Dominican Republic: what dangers may lie in wait, tips for tourists. What should you be wary of in the Dominican Republic? What is the situation like in the Dominican Republic?
Among the many, one might say, heavenly corners of our planet, most Russian travel lovers prefer to spend their legal vacation period or weekends in the amazing Dominican Republic, surrounded by greenery. Which is not at all surprising, because these are the places that can deservedly boast of a luxurious exotic beach area, covering hundreds of kilometers, where all the conditions for excellent rest and relaxation are created.
Of course, the most convenient way for Russian tourists to travel a considerable distance is by air. However, many are wondering: is it possible to fly to the Dominican Republic now?
Tourists arriving in the country will be able to:
- bask in the gentle rays of the sun for as long as you like, sitting comfortably on the snow-white coast;
- admire the unsurpassed natural beauty, especially coral reefs;
- get acquainted with a very original, but very interesting local culture.
And, of course, there is the opportunity to make unforgettable excursions to numerous attractions of the ancient country, the discoverer of which is considered to be H. Columbus. No matter where the traveler goes, he will definitely be greeted with a warm welcome by the locals, who warmly welcome all guests.
In particular, our compatriots were very alarmed by the hurricane in the Dominican Republic on the night of September 19, 2017, or rather, by its strength and power. Let's try to analyze the topic of interest more carefully and consider what other dangers are fraught with a vacation on an island surrounded by greenery.
Is it dangerous to vacation on a very popular resort island?
If you carefully analyze the main question, is it dangerous to fly to the Dominican Republic now, then it is not so easy to find a clear answer. After all, everything that is currently happening on the island is, of course, the restoration of the Republic after the serious damage caused by a natural disaster.
However, some areas that were not heavily damaged by the hurricane have been almost completely restored and are able to receive guests, offering a very reasonable price for a vacation. Of course, it will not be possible to fully appreciate the former beauty of the dilapidated Republic, but every guest will be able to explore the natural attractions.
Whether it is worth going to the Dominican Republic now, of course, everyone must decide for themselves. And if the answer is positive, you should definitely find out what dangers a resort island remote from Russia is fraught with, regardless of the time of year, and tourist operators are trying with all their might to hide quite significant shortcomings.
If we take this issue seriously, the situation in the Dominican Republic is such that danger can await a tourist almost anywhere and at any time of the day. However, it is quite simple to protect your vacation and make it truly memorable if you familiarize yourself in advance with the main points that you must, as they say, “bypass” and in no case become a participant in them.
TOP 10 dangers that can await tourists in the Dominican Republic
Here are some potential hazards to avoid:
- First of all, do not come into contact with French-speaking black citizens, of whom there are quite a few in the southern part of the island or near the capital. The fact is that they are Haitian migrants who arrived on the island in search of work. Not everyone can find a job in the Dominican Republic, and since money is constantly needed for food, naive tourists can become victims of organized criminal groups.
- Given the confirmed presence of numerous infectious diseases on the island, including syphilis, yellow fever, malaria and even rabies, it is advisable to be vaccinated before traveling. While on vacation, you need to wash your hands thoroughly, preferably 2-3 times, with soap and running water. Men should try not to “contact” with local beauties.
- The water quality on the island is, to put it mildly, not the best. Therefore, it is recommended to use bottled water for drinking and cooking. After washing vegetables and fruits under running water, they should be thoroughly rinsed with boiling water. This has been the situation in the Dominican Republic for a long time.
- Typhoons are another danger that awaits guests and residents of the Republic. That is why comfortable hotels are built not on the coast itself, but at a certain distance. And answering the question whether it’s worth going to the Dominican Republic now, given the possibility of typhoons, you can answer this way: the safest time for a holiday on the island is considered to be the period starting from the end of November and ending in March.
- In these wonderful places, unfortunately, a turbulent seismic situation can be seen. There is a high probability of earthquakes, since the island is located in an incompletely formed alpine zone. Tourists should not be too afraid about this, because special services announce a possible earthquake in advance, but remembering exactly where things and documents are left should always be remembered by everyone without exception. Studies have proven that the areas of Punta Cana and La Romana have the lowest intensity of seismic waves, therefore, if possible, it is best to choose hotels located in these quietest areas of the island.
- First-time tourists should definitely know that the ancient religion is still used on the island, especially in the provincial areas. There are many Voodoo sorcerers here. Whether it is necessary to seek meetings with its representatives, or, on the contrary, to try to protect oneself from such communication - of course, everyone needs to decide for themselves.
- An exciting form of recreation - diving - is available to everyone. After all, many ships sank near the waters washing the island, and what adventure lover would refuse to try his luck in searching for countless sunken treasures. However, before you give your consent to participate in underwater research, you should carefully consider whether you are ready to entrust your own life to an unknown team, going with them to conquer the depths of the sea.
- An excellent holiday on a magnificent yacht, which can be rented for the entire duration of your holiday, will undoubtedly appeal to everyone without exception. But those who value their own health should avoid swimming and diving from a yacht into open sea waters. The fact is that it is in these places that you can often find large-sized sharks that attack water vessels without fear, mistaking the vehicle for ordinary bait. The habit of predators can be explained quite simply - relatively recently, the so-called golden generation of vacationers, as entertainment, fed ferocious sharks with the favorite delicacy of predators, directly from their hands.
- Taking into account the statistics, the activities of local thieves' organizations are developed in the Dominican Republic. To avoid becoming a victim of criminals, regardless of the area that the traveler has chosen for vacation, ordinary vigilance and caution in dealing with very suspicious individuals will help.
- You should also not use the services of exchange offices operating in private street pavilions if local currency remains available after the end of the holiday period. This operation should be performed only in special institutions, despite the fact that street offers will be more profitable. As previously noted, in this Republic the level of fraud is quite high, so the currency of gullible tourists can be easily exchanged for perfectly counterfeit dollars.
You should also not use bank cards to pay for various goods. It is best to withdraw your own savings from ATMs operating inside the hotel complex.
Have a healthy holiday in the Dominican Republic, but be aware of the risks
It should be kept in mind: if a traveler does become a victim of scammers, then contacting the local police is unlikely to correct the current situation, because for local authorities, a tourist is primarily an additional source of income. In such circumstances, it is best to contact a police agency that works directly with tour operators to increase the chance of recovering stolen money or personal items.
To summarize, we can come to the following conclusion: the situation in the Dominican Republic, taking into account the risks, is practically no different from other resort places. After all, the above fears can await tourists in any, even the most modern country.
Therefore, answering the question whether it is worth going to the Dominican Republic now, you can answer this way: of course, it is worth it if you familiarize yourself in advance with the risks of staying on a magnificent paradise island surrounded by greenery. Additional knowledge will help create a vacation that will remain in the memory of every tourist, and a lot of entertainment and viewing the incredible beauty of natural attractions will turn spending time in a mysterious country into the most memorable and wonderful adventure. We hope that our article helped you understand what the current situation is like for tourists in the Dominican Republic.
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Before heading to the paradise Dominican Republic, it would be a good idea to ask what dangers are fraught with vacationing in a country with friendly and radiant people. Below is a list of the most common dangers that can ruin the most pleasant vacation experience.
Drinking water and fruits
WHO has repeatedly recorded cases of cholera infection in the Dominican Republic. However, they are few in number. In addition, hotels carry out water analysis every 4 hours. But in neighboring Haiti, the disease statistics are depressing - 2,000 deaths recently. 
It is strongly recommended to use only bottled water for consumption and cooking, and thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits by pouring boiling water over them. 
Vaccination
When entering the Dominican Republic, a certificate of vaccinations is not required; only a recommended list of vaccinations is offered for review. But given the fact that most infectious diseases are registered in the country, they will not be superfluous. 
Especially for those planning an independent trip. So these are yellow fever, malaria, hepatitis A and rabies. As an additional protective measure, it is worth stocking up on good repellents - mosquitoes on the island are very active.
Underwater beauties and their downside
Usually it is safe to swim on the shore, but divers and simply lovers of beauty should know that it is not worth touching anything with your hands. 
Danger can come from both seemingly harmless coral reefs, which sometimes leave a burn, and marvelous jellyfish, which sting with terrible force. This also applies to some beautiful starfish. An encounter with a sea urchin promises to leave needles stuck in your feet as a long but unpleasant memory.
Pickpockets and thieves
No matter what anyone says, the crime rate in the Dominican Republic is increased. Therefore, you should be careful on the streets and public places: do not leave personal belongings unattended, do not carry a lot of cash with you, do not withdraw money from street ATMs, giving preference to foreign banks, do not wear expensive jewelry, and much more. 
All documents, tickets, visas and securities must be kept only in the hotel safe. Smiling dark-skinned maids should not be trusted.
Deceivers and charlatans
All currency exchange operations are best only in banks, but not in trays or from individuals. The number of counterfeit banknotes in circulation is amazing. 
It is not recommended to pay for purchases with a credit card, as cases of money fraud are common. 
Public and private transport
Transport in the Dominican Republic is a separate risk for Russian tourists. People here have never known about traffic rules, nor about traffic police posts. Drive however you want, even if you’re drunk. Traffic signs don't mean much. In general, you should think several times before getting behind the wheel of a rented car. Public transport also leaves much to be desired. The Dominican principle is “to be in trouble, but not to be offended.” Motoconcho drivers should be avoided on the tenth road. The risk of injury is very high.
The Dominican Republic is developing very quickly, there are more tourists every year. The government pays a lot of attention to security. The crime rate in the Dominican Republic is falling annually, which is facilitated by the good work of the security authorities and the standard of living of Dominicans.
Despite all the articles and horror stories of the guide, I confidently declare that in the tourist areas of the resort areas at the right time it is completely safe for you.
You can go to the store on your own, visit a nightclub, rent a car and drive around the city, communicate with the locals. Of course, there is no need to shy away from black neighborhoods or walk at inappropriate times. Those who are looking for adventure will definitely find it.
Most of the problems arise among tourists who are looking for adult entertainment. Nightlife, as in any other country, is intertwined with crime and not always with honest residents.
The Dominican Republic is not safe for your belongings; theft, street robberies and fraud are rampant here. The Dominicans' great reluctance to work, their love of easy money, contributes to schemes for making easy money.
Theft in hotels in the Dominican Republic.
Unfortunately, thefts in hotel rooms in the Dominican Republic do occur. Theft occurs from suitcases and closets, but also from safes.
My advice to you is that when leaving your room and expecting it to be cleaned, hide everything valuable in a safe, in which you must change the password in advance.
Recently, I once again heard a story about how two tourists returned from breakfast and looked into their locked safe and did not find $5,000 there.
They immediately called the hotel administration and security, who in turn invited the maid who was cleaning there that morning. When asked by the administration, the cleaning lady, of course, said that apart from cleaning the room, she was not involved in anything.
Tourists wrote a statement to the police about the theft of money, but to be honest, this is usually where the matter ends.
Crime on the streets of the Dominican Republic
The resorts of the Dominican Republic are no different from any other resort areas in the world. During the daytime, the center of the resort areas is safe; you can often see police officers on the streets; security guards are on duty along the entire perimeter of the hotels. At night, I would not advise you to leave the hotel premises with any valuables or large amounts of cash.
In dark alleys or on the road, a couple of dark guys on a motorcycle with a gun may drive up to you and ask you to hand over something good, including money, jewelry and phones.
If you are traveling by car, be sure to drive with the windows and doors closed, preferably during the daytime. In stores and gas stations, don't flash wads of money too much, as the bad guys might follow you. In large stores, at gas stations and near banks, guards with shotguns are on duty.
The main robberies usually occur during the Christmas holidays, on New Year's, when the wealthiest tourists arrive, and on the big Dominican holiday - Samana - Santa. This is something like our Easter holiday, Dominicans are freed from work for 3 days and rush to tourist areas.
Excursion trips are absolutely safe, you are surrounded by employees of travel companies, drivers and local guides who never deviate from safe routes and worry about you and your property.
Sea - Safety in the Dominican Republic
The sea off the coast of the hotel areas is practically safe; due to the coral reefs located near the beaches, sharks cannot swim close. According to statistics I found on the Internet, I learned that in 100 years only 3 cases of shark attacks have been recorded. All of them occurred near the capital - Santo Domingo, just where there is no coral reef.
Food in the Dominican Republic
Local food is very similar to the food we are used to eating in everyday life. So you shouldn’t have a transition period or so-called traveler’s diarrhea. The Dominicans themselves are very fond of rice, chicken and beans, they are ready to eat it every day - 3 times a day.
They consider seafood food to be food for the poor and do not eat it very often and do not know how to cook it well. Alcoholic drinks in the Dominican Republic are of very good quality, there are practically no fakes, at least I have never heard of them. I highly recommend local rum, it is usually used in cocktails.
Roads of the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has very good roads. Wherever you go, I guarantee your trip will not involve potholes or off-road conditions.
We ourselves often travel to different parts of the Dominican Republic and use toll roads more often; the fees at checkpoints themselves are not that high, but they shorten your journey by half, and sometimes by three.
For example, to get to the capital Santo Domingo at all checkpoints you will need only 250 pesos, but you will save 3 hours of driving and that is more than 1000 pesos saved on fuel.
Traffic in the Dominican Republic
Traffic in the Dominican Republic is different from the traffic you are used to at home. Of course, all drivers have a driver’s license, but the traffic rules here are purely advisory. A car or motorcycle moving in oncoming traffic will not surprise anyone here.
The main thing is that he doesn’t bother anyone. A police officer, so rare on the roads of the Dominican Republic, first of all looks at the driver’s seat belt.
When you rent a car, be extremely careful when moving on the roads of the Dominican Republic, often look in the rear-view mirrors, motorcyclists can appear from your left or right very suddenly, and there are more than enough of them here.
When approaching an intersection, slow down and slowly drive through it; Dominicans do not pay attention to right-hand rules at intersections; they move chaotically, but carefully. Traffic lights are quite rare on local roads.
In the resort areas there are a lot of people who came here from the other half of this island from Haiti. They are a little different from the local population.
They are often described as having a smile in their eyes and a machete behind their back. Many of them earn money as taxi drivers on motorcycles, some collect sugar cane, many work on construction sites, and a large number have been legalized and work in hotels.
But at night, peaceful Haitians fall asleep and the mafia wakes up. Of course, there are a lot of great people among the Haitians, but extra caution, especially at night, won't hurt. 
In the Dominican Republic, tourism allows all vacationers to plunge into a relaxing atmosphere upon arrival. Tourists have the opportunity to enjoy its unique nature, touch the local culture and experience the unforgettable island flavor. And the year-round warm weather allows holidaymakers to organize trips to the Dominican Republic regardless of the season.
What you need to know
To ensure that the atmosphere of relaxation does not leave the guests of the country, it is important to remember that seasonality is also present here. The rainy season from May to mid-July can especially create discomfort. That is why this period is not so popular among tour operators. Features of the tropical climate mainly influence what to take with you to the Dominican Republic.
Note! Before you pack your suitcase, you need to understand the need for certain things on the island. In particular, any apartment already has an iron and a hairdryer for the comfort of tourists, so you shouldn’t take them. All attention should be paid to clothing and its compactness, so as not to drag heavy suitcases to such a distant country.
The question of what to take to the Dominican Republic is very simple to solve. Any tourist will need light beach clothes, light colors, that are pleasant to the body. It is desirable that clothing be loose, breathable, without synthetic fibers and allow protection from burns and overheating. Experienced tourists advise not to pack a lot of things, but to take several warm capes in winter.
Dominican Republic
When heading to the Dominican Republic, what shoes to take with you on your trip is also a simple decision. You will definitely need beach and sports shoes, and due to the strict dress code in hotels, sandals or shoes will not be superfluous. Accessories for your vacation include glasses and a hat.
Vaccinations in the Dominican Republic
Most often, experts advise getting vaccinated before traveling to such an exotic country as the Dominican Republic, precisely for preventive purposes. Before traveling to the Dominican Republic, vaccinations can be done based on general medical recommendations, as well as your own preferences in caring for your health. Recommended vaccines include immunization against:
- hepatitis viruses (especially if there is a high risk of disease or kidney failure);
- tuberculosis bacillus;
- measles, diphtheria and tetanus (if more than 10 years have passed since the last vaccination).
Vaccinations
Experts also advise getting vaccinated against yellow fever and rabies if you want to visit remote areas of the republic. It is not recommended to be vaccinated against typhoid fever and malaria when traveling to the Dominican Republic.
In any case, you should always consult your doctor before vaccination.
First aid kit
It is important to remember that during your vacation, the most important thing is to take precautions and not forget about basic safety rules. Not only vaccination will help preserve the health of both adults and children, but also a properly compiled first aid kit, which you should definitely take with you on vacation.
You should not treat this issue with disdain, because no one has canceled the process of acclimatization in a new place and various life situations that can force you to turn to medications more than once during your vacation. And the peculiarity of the Dominican Republic, which does not allow you to simply buy certain medications without a prescription, will once again remind you of the importance of thinking through this issue in advance.
A first aid kit for this sunny country should include:
- antipyretics and painkillers;
- drugs to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as remedies for motion sickness;
- medicines for cough, sore throat and runny nose;
- repellents and ointments for bites.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to supplement your first aid kit with remedies for bruises, sprains and cuts; brilliant green, iodine and peroxide, as well as plaster, bandage and cotton wool, as well as sunscreen will come in handy on vacation.
On your own to the Dominican Republic
Traveling around the Dominican Republic on their own, every tourist will discover a new feeling of freedom and ease of movement if the vacation is thought out and organized in the country of the Dominican Republic independently. The absence of a visa regime for the countries: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan, the ability to solve everything not through a travel agency, but directly through the embassy, allows the tourist to solve problems independently and in the order that he personally chooses.
Traveler
Such a trip does not pose any danger, but before you go, you should pay attention to the list of required documents and familiarize yourself with the rules of staying on the island. Everything about the Dominican Republic for tourists can be studied on any website for independent travelers, where there is information about the Dominican Republic, a reminder for tourists with rules of conduct at the resort. There are many positive aspects of holidays, the main ones include:
- length of stay;
- freedom of movement and the opportunity to see all the beauties and attractions of the Dominican Republic;
- saving on organizing travel to such a distant country.
An important point when organizing a trip to the Dominican Republic is the choice of air tickets, which should be done 1…3 months before departure. Various services allow you to do this cheaply, reliably and quickly. After purchasing tickets, you need to start choosing a resort and hotel.
A huge advantage for an independent holiday is the all-inclusive system in Dominican Republic hotels. The Punta Cana region is suitable for such a holiday. Tourists are also offered private apartments, villas, and mini-hotels at fairly reasonable prices. If a company goes on a trip, then such a service is also economically beneficial.
Entry to the Dominican Republic for Russian citizens
No visa required
Any citizen of the Russian Federation has the right to visit this island country without obtaining a visa if entry is for tourism purposes. Dominican Republic: what a Russian tourist needs to know - Russian citizens will be able to relax on heavenly beaches if they have:
- a valid passport from the date of departure for at least 6 months;
- vouchers;
- tourist voucher;
- round-trip air tickets;
- migration card for registration.
Additional Information. In addition to filling out a migration card, a tourist from Russia needs to pay a tax fee and apply for registration at the local migration control office. The official period of stay here is 30 days, but it can be extended by contacting migration control in advance.
Importing animals to the Dominican Republic
A fairly long flight to the Dominican Republic does not prohibit the import of pets into its territory, but it creates obstacles when coordinating this issue with the air carrier. The fact is that it is the airline that gives written permission to transport pets. If the request is confirmed by the air carrier, all that remains is to collect the necessary documents. These include:
- veterinary passport with vaccination records;
- form for exporting an animal abroad (to be filled out 3 days in advance);
- one day before departure, exchange the form at the airport veterinary service for an international certificate and boarding pass for the plane.
Note! It is worth considering that dogs and cats are allowed to be imported into the Dominican Republic, but birds are strictly prohibited. You should also clarify in advance the issue of checking into a hotel with animals to avoid any problems. Most hotels in the Dominican Republic do not allow pets.
What not to do in the Dominican Republic
Compared to countries in the Caribbean and Central America, the Dominican Republic is considered quite safe. When visiting the Dominican Republic, advice to tourists on how to behave and what is strictly prohibited to do will be useful. This knowledge will help you avoid negative situations and problems. Upon arrival, it is important to remember that filming both on the plane and at the airport is prohibited.
Important! Tactical considerations also prohibit tourists from taking photographs of medical institutions, military installations and more. Sometimes local residents may prohibit photography when, for example, they are weeding their garden. Museum complexes often contain information about whether filming is possible or not, and whether this service is paid. When visiting restaurants, bars and cafes, you should ask the owners if you can take photographs here.
Proper rules should be followed in relation to religion. The religious tolerance of the Dominicans and their affiliation with the Catholic faith requires tourists to observe basic rules based on respect. It is worth adhering to certain rules in clothing and behavior. You should not wear short shorts and keep your shoulders bare; women should cover their heads.
We must not forget that smoking is prohibited on the island in most public places. Tourists who like to swim on wild beaches should remember that the seabed is unpredictable and beware of poisonous sea urchins, moray eels, and jellyfish. It is worth remembering about the strong sea current in the open sea and not swimming too far.
Important! The country has strict customs regulations. Import bans include products of animal origin, agricultural and horticultural products, drugs and some types of medicines. It is strictly prohibited to export items of historical or any other value from the country.
Dangers for tourists
Hurricane in the Dominican Republic in autumn
When visiting the country, the following rules should be observed:
- do not come into contact with biological fluids and blood of other people;
- avoid swimming in fresh water;
- beware of insect bites;
- shelter from the scorching sun;
- wear a hat;
- boil drinking water;
- thermally process food;
- be careful on the roads;
- Do not attract the attention of criminals by demonstrating your income.
Other subtleties of tourism
When visiting a country like the Dominican Republic, the subtleties of tourism reveal its characteristic unique features, which allow you to get to know it better. The Dominican Republic provides tourists with a relaxing holiday, and this is clearly visible upon arrival at the hotel. The all-inclusive service allows vacationers not to think about anything and completely relax without worries and worries. Even when visiting restaurants and cafes, tips are already included in the price of meals. Such care for tourists allows vacationers to take a minimum of cash with them. If you organize your vacation yourself, then it is better to take dollars with you. They are easily exchanged for local currency and much more readily than euros. Currency transactions can be made at exchange offices and banks. Locals willingly accept dollars.
The Dominican, truly heavenly holiday is organized with high quality and will not leave any of the tourists indifferent. Having been here once, you will definitely want it to happen again.
Motorcycle taxis are popular among Dominicans, with up to three people sitting behind the motorcycle drivers. Such transport is very cheap; you can get there within the city for 40-70. But is the cheapness worth the risks? We think not. It’s easier to take a regular taxi, fortunately they are acceptable.
Conclusion two - be careful when crossing the road
Dominican drivers do not know the traffic rules, and they do not look at the road very carefully. If so, then tourists should watch very carefully. It is better to wait and let passing cars pass than to risk being run over by them.
Keep an especially close eye on children! Do not allow children to play near the roadway.
The photo on the left shows the sad consequences of an accident in the Dominican Republic, click on the photo to enlarge.
Don't drink tap water
Tap water in the Dominican Republic is not considered drinking water; it may contain pathogens of dangerous diseases, even cholera. Do not brush your teeth with this water. English-language guidebooks do not even recommend washing her hands.
Antiseptic wipes
Having arrived in the Dominican Republic, tourists find themselves almost on the other side of the earth. Naturally, not only other people live here, but also their own bacteria and microorganisms, to which the Russian body and its immunity are not accustomed.
A good habit is to wipe cutlery, dishes and even sun loungers on the beach with antiseptic wipes. It is highly recommended to do this in the first days, then optionally.
Marine flora and fauna
Remember that bites and other injuries from marine life are not covered by travel insurance. This applies not only to the Dominican Republic, but to all countries in general. Be careful with the inhabitants of the Caribbean Sea.
Don't use credit cards
The Dominican Republic is one of the leading countries in the theft of credit card data, their cloning and theft of money from bank accounts. Don't take unnecessary risks, use only cash.
Don't attract thieves and robbers
The Dominican Republic has a high crime rate, street thefts and robberies of tourists are common. The main thing that will keep you safe is not to attract the attention of criminals.
Don’t wear expensive jewelry, hide your wallets in your inner pockets, don’t flash cash, but rather take the necessary minimum amount of money with you on excursions. If you take an expensive camera or video camera with you, try to hide it in your bag. If you have an expensive phone with you, try not to take it out unless absolutely necessary.
The first rule is that the less your wealth is seen, the better.
Car thefts are very common here. Thieves run up to the car, snatch bags, wallets, phones or cameras, and then quickly retreat on mopeds.
The second rule is never leave valuables in a rented car, taxi, or even on a tour bus.