Quote:
Originally Posted by Chip00
To do shortlist:
1. Learn the language - buy a Spanish Grammar Book - start with reading and writing first (3 to 4 months) after that focus on speaking. Also, watch lots of Dominican programs on tv.
2. Dress like the locals - baseball cap, jeans, t-shirt - no shorts or obvious jewelry. I'm a white guy from South Carolina and I know I hardly get noticed a lot of times although my wife's sister says I should dress like the engineer that I am. Dominicans who have money typically dress in expensive clothes, etc. so don't be like them.
3. Don't carry a lot of cash and be careful to hide what you have when you're paying for stuff.
4. Haircut for guys - no bangs, comb back if long but better is crewcut or shave it off. For women see what the locals do.
5. Put bars on windows and doors. Close in yard with wall and metal fence.
6. Don't go out late at night if possible, if so with Dominican friends/family.
7. Know your neighbors and exchange phone #'s for emergency purposes.
8. Make Dominican friends. It would recommend finding friends who are professionals. This isn't to say that you can't with other Dominicans but you really need to understand a few things about their psyche beforehand. PM me for further explanation.
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I understand dressing down, or at least not being flashy with what you wear, but the main reason for coming to the DR for me is the weather! I want to be in shorts! 82 degrees and in long pants? This is what I pay for, to be in shorts and a t-shirt, instead of bundling up for a Canadian winter. I am not a hat person of anykind and prefer not to trap the heat in where 30% of the heat will leave from. No flashy jewellery either, just a $250.00 Casio watch. I leave in 2 weeks for a month and I MIGHT have 1 pair of long pants with me.
Steve