Join me on my first impressions of the Dominican Republic and Santo Domingo 🇩🇴 📸 Instagram: / zane.jpegs 👍 Facebook: / zanetravelofficial 🕹 Tiktok: / zanetravel ---- #santodomingo #dominican #travel
@@alexbelotti1603I think a lot of people would know. Apparently it shows in the comments. It also helps to be diligent and research the country you're visiting. Scams like this are a common thing in many other countries. He could've been much worse off honestly, he only lost $150 dollars.
@@dingbat3440sorry I meant not know, of course you have to know that is a scam, yeah 150 dollars is nothing compared to what could have happened. He was outnumbered in the middle of nowhere by himself too. Street smarts have to be used
You have to stop engaging with people on the street!! Just say "no thanks" and move on. Anyone who refers to you as "my friend" is building up to some kind of nefarious activity.
It happens in developing countries the world over. They think that because we come from countries where we earn good salaries and live comfortable lives, that we won't have a problem with sharing some of that "wealth" with them. They will use whatever means they can to relieve us of that money. If you really want to help, engage with some of the aid agencies, or local charities. I'm pretty sure that Capital One won't be reimbursing you for being yet another hapless tourist who fell straight into the arms of a local scammer. They'd soon go bankrupt if they did that for every unprepared tourist who went before you, and will come after.
Zane, I am Dominican and I am sorry that this happened to you. Tourism is serious business in the Dominican Republic and incidents like this can affect the whole industry. A police report should have been filed. Since the guy is shown clearly in the video and is known in the area, it should be easy to arrest him. Please contact the National Police in Santo Domingo through your hotel. This is not normal in the DR and we do not tolerate it.
THEY will Not Arrest the guy , hi ask FOR help, do Not used viole ve , show his face, do Not use a y Kind threat on him , he Walk to the place voluntarily, capital o e will Not refund him becouse All that and the Police Can’ Not out some Body in jail just becouse hi ask some body voluntarily and he acept, it was a mistake I sure hi will Not repeat traveling to any Otter Country is Happen anywere in the planet
I inform you that I sent a report to the Dominican Republic police and I am contacting a lawyer friend, my country cannot allow this to happen, not in my beautiful Dominican Republic.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, Pedro. Hopefully other people can learn from this video. It's clear that you love your country which is great! I hope you have a good day!
@@zanetravelLet's do justice, my country deserves the image that has cost us so much to work on. Please!!, be careful not to talk to strangers, especially Haitians, and enjoy my beautiful country, the best beaches in the world, brother, Punta Cana 🦩, Samana🐳, Bahia de the Eagles 🦜.
@@zanetravelLet's do justice then, I already reported to the police with a photo of the person so that the investigation can begin, sorry again on behalf of my country, we do not deserve this image that has cost us so much work, please!!!, do not talk to strangers, Especially Hatians, I hope you enjoy one of the best beaches. of the world, Punta Cana🦩, Samaná🐳, Bahía de las Águilas🦚.
@@richardnuevo I promise you that you will love it, the beaches of Punta Cana🦩 , the Samana peninsula🐳 and the bay of the eagles🦅. I wish you the best unforgettable holidays 🏝️
Since your visit to Mexico City, you have become one of my favorites RU-vidrs. I’m sorry to hear you were scammed during your at the Dominican Republic. It is refreshing for the world to have a caring human being-please don’t change-just be a little more careful when dealing with strangers. Take care.
Make sure you show the video to the manager of the hotel and request some help from him/her to file a police report. You will be doing a favor to tourists and the honest citizens of the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
I do speak Spanish Zane. Around 18:44 the old man said that he wouldn't be doing business with them (not taking part in the scam). So these scammers are known in the community, my advice is that if you ever get yourself involved in an uncomfortable situation like this one, ask the locals for some help.
Don’t tell them about you got scammed anymore, because they will see you as an easy target, just say “no thank you, I’m good” or something to all those people on the streets…. And sorry for my English but enjoy your trip,I’m following since the videos of Mexico, I can’t wait to see you back in Mexico.. Good luck my friend!!!🙏🏼
Come on man! Do not entertain the guys that approach you. Please just say 👉 No gracias! Que dios lo bendiga! AND WALK AWAY. It’s an extremely polite way to say no thank you! and god bless you! In Latin America if you add the words 👉 Que Dios lo bendiga! They will leave you alone without any bad feelings🙏
When a stranger approaches you on the street in a country that speaks Spanish, yes "No gracias" and keeps walking ignoring them, I'm from Mexico and in Central and South America you get rid of them, but if it's not a tourist area, they will always tell you a story. sad or x thing
Even the police will scam you. My friend who is American lived in the DR for many years and left because he’s got tired of having to pay a bribe each time that the police stopped him with all kind of made up reason. Mostly nice people, but struggling to make a living.
@@thepassportlife It barely happens, this comment makes it sound like the police stopping you every day to scam you. These kind of police bribes even happen to locals so tourists ain’t special, however, it is not that frequent that you would encounter this kind of police. Like any other country you gotta be careful, be smart, know a few words to get yourself by, stay away from sketchy places especially at night, and do not talk to people who approach you unless you approach them yourself and you’ll be good. Also, know where you are moving, is it a gated community or is it a non-gated community? gated communities are 100x safer for foreigners compared to non-gated ones. in conclusion, everybody’s experience is different sometimes you’ll have good experiences and sometimes bad ones like any other country. It really depends on your attitude towards those experiences, and also be smart.
At the airport I had a police officer there tried to scammed me. He asked what I do for living and how much we make, I gave him a low number of 40k per year. Once Isaw that he wasn't going to let me continue on my way. I sent a text to family member who knew generals of the military. I told them where I was , well the general my family member knew called the airport and the raise the officer over the radio. He was told to hold wherever he was and then his supervisor came. The supervisor pulled him to the side and spoke to him. Next thing you knew the officer gave me back my passport and told me I didn't need to notify the general that he was just trying to help me. I then told him I knew what he was doing and that he only wanted money from me to let me go.
Just take the loss as a learning experience. It happens to everyone at least once traveling. Now if it happens again then you didn't learn your lesson. Also don't tell random people on the street that you got scammed. They won't feel bad for you. They will look at you as naive and try to do it again. No need to be a hero to try and save someone. If someone says that their baby has no food I tell them to go work and get your baby some food. Sob stories fake or real don't work with me regardless of what country. Not my baby so not my problem and that is if he even has a child. You are a good guy and in this world people will take advantage of your kindness. Sadly you have to sometimes be an asshole to protect yourself. That is just how it rolls.
Hello, Zane! I am so happy to watch this video and to re-understand this country that I am not familiar with through your video! Your room is big and very comfortable! I like that lounge, the view outside the window is so beautiful! It's just a pity that the accommodation fee is not cheap! It's a pity that you encountered a fraud group, too. Yes, you are so kind! Your face looks like an angel, that's why everything happened! Anyway, the local food and architecture look great, and I believe there are still many good people there! I hope their local government can watch your video, arrest those people, return the money to you, and issue you the key to being a good citizen! Think of the lost money as the cost of taking a class. I hope you can be not too sad! I believe your video will help other travelers! Thank you so much for sharing! 👍🥰🙏
Honestly he either needs to toughen up real quick or leave latin america. Not a region thats meant for someone this soft.. Have to have your wits about you almost 24/7 traveling there.
@1simard You are completely wrong. It is not the kind people who should Improve, but the scamm group! If any local people watch this video, please upload it to that local government, members of Congress, or your president! Improving public security of your country is the right thing to do! 🙄👌
@ 1simard You are completely wrong. It is not the kind people who should Improve, but the scamm group! If any local people watch this video, please kindly upload it to that local government, members of Congress, or your president! Improving public security of your country is the right thing to do!
@@giannishen Nah you're wrong. Much easier to change yourself than others. Going to a bad area saying im going to change the bad people is the dumbest thing ive ever heard.
The scam had me SCREAMING at the screen! "OMG KEEP WALKING!!!!!" it was a horrible experience but exciting content and a travel vlogger is what you're all about so the experience was actually a GOOD thing!
People in the comments saying DR is dangerous, this and that…they have never set foot on Santo Domingo before. Santo Domingo is packed with tourists, if it was so notorious, do you think you’d have so many tourists roaming on the streets?!? Come on, you just have to use your common sense, stay out of the sketchy areas and avoid those shady characters who come across as “friendly”.
Caribbean Spanish (Cuban, Dominican, Puerto Rican) is spoken faster and the consonants in the last syllables are cut off. Difficult to understand for a non native Spanish speaker.
I don't like being "rude," but I learned a while ago to be very careful when being approached by randos on the street. If I sense something sketchy going on, I just say, "No, gracias," and move on with my day.
They have the same scam in CDMX (and pretty much every LATAM country). Some are more sophisticated than others. I had to tell one to screw off after he started to "clean" my brand new shoes as i was eating at a restaurant despite saying no repeatedly. The only shoe shine people you should trust are the ones with a proper stall and locales using it.
"you should’ve stayed in cdmx" how does that comment or advice relate to zane’s situation? 💀 stop looking for his white approval, i'm mexican living in cdmx btw, so i know how people are here with foreigns.
I understand wanting to be friendly to locals but you totally walked into that scam. If people randomly approach you claiming to be a tour guide, lead you somewhere, etc. it’s definitely a set up.
HI Zane, The DR is great. I have been there many times. There are scammers all over the DR, guys on the street, Taxi drivers and women. be careful! There are many great people in the DR, but people are desperate, and they will scam or cheat you. I still get gringo priced after 60 visits. Enjoy the DR it is great, go to Las Terranas, Punta Cana is overpriced.
You were one of the lucky ones. I went there with a group of tourists and a guide so it was safe but we were still cautious. My friends who are both Latinas from the US went there on their own. During their walks, they decided to have a rest in that plaza to rest but men came and thought they were prostitutes. They offered to hunt for them potential clients and asked for money. They got scared told they’re tourists so they went inside the church and the men followed them trying to scam them to go somewhere. It was scary, good thing they speak Spanish and it was during the day.
@@El_.5794 getting scanned or something and fearing for your life is something else. Getting scanned is practically up to you. You can prevent it by not talking to these people, but you are a prolific talker and that is what got you and your friends in trouble, peace.
@@El_.5794 l understand your lack of experience traveling. I’m a world traveler. I’ve to too many places and know or almost know how to avoid getting scanned. As far as the driving, l enjoyed it. I think your problem is that you complain too much about everything. If you dont want to complain, rent a villa and stay there 24-7 and you will never complain about beautiful Dominican Republic. Also, l saw you eating american food in Punta Cana, come on bro???? Are you serious. You got in a plane to then eat pizza, hamburgers and tacos???
@@QueensNY718 lack of experience in traveling and complained too much? Read my comments again. I traveled not only Latin America but Europe, Mediterranean, Middle East and Asian countries too …most of the time twice a year. Never been scammed! I had a very good and positive experience in DR including the city of Sto. Domingo. I’m just sharing what my friends who are Latinas were experiencing. Can’t argue with that. Scammers are every where even in your own city you live in. That’s how it is!
I feel bad lol ive been watching your vlogs all over Asia and it’s just obvious that youre too nice and friendly, and that you generally give people the benefit of the doubt. Makes me lose faith in trusting strangers when im traveling!
You’re too smiley and it attracts these scammers. I would avoid Caribbean Latin America. Non stop touts with scams. In Asia, they leave you alone when you’re firm but it’s a different beast here. Avoid Cartagena, Caribbean Colombia, Caribbean Central America…all with very similar scams. I think you’ll enjoy Rio, less worry about scams. But you’ll have to deal with potential violence. But walking down the pathway along copacabana, ipanema and leblon all smiles and having all the friendly Brazilians smile back and greet you would make for a fun video!
Hi Zane, I'm so sorry you were taken advantage of; it's so clear you're a kind hearted person and it pulled at your heart strings when he said his baby needed food... I hope that person and any other scammers don't get away with their dark and dishonest deeds. Please be really careful and watch out for yourself first... people will say anything to get your money. Take care my friend and I love your videos!!
Sorry that this happened to you. But it also gives people people an idea of the Haitian Migration crisis my country is facing. Every single touristy location in DR is filled with them... if you been to my country you know exactly what i mean. FYI if you want something to be done about this scam that just happened to you. Report it to "POLITUR" guarantee!!! Something will be done as that is a tourist police department.
By the comments, I see that several Dominicans have already reported the scam from your video and have also told you how to report it to the tourism police. Scams happen, but it’s not what my country is known for. My country is known for its friendly and welcoming people. Hope you can enjoy the rest of your stay and get to know the real heart and beauty of the Dominican Republic ❤ 🇩🇴
The Dominican Republic is one of the safest countries to visit, matter of fact the second most visited in all Latin America. A good advise is to act with common sense everywhere you go, even when most of us Dominicans are friendly and hospitable, you may find a couple that are not so friendly and tend to abuse or scam tourists, specially foreign immigrants like Haitians and others residing in DR, most Dominicans will protect you and guide you just like the guy who gave you the business card, we also have Tourist Police there, you should have contacted them to help you. Sorry that this was a bad experience and my last recommendation is , don’t judge our country and Dominicans for one negative experience, if you do your research , you’ll see that the DR is way safer than lots of countries you have visited or may visit. Common sense, do your research, homework before traveling anywhere and don’t be so welcoming when anyone offers help or engagement, in countries like Haiti , Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Venezuela , that could lead to something even worse!
Oh, wow. That Renaissance looks like a nice hotel. For some reason, it's become one of my favorite hotel brands. Also, thanks for showing us some of the DR beyond the usual all-inclusive resort content. I love Caribbean-style croquetas, and you can't go wrong with Presidente!
Zane, your vlogging is great. you're naturally charming. Just be careful out there. Been to the DR once, never returned. Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina...will o back always.
You are in a very dangerous area of DR im sorry you chose this place because there are some amazing experiences in other areas of DR that area is not safe its bullcrap you will get robbed...you got robbed for the flag patch too no more than 50 pesos...sheesh!!! You can take art they wrap it for u remove it off the canvas. Yes thats El Conde restaurant its good I been there...im so mad they keep scamming you...sancocho 😂 it's a signature dish
I understand that you were scared and kind of lost because of the language barrier, but DR is a safer place than what you may believe based on this experience. Those guys although intimidating didn't pose a physical threat to you. In public places you can ask for help and people will usually react to that. You were both in a colmado and a pharmacy, those are places were you can let people know that you fell in danger and they will help for sure.
You gotta work your way up to Santo Domingo. Not meant for a first spot to visit for a first timer in DR. It’s next level over there. Puerto plata o Santiago better spots for a first timer. Then work your way to Santo Domingo once you’ve learned way of the land. Too easy of a target. You gotta walk with confidence and just say gracias primo and go along your way. Live and learn
This scam is also popular in Peru. There will be people standing out front of pharmacies & will say something along the lines of "I don't want money, I just want milk for my baby". In addition to the pharmacy being in on the scam, the guy will also end up re selling the formula back to a different pharmacy for more cash.
I am Dominican and now I understand why tourists are told not to leave the hotel because it is not safe. How is it that the night before you were happy because you ate well with only 17 dollars and the next day you go out on the street and give 150 dollars to a Haitian who is in the Dominican Republic. 🤣🤣
I felt nervous the whole video, I'm sure Punta Cana will be a better experience because it is very touristy, although it is a shame that the non-touristy parts have a heavy atmosphere. Greetings from Mexico City!
18:47 The owner cleaning answers to the "milk guy": "I said i dont make bussiness with him". Reffering to the scamming guy. You should really learn spanish. Saludos desde CDMX Zane! take care!
I went to La Romana and Punta Cana like 10 years ago. I had fun but man it was dangerous, I remember at the hotel in La Romana there was this guy at the door always with a shotgun and had to tip every single night before we can get into the hotel, it was horrible. In Punta Cana the beach was nice but in the water instead of sand there was a lot of fossilized corals, IDK if all the beaches are like this but my feet were hurting and I got cut at some point. I’m sorry but I don’t recommend that country to visit based on my experience.
I’m sorry to hear about your experience, but you are 1 out of millions of people who have visited, specifically in a 10 yrs timeframe, most people have a great time when they visit and go back yearly
That is unfortunate. Out of all this video that is the only thing I remember. People trying to make money out of tourists by going through their sensitivities. That is very wrong. In Mexico, we take better care of the tourists than our own siblings.
What I have learned from being alone tourist no resort no fancy hotels in DR solo is that ain’t nobody wanna be friend they see u as a big money sign especially in sosua all they want is get something from yea if they approach ya for no reason tryna be ur friend you gonna get scammed. I know it’s rude but don’t talk to much because what they are doing is rude too they just tryna get ur money keep to ur self unless u got the lay of the land know Spanish because if don’t ur target number 1. I have hit DR 10 times know so whenever some approaches me I just say hey what’s up nah I’m good and keep walking longer u entrain them the more guilty you feel but it’s all the street games. You think they respect you after they rip ya off? NO they respect that u know the game and u kept it moving now it’s time for the other sucker u tryna be everyone friend when they just wanna be friends with ur wallet. Yes some people are tryna help but especially if they are working and they suddenly drop everything to follow u around ya they want something also never ever speak dollars if in Dominican only speak domincain pesos or you’ll get got I’ve had so many instances in Dominican where know I can entrain them if I’m sitting at a bar and look in the eyes and say no.. they even give me a fist bump before they leave laughing cause they know I know what they were tryna do😂 it’s the game fellas welcome to DR But hey bad respect this guy went solo into the capital learned few hard lesson he won’t fall for again that’s respect keep traveling!
Btw .. if you tell your USA embassy in Santo Domingo, they would notify that drugstore chain and I guarantee you... It would be satisfying to see results
Hello I'm so very sorry that happened to you. Unfortunately there are a number of Haitians in D.R., that as you saw, are in desperate situations or make up stories to scam tourists. Definitely the pharmacy/grocery store staffs were in on it. No remorse or regret. I'm fully embarrassed & angry. Our country is NOT what you experienced in the Capital & YES, You are definitely too nice. Be safe in your continued travels & don't count D.R. out completely. We have beautiful interesting different regions you should consider visiting sometime. GOD Bless.
Well what can I say? That is what they call street smart that even an educated person can become a prey. Its something we never learned in school. Still watching your vlogs and Im from the Philippines
Smile, No thank you and just keep it moving. Repeat as necessary. Please top telling the next scammer you just got scammed and don't want to be scammed again. They see dollar signs and you are only setting yourself up for the next scam. Try and Enjoy traveling. This happens everywhere.
WOW... I feel sorry for your scam, but I would have ignored that clown from jump. Forget the hard luck stories just as you would in the states. A similar thing happened to me on an early trip there, and I just walked away. You live and you learn, a $150 lesson.
Yup you buy the formula for him, they keep the product on the shelf, he then just pockets the money and the clerk takes a cut. A variation of this is that you buy them the product and they take it and sell it on the black market.
Absolutely NOT do not please don't speak or go anywhere with strangers I'm Dominican norn USA take my advice..you will get robbed scammed ditched do not go out at night in Santo Domingo. It's not safe. Rent a car and rive yourself to Punta Cana get out of santo domingo
"My face is too friendly for this" that's a completely truth, your face is so kind) I hope you won't get in such kind of situations anymore. Stay safe, send you my love and support from Russian Federation❤
I'm Dominican Leaving in NYC, I'm Going Soon To Santo Domingo, and I Promise you that I'll be Looking for this Haitian (Francois) Around there...and I send your video to the police and the minister of tourism....
I am so sorry to see you got scammed, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE continue to be your friendly self. I think some of your best conversations come from the locals you meet, and I find talking to locals and becoming immersed in their culture is what makes travel so much fun. Just BE CAREFUL. Don't allow anyone to "provide" you services unless you've approached them. (shoe cleaning, hair, spa, anything) Also, offering money to him was a great idea. The minute he stated he couldn't accept it, I would have been done. I love how kind and helpful you want to be, so don't lose that part of you. Just use this as a lesson and watch for the signs. Not all are scammers, but there are ways to determine what feels safe and what doesn't.
You have to be careful out there bro, I have lived there for 3 years most of these young people that are in the streets are up to no good not all but most, and he also said he was Haitian only been in DR for 7 years I doubt it brother. That guy lied to you I'm sorry this happened to you God Bless you bro and be aware................and when people try to communicate with you in the streets just say Gracias estas bien and go out your way .... #STAYSAFE....
zane i really like your content, you’re really humane and it is noticeable, try to always keep safe, and to all my fellow mexican compatriots: why y’all commenting “you should have stayed in mexico" irrespective of zane being a good person, it seems that y’all are looking for his *white approval* so bad, how does that comment or advice relate to zane’s situation? 💀
You are too nice! I’m a city gal… I walk around with that attitude. I really don’t have any desire to visit DR. I’ve never heard anyone who has visited come back with glowing reviews.
Uyyy you should have gone to Santiago, Puerto Plata, or Samana. Santo Domingo is not the place to be ughhjh nope....and Punta Cana is a far from Santo Domingo ughhh HELL NO 160 a night..as for the traffic stop it's all a scam because they know you aren't Dominican...its the craziest traffic because you're in Santo domingo...I'm Dominican and I hate being in Santo domingo.
Before the man scammed you I noticed he was going to do it. This kind of behavior isn’t part of Dominican’s characteristics, so sorry you had to going through this situation.
They were scamming you when they brought you into the store, The owner said he did not want business with them, he knew what they was doing. You have to be careful and not engage people in that manner. They were talking about your credit card. It should be reported and I am Dominican and we are good people. But like any country scammers target tourist. these scams have to stop. Report that store as police treat this serious.
I Been to Dominican Republic on a Cruise Ship last year in Puerto Plata Is Very Nice …. Sto Domingo Is Very Nice City … Enjoy ZANE you just be Careful Too many People’s are Hustling in Here Specially you A tourists, But Some of them are Nice just don’t be Engage Too much ✌️👍👍👍💪👌💕🇺🇸
The thing you ate in the sancocho was yuca. And it is a type of root. Also, the guys at the colmado were saying they don’t do business with those guys. They probably knew what he was up to. Like you said, in that kind of situation just walk away. It’s like at the mall when vendors try and stop you to sell you perfume. Just say no thank you.
