Good to know
Venture into the countryside to discover the lifestyle of the majority of Dominicans. If you are motorized, get a map and ride through the country roads. If not, get into a guagua (local bus) to mingle with the locals.
If you stay at an all inclusive resort, still taste the local cuisine, reserving a good table, or attablant
you in a simple comedor (restaurant) to eat a plato del día (daily special). Better yet, treat yourself later sancocho night, close to the thick soup stew and Dominican specialty.
Dominican nothing more than sipping a Presidente beer seated at a plastic table on the beach, in the patio of a restaurant without a sign or colmado (grocery-refreshment).
How to Dress
The Dominicans, especially in large cities, are very concerned about their attire. No shadow of shorts or a tank top, even when the heat is scorching. High heels and starched shirts are the norm for a night out. Unless the beach or a pool, it is customary to wear long pants and comfortable high but a little chic.
Accommodation in Dominican Republic
Generally, online proposed rates are lowest. If you are traveling in high season, especially in high tourist areas, book early.
hotels
The range is wide, from intimate boutique hotel owned by Europeans to the major hotels in the capital targeting a business clientele.
B & B
A handful of rooms only. The owners live on the premises, and breakfast is included.
All inclusive resorts
Institutions of varying quality, the luxury to the resort's poor standing complex.
Serviced apartments and residences
For longer stays, especially in the resorts, it is best to opt for the fully furnished apartments.
money
There are ATMs throughout the country. Most charge a commission (RD $ 115) and have a low withdrawal limit. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist facilities. Visa and MasterCard are more common than Amex. Number of hotels of middle and upper class post their prices in US dollars, but accept pesos.
bargaining
It is common to haggle when buying souvenirs, be it jewelery, crafts or artwork. Even when the article has a label, it is worthwhile to take a chance, knowing that haggling here is not aggressive and is always smooth.
tip
The first time, it is always a shock: most restaurants majorem the addition of 28% (18% ITBIS and 10% for the service). It is not always indicated on the map if the prices include taxes and service included.
restaurants
No tip expected since a tax of 10% service charge is added to the bill. Nothing prevents leaving an amount more if you enjoyed the service.
taxis
Rounding to the higher amount, or it leaves some loose change.
hotels
A tax of 10% service charge is often applied. We can give a tip of $ 1 or $ 2 per night maids.
language
The Dominican Spanish is charged at full speed and has many slang words. In addition, the Dominicans tend to swallow the end of words, especially those that end in "s": thus, seems very rule "be" buenos días and sounds like "bueno dia". In general, the Dominicans who work in tourism are doing in English. French is widely spoken in some expatriate enclaves such as Las Terrenas.
Good manners
Dominicans are generally very courteous, but there are some strict rules table as society. Overall, the atmosphere door to relaxation. Arm yourself with patience if things do not go as fast as you'd like.
In restaurants, background music and loud conversations in a loud voice is often appropriate.
To attract someone's attention, the practice is that whistles, rather than calling the person.
restore
Only the most chic restaurants, and institutions "specialties" of all-inclusive resorts require a reservation.
restaurants
Dominican cuisine, called comida criolla, predominates. However, as easily eat international cuisine, including Italian. Local institutions are in principle "plato del día" (menu or daily special) for lunch; Restaurants for foreign tourists tend to charge excessive prices and serve mediocre food.
cafes
Coffee drinks and pastries, and generally a limited menu of simple sandwiches. We can stay as long as you want.
resorts
The buffets offering a dizzying choice of dishes hold the upper hand, but be careful of possible gastric disorders in the cheapest institutions. Off complexes restaurants serve food ranging from dull to ethnic cuisine and generic quality gastronomy.
Cafeterías
Choice of fish, chicken and beef with rice and beans, usually presented under glass.
comedores
Small informal restaurants, taverns often.
Pica Pollo
Kinds of chain establishments specializing in fried chicken.
colmados
Both store, grocery store and snack bar, where you can have a meal.
Car washes
Cars and beer, is it really a good idea? Anyway, here we serve drinks and simple food.
Before heading to the Dominican Republic
Make sure your passport is valid (at least 6 months after your arrival)
Inform your bank that you are going abroad
Take out adequate travel insurance
Learn about recommended vaccines
take away
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
Mosquito repellent
A formal dress for hot weather (if you are in Santo Domingo, a day and a night)
A sweater for the evenings and for trips in air-conditioned bus; a full hot held if you walk in high altitude
Swimwear and flip flops; walking shoes for hiking, rubber shoes for water sports
Ear plugs to sleep well in town
Binoculars for birding
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