Thanks Vacara.
Something I don't remember seeing mentioned is smoking. Here's the deal: very few Dominicans smoke, the rest generally disapproves of smoking, and a great deal of those find it disgusting.
Smoking at somebody's home is disrespectful. Do you see an ashtray anywhere? No? Take the hint. And even so, step out to smoke, or better yet, refrain from doing it entirely. If you ask if you can smoke the person will be almost obligated to say yes, even smilingly (the other choice is being a lousy host, nobody wants to be that), and resent you all the time you are "stinking up" the place.
Smoking in public establishments is not welcome unless there is an specific smokers' area. And I have news for you, even when everybody is smiling at you and treat you with kid's gloves, we'll still hate having you smoking around us. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
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