Travel Smarter: Top Scams to Avoid in Punta Cana

You've been planning your dream vacation to Punta Cana—white sands, turquoise waters, coconut cocktails on repeat. But paradise, unfortunately, isn’t immune to pitfalls. Millions of tourists flock to the Dominican Republic each year, and where there are tourists, opportunists aren’t far behind.

As locals, we see it all the time: seasoned travelers and first-timers alike getting caught in the same traps. This article is your insider’s survival guide to avoiding the most common scams in Punta Cana, from sneaky digital cons to shady street hustlers. Let’s keep your getaway stress-free and scam-free.

1. The E-Ticket Scam – Don’t Pay a Dime

Before you even touch down in Punta Cana, you could be at risk. To enter or leave the Dominican Republic, you need to fill out an e-ticket form. This process is 100% free. Still, scammers have created lookalike websites that appear official—until they hit you with a surprise fee of up to $500 per person.

Avoid it: Always go directly to the official site: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do. Don’t click on sponsored links from Google searches. Bookmark the real one and stick to it.

2. Fake Hotel Reviews – The Review Hustle

Online reviews are your lifeline when choosing where to stay. But in Punta Cana, they’re not always what they seem. Resort staff may pressure guests into leaving glowing reviews—often naming specific employees in hopes of scoring incentives.

How to spot it: Be wary of reviews that mention staff members by name or feel too polished. Look for consistent themes in complaints and praise across different platforms.

3. Credit Card Cloning – Swipe Smart

In many Dominican restaurants, it’s still common to hand your credit card to the server—who then disappears to process your payment. This outdated practice opens the door for card skimming or cloning.

Avoid it: Ask the server to bring the card reader to the table, or pay at a secure cashier station. Use ATMs inside malls or banks, never freestanding ones on the street. And keep alerts on your bank account to catch any fraud fast.

4. Friendly ATM Helpers – Stranger Danger

Using an ATM in a new country can be confusing, especially when it's in Spanish. That's exactly what scammers count on. If someone offers to "help," kindly decline.

Golden rule: Never accept assistance from strangers at ATMs. If you’re unsure, step away and find another machine, preferably inside a bank.

5. Unverified Tour Vendors – Sketchy Excursion Sellers

Exploring beyond your resort is one of the best parts of visiting Punta Cana. But not all tour vendors are legit. Some street or beach sellers offer “amazing deals” on excursions, only to vanish with your money or deliver an unsafe experience.

Play it safe: Book tours online through trusted platforms like Viator, TripAdvisor, or PuntaCanaTours.com. If you prefer to wait, book through your resort’s tour desk—even if it costs a little more.

6. Currency Conversion Rip-Offs – Know the Real Rate

Paying in the wrong currency—or trusting the store to do the math—can cost you. Many businesses use skewed exchange rates that favor them heavily.

Island smart tips:

• If the price is in pesos, pay in pesos.
• If it's in dollars, pay in dollars.
• Don’t mix. If you hand over U.S. dollars for a peso price, expect a poor rate and change in pesos.

Use reputable money exchange services like banks, hotel desks, or airport kiosks (in that order of best to worst rate). Credit card charges will be converted automatically at your bank’s rate—but always in pesos.

7. “Free” Animal Photos – Nothing’s Ever Free

Picture this: you're chilling on the beach when someone approaches with a cute monkey or colorful parrot, offering a free photo. You snap a pic—and suddenly you're being aggressively charged.

Simple rule: If it’s claimed to be free, it probably isn’t. Always clarify costs before accepting any service or product. This also applies to beach bracelets or souvenirs offered as “gifts.”

8. Far-Away Hotels & Misleading Airbnb Listings

Many travelers book “Punta Cana” properties assuming they’re beachside. In reality, some rentals are 40 minutes inland, or at resorts that require a shuttle to the beach.

Check carefully: Look for exact distances and user reviews that mention proximity to the ocean. If a listing only says “minutes to the beach,” message the host and get a precise location.

9. Sanky Pankies – Love, Scams, and Broken Dreams

“Sanky Panky” is a local term for male beach hustlers who flirt with tourists—sometimes forming long-distance relationships. While it might feel like love, it's often a long con.

Red flags: Requests for money, stories of sick relatives, or visa dreams. If you know what you're getting into, that’s your call. But beware emotional manipulation.

10. Resort Shops – Where Everything Costs Triple

Resort shops can charge astronomical prices for souvenirs, sunscreen, and snacks—sometimes hiding behind a “duty-free” label. It’s convenient, yes, but also expensive.

Alternative: Visit a local minimarket or grocery store outside the resort. You’ll get authentic goods at local prices. Bring essentials with you or buy them in town before checking in.

Final Tips to Stay Safe:

• Travel insurance is worth the peace of mind.
• Keep emergency contacts handy, including your hotel’s number.
• Avoid isolated areas, especially at night.
• Trust your gut—if it feels off, walk away.

Punta Cana is a slice of Caribbean heaven, but staying savvy ensures you leave with souvenirs and smiles—not scams and regrets. Remember, the best vacations happen when you explore with an open heart and a cautious mind.