beautiful all-inclusive resorts, but I’d like to switch things up and rent an apartment on Airbnb in the DR. The thing is, I’m traveling alone... Is it dangerous to stay alone in an apartment instead of an all-inclusive? I’d love to live like a local and have more freedom, but I’m a little scared... Thanks for your thoughts! Anaïs

Hi Annasarah. It all depends on where you're planning to spend a few days. For example, in Jarabacoa, there’s no problem at all, but in some neighborhoods of the capital, it’s basically asking for trouble. Best regards

Hello,

It's true, there are neighborhoods I never venture into. And, worse, once night falls. But how a neighborhood is, you won't realize until you're there...

A woman alone going out after dark... In the DR, you'll be mistaken for someone you're not....

And you have to keep in mind that the DR is an incredibly macho country, to a degree impossible to imagine in France. Dominicans can be pretty heavy-handed with flirting.

Of course, the situation inside all-inclusive hotels is completely different.

Best regards

Hi,

And which part of the DR is your Airbnb in?

Cheers,

Pablo

Hi, In the Bayahibe area, more precisely in Dominicus. It's a residence with a pool.

Thanks! Sarah

Okay.

No problem inside the residence, but I recommend locking everything when you're not there.

Outside, you’ll need to be prepared for some flirty attention from locals, but nothing to worry about. Just ignore it if it happens. For going out at night, if you plan to come back late, it’d be good to have someone accompany you.

Have a great vacation,

Pablo

Hi, Thanks so much for the advice—I’ll make sure to lock everything up!! (It’s not really my habit, but I’ll force myself to.)

I won’t go out alone at night; I’m pretty cautious :)

Thanks again, Sarah

Hello,

Going "local" in Dominicus.....????

It's the tourist factory of Bayahibe, located a few kilometers from Bayahibe....

Outside the all-inclusive hotels, there's hardly anything except the tourist shopping street running alongside the two Viva Wyndham Dominicus hotels, with a small supermarket right nearby and, about 1 km further, the casino. The casino building also houses a nightclub and a restaurant, with prostitutes soliciting customers outside the building and inside the nightclub...

Advantages: For the Dominican Republic, it's considered fairly safe, and the *guaguas* that pass through Dominicus—with a high frequency from sunrise until just after sunset—make it easy to get to La Romana.

But if you want to experience more of the "local" vibe, there are better options...

Best regards

Hello Yes, I know Dominicus isn’t very "local"—the village of Bayahibe is a bit more so... but I think staying in Dominicus is safer for me since I’m traveling alone. As for the sex workers... they’re everywhere! It’s their business, not mine... (and anyway, I don’t hang out in nightclubs).

My goal is to relax and enjoy my vacation without being stuck in an all-inclusive, while still feeling safe.

After all, for a first experience, Dominicus seems like a good choice (I’ll lock up my things as Pablo advised).

Thanks for your comments

I forgot:

It’s been a while since I’ve been to that area, but the public beach at Dominicus is really great. It’s a bit crowded with tourists staying in the nearby hotels, but you’ll definitely enjoy it.

After that, you can also take the local bus and spend a day in La Romana if the beach and sun get a bit too much for you. 😉ñ😎

Cheers,

Pablo

Indeed Pablo, I’d love to go to La Romana, especially the market! It must be nice, and I could buy some of those delicious fruits there! Thanks! 🙂

There you go, Sarah—you can buy all the fruit you want, and if you find a "guayaba" in my honor, thanks in advance!😄

Hi! We’re staying in an Airbnb in Bayahibe from February 5th to the 16th. How about you? What day of the week is the market in La Romana? Seb

Hello Annasarah. It all depends on where you'd like to spend a few days. For example, in Jarabacoa, there’s no problem, but in some neighborhoods of the capital, it’s basically asking for trouble. Best regards

HEY Pierre, the forum’s back open. Today. My first post to everyone—how’s safety in BAYAHIBE in 2024? I’ll be staying for 5 months, a retired widower from Quebec. /// Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Thanks, jean (( mo ne tt i ))