[Vacara]

Originally Posted by Pib

I live in Punta Cana. It also depends where you are going, nobody picks up their kids at school wearing shorts.

I bought half a dozen capri pants (they all look the same, people must think I wear the same pants all the time). Capris can get you anywhere here (at least in daytime situations). Sandals are OK.

Absolutely. If you try to pass as Dominican you'd be the laughingstock, but that's not the point. The point is to respect local culture, something any smart traveler does wherever they go. Just like you don't show up at an UAE airport carrying porn and booze.

In return you will be minimally bothered, and gain the support and respect of the people that surround you.

Other tips of my own:
-Men, wear shirts. We do not wish to see your moobs. Never go into an establishment without shirt, even more so if they serve food. (I am looking at you, moron at the Basking Robins in Punta Cana). It's OK for men to go bare-chested only in the same situation it would be OK for a woman to wear a bikini.

-Do not discuss your political or religious views with people that are not of your immediate circle. This is specially important if your views are not that common here.

- Learn how to use "a buen tiempo" and "buen provecho".

- Drug use, even if only the "youthful experimentation" kind, is looked down upon. Avoid mentioning it, or in any way suggesting it is an ongoing thing. As a matter of fact, refrain from mingling with people who might be users, abusers, or traffickers. Under no circumstances get caught with drugs.

-Avoid Spanish curse words. It's possible that you have not yet mastered the finer points of the language and will use it in a completely inappropriate place or time. Avoid using words if you have no idea what they mean, discreetly ask a trusted person if you don't know.

- I know it's archaic in most languages, and that some other posters have mentioned it, but this bears repeating: use Usted when addressing people you just met (except for children/teenagers). They will let you know if they wish to be addressed with the less formal "tu", or you'll figure out by watching how other Dominicans interact with this person how you should address them in the future.

- Make a habit of listening, and observing more than you speak/do.

Best post in this thread and the most insightful poster I've seen in DR1 on Dominican issues.