Dominican Republic
It is usual for business people to dress smartly and to deal formally with each other at first, although the general atmosphere is informal. . Most Dominican businesspeople speak English, but communication in Spanish is desirable. Business appointments are generally required, but punctuality is not a consistent part of Dominican business practices. Business cards are exchanged. Office hours are 0830-1200 and 1400-1800 Monday to Friday. Government office hours are 0730-1430 Monday to Friday.
Power outages occur frequently throughout the Dominican Republic, and travelers should remain alert during blackout periods, as opportunistic crime is a concern at these times.
Street crime involving tourists does occur, and precautions should be taken to avoid becoming a target. While pickpocketing and mugging are the most common crimes against tourists, reports of violent crime against both foreigners and locals are growing. Criminals are becoming increasingly more dangerous and visitors walking the streets should always be aware of their surroundings. Valuables left unattended in parked automobiles, on beaches and in other public places are vulnerable to theft, and reports of car theft have increased. Cellular telephones should be carried in a pocket rather than on a belt or in a purse. One common method of street robbery is for a person or persons on a moped (often coasting with the engine turned off so as not to draw attention) to approach a pedestrian, grab his or her cell phone, purse or backpack, and then speed away. This type of robbery is particularly dangerous because the motorcyclist reaches the intended victim at 15–20 miles per hour and often knocks the person to the ground. If the thief is attempting to steal a backpack or purse, the straps – still connected to the victim – can result in the person being dragged, scraped, bruised or worse.
Since early 2004, the U.S. Embassy has received a growing number of reports from U.S. citizens who have been stopped while driving and asked for “donations” before they would be allowed to continue on their way. Usually, the person(s) stopping the travelers had approached from behind on a motorcycle; several of these motorcyclists pulled up alongside the driver's window and indicated that they were carrying a firearm.
In some cases, the perpetrators were dressed in the light green uniform of “AMET,” the Dominican traffic police; however, they often seemed too young to be police officers or wore ill-fitting uniforms that might have been stolen. While everyone driving in the Dominican Republic should abide by traffic laws and the instructions of legitimate authorities, travelers finding themselves in this sort of scenario should exercise caution. If the Dominican police stop an expatriate driver for a traffic violation, the driver should request a traffic ticket rather than paying an on-the-spot fine. In general, drivers should keep their doors locked and windows closed at all times and leave themselves an escape route when stopping in traffic in the event of an accident or other threat.
Avoid “carros publicos.” These are privately owned vehicles that run along certain routes, can take up to six or more passengers, and are inexpensive. Passengers in “carros publicos” are frequently the victims of pickpocketing, and passengers have on occasion been robbed by “carro publico” drivers. There have also been incidents in which the driver of a “motoconcho” (motorcycle taxi) robbed an expatriate passenger. If possible, use only hotel taxis or taxis operated by services whose cabs are arranged in advance by phone and can subsequently be identified and tracked.
Burglaries of private residences have increased, as has violent crime. Home invasions have become more frequent and increasingly violent. There have been at least three cases since June 2003 in which U.S. citizens were kidnapped and held for ransom. In cases of kidnapping and home invasions, however, it appears that the targets were not selected due to their nationality.
Credit card fraud is common. Visitors should limit their use of personal credit cards and may wish to consider coordinating their trip with their credit card company so that only specified expenses such as hotel bills may be charged. In order to prevent the card's information from being copied down for illegal use, credit cards should never leave the sight of the cardholder. It is advisable to pay close attention to credit card bills following time spent in the Dominican Republic.
Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) are present throughout Santo Domingo and other major cities. However, as with credit cards, the use of ATM's should be minimized as a means of avoiding theft or misuse. One local ATM fraud scheme involves sticking photographic film or pieces of paper in the card feeder of the ATM so that an inserted card becomes jammed. Once the card owner has concluded the card is irretrievable, the thieves extract both the jamming material and the card, which they then use.
The overall level of crime tends to rise during the Christmas season, and visitors to the Dominican Republic should take extra precautions when visiting the country between November and January.
As with any major city, the use of prudence and common sense will go a long way to keeping you safe while in the Dominican Republic's towns and cities.
Useful information to avoid becoming a victim includes:
-As in any major city, avoid traveling alone, be observant and alert to your surroundings.
-Do not carry large amounts of cash and the cash that you have should be placed at different locations on your person.
-Do not carry an excessive number of credit cards, flashy jewelry, especially chains that will draw attention.
-Change dollars only in banks or hotels, never on the street or through somebody's friend.
-Avoid public transportation such as "Guaguas" (nine-passenger vans) and "Publicos" (six-passenger taxis).
-If you are the victim of crime go to the nearest police stations and identify yourself as an expatriate.
-Be careful with credit cards, fraud is on the rise here.
-Be careful with local or U.S. currency received as change, as counterfeiting is on the rise.
-Be careful in confrontations with local citizens, many carry concealed weapons, legally or illegally.
In the capital the choice of accommodations runs from clean and cheap to plush, with rates remaining the same all year because of steady business traffic. The southeast coast is noted for its modern hotels and beautiful beaches.
Full telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 809 and the outgoing international code is 011. There are fax facilities at most locations. Most hotels also offer fax services.
Electricity is a 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style 2-pin plugs are in use.
110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are in use.
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Native Dominican cooking combines Spanish influences with local produce. Beef is expensive (Dominicans raise fine cattle, but most is exported) and local favorites are pork and goat meat. Locally produced beer and rums are cheaper than imported alcohol which tends to be expensive. There is plenty of fresh fish and seafood, island-grown tomatoes, lettuce, papaya, mangoes and passion fruit and all citrus fruits are delicious. National specialties:
• La bandera (meaning ‘the flag’, comprising white rice, red beans, stewed meat, salad and fried plaintain).
• Chicharrones (crisp pork rind).
• Chicharrones de pollo (small pieces of fried chicken).
• Casava (fried yucca).
• Moro de habichuelas (rice and beans).
• Sopa criolla dominicana (native soup of meat and vegetables).
• Pastelón (baked vegetable cake).
• Sancocho (stew with anything up to 18 ingredients). National drinks
• Presidente (Dominican beer) is very good
• Rum drinks such as the local Brugal or Bermudez.
• Rum añejo (old, dark rum) with ice makes a good after-dinner drink. Native coffee is excellent and very strong. Tipping:
Hotel and restaurant bills automatically include a 10 per cent service charge (on top of a 12 per cent charge for tax purposes) but an additional tip may be given as an appreciation of good service. Taxi drivers on the fixed routes do not expect tips.Nightlife
Choice varies from a Las Vegas-style revue, discos and casinos to a quiet cafe by the sea in Santo Domingo. Hotels offer more traditional shows, including folk music and dancing. Popular dances are the merengue, played very loudly almost everywhere; bachata, which is becoming very popular in tourist hotspots; perico ripiao; and the salsa. The Malecón, Santo Domingo's seaside boulevard, is known for its nightlife. Concerts and other cultural events are often held at the Casa de Francia and Plaza de la Cultura in Santo Domingo, among other venues.
