Dominican Republic

Tipping

• Tipping is customary in the Dominican Republic
• Restaurants: A 10% service charge is often added to the bill, but an additional 10% tip (not mandatory, but appreciated) is common for good service
• Taxis: Tipping is not usually expected unless the driver helps with luggage
• Round up the fare
• Hotel staff (porters, housekeepers): $1
• 5 USD per service or per day
• Tour guides: 10
• 15% of the tour cost

Money & Payments

• ATMs are widely available, especially in tourist areas and cities
• It's advisable to get money from ATMs for better exchange rates, but be aware of potential fees
• Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in tourist areas and cities
• In smaller, local establishments or rural areas, cash is preferred
• It's better to bring a mix of cash (USD is widely accepted, though Dominican Pesos are better for local transactions) and a credit/debit card
• There is no widespread black market for cash, but informal money changers might offer slightly better rates, though it's generally safer to use official channels

Cultural Norms

• Dress code: Casual and comfortable is generally acceptable, but in more formal settings or religious sites, modest attire is appreciated (e
• g
• , covering shoulders and knees)
• Behaviors considered rude: Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon outside of private settings
• Being overly loud or impatient can be seen as rude
• Eating customs: Dominicans often eat a large lunch as their main meal
• It's polite to accept food offered to you
• "Buen provecho" (enjoy your meal) is a common phrase before eating
• Personal space: Dominicans tend to have less personal space than some Western cultures, and physical contact during conversation (e
• g
• , light touch on the arm) is common

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights are not explicitly discriminatory, but societal acceptance is generally low. There are no laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, and same-sex marriage is not recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

• Legal drinking age is 18
• Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of drugs can lead to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences

Special Laws

• Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and strictly enforced
• It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing unless you are military personnel
• Be aware of loud music and parties, especially during holidays and weekends, as it is a common part of the culture