Are you planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? So you’ve never been to DR and you are in for a real treat.
I am Dominican, I will tell you some dos and don’ts before you embark on your trip.
- Only drink bottled or boiled water. Please stay away from tap water and water in restaurants. I don’t want you to feel bad for the duration of your vacation. Coffee and teas are fine as the water is boiled. If you can also avoid using ice cubes!!
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- When it is dark, try to avoid isolated places or to head home alone. I am not saying you have to stick to your resort, but just be careful.
- Avoid to wear expensive jewellery, you don’t wan to attract the wrong attention.
- When you socialize with locals. Try not to turn down an invitation for a drink, meal or to come inside their home. Turning it down can be viewed as an insult to generosity.
- In DR the drinking and gambling age is 18. So if you are a minor, don’t think you can get away with underage drinking and gambling.
- Best time to travel to Dominican Republic is July and August and winter months of December, January, February and March.
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Photo by Benjamin Voros on Unsplash
- Uber operates in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata, so if you’re worried about being ripped off in a taxi, this is a great option.
- Island time is alive and well in the Dominican Republic. That means things run at their own pace. Expect everything from restaurant reservations, pre-booked taxis to operate with bit of a delay — 15 to 30 minutes isn’t considered off schedule. Just go with it — you’re on vacation, after all.
- If you plan on taking in the nightlife in the Dominican Republic, make sure to pack more than your standard beachwear. Dominicans take clubbing seriously, and turning up in your beach wear will make you feel underdressed in many bars and clubs. At least leave your flip-flops at the hotel.
- If you don’t speak Spanish, you will get along with English and smiling. But you should learn a few key phrases in Spanish like “por favor”-please, “gracias”-thank you etc.
There’s lots to look forward to when traveling to the Dominican Republic. If you haven’t been, book your trip today!
Photo by Kamil Kalbarczyk on Unsplash
