Tips for appearance:
-Don't wear shorts, especially ladies.
-Don't wear nasty flip-flops/sandals out of your house.
-Wear nice clothes, but not too nice or with flashy jewelry.
-Go to the salon now and again. It's cheap enough.
-Wear professional looking clothing and closed-toed shoes to meetings and in offices.
At home:
-After moving in, take some time to get to know the neighbors. They are your safety net. Go over and have some juice/coffee, show them pictures of your family and pets (so they can watch out for them). Don't reveal too much personal information or answer any inquiries related to money or stuff you have. Don't give anything to your neighbors off the bat or because they ask shortly after meeting you. Don't feel bad, no Dominican would do that for another Dominican. Smile and saludar when you see them.
-Don't give anything to anyone who actually comes to your house to ask for something. You need to establish some limits and be consistent or you will be in over your head really quick.
-I don't give anything to someone who asks me for it. I'm not mean, actually my entire existence here is focused on helping poor Dominicans. After I got to know people around the neighborhood/town and made more contacts, if I had something that I didn't need like some old clothes, food that would go bad, or a toy or something, I would give it to the person without them asking or send it to them anonymously. There are better ways to help people than giving some money in the street. If you want to make a contribution to local development, find a legit organization or project that is going on and support that.
-Don't leave your valuable stuff sitting in plain view from the outside, whether you are at your house or gone. Thieves will look through persianas before they break in to see if there is anything worthwhile or will actually end up being someone who has been in your house before.
-Don't use GLOBE brand locks, they are junk.
-If you cooked a lot of food and have an extra plate, send it over to the neighbor's house. They would probably like to try your foreign cuisine and you can expect some moro in return.
In the street:
-Don't look confused or lost, even if you are. This includes walking really fast.
-If you need help, ask someone who is selling something or from a comercial establishment. They are a safe bet because they can easily be identified later on if something happens to you so won't try anything.
-Ignore any random piropos. They are not worth your time and only want attention. If it is someone you will see on a regular basis, and it is repeated, stop and take the time to introduce yourself in a very formal way without being too friendly. If they have any verguenza at all they shouldn't keep doing it. Friendly interaction is possible, but it should be gained and not given to people in the street.
-Be friendly to the local colmado so you can get fiao!
In da club:
-Don't drink your Presidente out of a grande bottle! Get a vaso!
-If you are a woman, don't dance with the first person who asks you, every person who asks you, anyone who is drunk or high, or anyone you don't feel like dancing with.
-If you stare or make eye contact with people, they are gonna make assumptions about you wanting to dance or otherwise.
-If you let a guy buy or send you a bunch of drinks, they MIGHT be expecting something in return if you get me.
-If you are dancing and someone tries to get to close and dirty, use the arm you have on their shoulder to firmly keep the distance.
-If you are a guy seated with women and another guy asks a woman to dance without asking you first, they are disrespectin'.
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