Ask the Consul
You’re a Tourist and You’ve Been Robbed
One of the most frightening and
stressful experiences anyone can face is to be robbed while vacationing
overseas. Unfortunately, it does happen and you should be prepared to deal with
the situation should it occur. Below are some tips should this ever happen to
you in the Dominican Republic.
Unless you are being threatened
with physical harm do not, under any circumstances, fight with the thief. It’s
safe to assume the individual armed and willing to use a weapon if threatened.
The most important thing to
remember is to immediately take yourself to a safe place; preferably a police
station but if not then some sort of public business like a restaurant, bank or
supermarket. Once there the first thing to do is to call the police and file a
report. Cooperate in every way possible with the police. If you don’t speak
Spanish ask for an interpreter. These may not always be available but often an
English speaker can be found to assist.
You should also contact the U.S.
Embassy at 809-221-2171 and ask for the American Citizen Services section (or
after working hours ask for the Duty Officer). If your passport is amongst your
stolen possessions we will advise you as to the soonest time you’ll be able to
apply for a replacement. Usually this is the morning of the next business day at
the American Citizen Services section in the Consulate at the corner of Avenida
Maximo Gomez and Cesar Nicolas Penson street. Unfortunately there’s no
alternative to coming to the Consulate for a replacement passport.
If the robbery has left you
destitute the staff of the ACS section will be able to assist you in contact
family members in the U.S. for assistance with money transfers and plane
reservations.
The feeling of violation that accompanies a robbery is hard to wash away but
through calm, rational thinking the damage can be contained and life will go on. | 
