Etiquette, Culture & Mentality in the Dominican Republic – A Complete Guide for Tourists in 2026

Welcome to our full guide on the Dominican Republic etiquette. All you see is palm trees, a Photoshop-colored ocean, and pineapple-infused cocktails. It’s easy to think that the only rule here is “relax.” However, it’s a country with proud people, long-standing traditions, and a very clear code of conduct. If you act like a “typical tourist”, you’ll get smiles but they’ll be just a phony smile to save your wallet.

If you understand a few simple things, the Dominicans’ attitude will change drastically. They’ll pour you more rum, give you better tables, and shake your hand sincerely. Let’s figure out how to become an “Amigo” here, not just a “Gringo.”

1. The Magic of Greeting: More Than Just Politeness

For the majority of cultures, it’s okay to enter an elevator solently or approach a salesperson and immediately ask, “How much is it?” But in the Dominican Republic, this is level 80 rudeness.

The cult of “Hola”

Here, communication is the social glue. A person who doesn’t say hello is considered not just rude, but arrogant.

• Golden rule: wherever you go – in a taxi, small shop, elevator, or even just walking up to the bar – say hello first.

You can use this easy-to-remember vocabulary:

• Before 12:00 p.m. – Good afternoon (Buenos días).
• During the day – Good afternoon (Buenos tardes).
• In the evening – Good night (Buenos noches).
• Or the universal, with a smile: Hola! How are you? (Hola! ¿Cómo estás?).

It’s a split second but it changes everything. The waiter will arrive faster, the taxi driver will turn on the meter fairly, and the seller might even lower the price. Understanding this simple rule is the foundation of proper etiquette in the Dominican Republic. 

Personal space and tactility

Be ready that Dominican people are warm and tactile. For instance:

• If a local stands a little closer to you during a conversation (invading your “intimate zone”), don’t back away. This is a sign of trust. Moving away may be seen as disgust.
• If you’ve already known each other (even for 5 minutes), you might be patted on the shoulder. Men often shake hands upon meeting, turning into a half-hug (a pat on the back). This is normal and friendly.
• Look into the eyes. Open people are appreciated. A shifty gaze arouses suspicion.

The sweetest tradition is “Buen Provecho”

This is almost unheard of in Europe but it’s sacred in the Dominican Republic. If you enter a restaurant and pass tables where people are already eating, it’s customary to say “Buen provecho” (Bon appétit). It doesn’t matter whether you know them or not. It doesn’t matter whether they’re tourists or local workers. Say it, and watch their faces light up.

A chorus of “Gracias!” will follow. It’s a small gesture that instantly elevates you from being an outsider to being one of the locals.

2. Dress Code and Etiquette in the Dominican Republic

Many tourists fall into this trap: “I’m at a resort, the beach is everywhere.” But the Dominican Republic is a Catholic country with rather conservative views on propriety. What’s acceptable at the hotel poolside can be considered provocative behind a fence.

There’s an invisible line that needs to be felt. Inside the hotel (resort), you can wear almost anything. But as soon as you venture into the city (even the touristy Bavaro district), the rules change. Keep in mind this etiquette rule to avoid awkward stares in the Dominican Republic.

The “No shirt, no service” rule

Imagine this: you want to buy some rum or fruit, and you walk into a supermarket (for example, Super Pola or Jumbo) straight from the beach: a shirtless man, a woman in a bikini and pareo. Local reaction: you’ll likely be stopped by a security guard at the entrance and politely but firmly asked to dress.

• Why? For Dominicans, appearing half-naked in a public place (shop, bank, pharmacy) is a sign of poor manners (falta de educación). It’s perceived as disrespectful to others.
• Small tip! Always carry a T-shirt, tunic, or shorts with you. Throw them on before entering any air-conditioned space.

A wet seat is a taboo

If you’ve called an Uber or caught a taxi to get from Macao Beach to your hotel, make sure your clothes are dry.

Sitting on someone else’s car or bus with wet swimsuits is a serious insult to the driver. Dominicans are very particular about the cleanliness of their cars. Lay down a towel if you’re still wet, and be sure to ask permission: “¿Puedo sentarme?” (May I sit down?).

Evening out: leave your flip-flops by the pool

Dominicans love to dress up. For them, Friday or Saturday night is an opportunity to show off.

• If you’re going to a nice place (like Coco Bongo, Bachata Rosa, or dinner at the Cap Cana Marina), forget about board shorts and flip-flops.
• Men are advised to wear jeans or light trousers (chinos), closed shoes (sneakers, loafers, dress shoes), and a shirt or polo. Many nightclubs simply won’t let you in shorts due to face control.
• As for women, Dominicans love bright dresses, heels, and makeup. You don’t have to wear a full-length evening gown, but a nice sundress and sandals are much more appropriate than board shorts.

Churches and shrines

If you’re taking a tour of the Basilica of Higuey, the country’s main Catholic church, the rules are strict.

Shoulders and knees must be covered. This applies to both men and women. Security guards at the entrance will turn away tourists wearing short skirts or tank tops without question. Bring a scarf or pareo to drape over your shoulders.

The cult of purity and smell

There’s an interesting cultural nuance: a Dominican may be poor, but they’ll always be clean, neatly groomed, and smelling delicious. Barbershops and perfume are revered here.

• If you ride a local bus (guagua), you’ll notice that even the working people smell of cologne. For a tourist, this means one thing: untidiness is frowned upon. The “hippie” style with unwashed hair won’t be understood here.

Okay, let’s dive into one of the most confusing topics for tourists: time and money. If you understand how it works, you’ll save yourself a ton of stress and even money.

3. Time and Money: How to Avoid Going Crazy and Going Broke

In the Dominican Republic, time flows differently, and adhering to etiquette requires patience with the local “island time”. It’s not linear, but rather… “approximate.” And the attitude toward money is built on gratitude and play.

The great mystery of the word “ahorita”

If you learned that “ahora” means “now,” forget it. In the DR, there’s a word called “Ahorita.” When a waiter or local friend tells you, “I’ll make it ahora,” it means “now.” But if they say, “Si, ahorita,” it could mean anything:

1. In 5 minutes.
2. In a couple of hours.
3. Never.

Please, don’t get angry! This isn’t laziness or an attempt to deceive you. It’s cultural code: Dominicans have a hard time saying a firm “no” or admitting they’re running out of time. It’s easier for them to say “ahorita” to keep the atmosphere pleasant.

If you’re told “ahorita,” relax and order another cocktail. You’re on an island. Tranquilo (Tranquility) reigns here. Trying to rush someone by snapping your fingers or yelling will only result in them ignoring you.

Tipping (propina): to whom and how much?

The Dominican Republic is a country with low wages, so tips are not just a bonus, they are part of the survival of the staff.

Restaurants and the “Ley de Propina” (tipping law): look closely at your receipt. You’ll see a line that says “Legal Service Charge 10%” (plus 18% tax). Many tourists think, “Oh, the tip is already included!” and leave.

• Reality: This 10% is legally required to be shared among all restaurant staff (from the cook to the cleaner), and it often reaches your server very late or incompletely.
• Etiquette: If you were pleased with the service, leave an additional 5-10% in cash (dollars or pesos) right in the receipt folder. This shows you appreciate the person’s personal service.

All-inclusive hotels and resorts: yes, you have all-inclusive. But:

The magic of the dollar: who to thank to relax like a king

Who	How much	Secret tip (Why you should do it)
Bartender (at the hotel)	$1 (every couple of orders)	A magic dollar turns a “simple cocktail” into a drink with good imported alcohol and skips the line.
Maid	$1-2 per day	Leave it on your bed or nightstand. In return, you’ll receive a perfectly cleaned room, extra water, and fresh towels.
Waiter	5-10% (on top of the bill)	Even if your receipt says “10% service charge,” it goes into the general fund. Cash in hand is your personal thank you.
Tour guide	$5-10 per person	If a guide has made your day interesting, it’s considered bad manners to leave without thanking them.
Porter	$1-2 per suitcase	Standard fee. Just keep small bills in your pocket upon check-in.

The art of bargaining (regateo)

Bargaining is necessary in the Dominican Republic, but it’s important to know where.

Where you SHOULD bargain:

• Souvenir shops on the beach.
• Art and craft markets.
• Unmetered taxi drivers (or Ubers).
• Excursion vendors on the street.
• Life hack! The price for tourists (“Precio para gringo”) is inflated by 2-3 times. If they say $50? Offer $20. Laugh, smile, pretend to leave. Dominicans love this theater. If you bargain with a smile, they’ll lower the price. If you bargain aggressively, they won’t.

Where you SHOULD NOT bargain:

• Restaurants with a menu.
• Supermarkets.
• Pharmacies.
• Shopping malls (malls) with boutiques. Prices there are fixed (fijo).

4. Taboos and Red Lines: What’s Best to Keep Silent

Dominicans are an open and tolerant people, but there are topics that affect them like a red rag to a bull. Knowing the topics you should avoid or be careful with is a must if you want to follow etiquette norms & rules in the Dominican Republic.

Haiti – the topic of “Non Grata”

This is the nation’s most sensitive nerve. Relations between the Dominican Republic and neighboring Haiti are historically complex and tense.

• Never start a conversation about politics, migration, or the history of conflicts with taxi drivers, bartenders, or casual acquaintances. You risk getting into a heated and not always pleasant discussion.
• If you want to talk about something national, talk about baseball (Pelota). Dominicans are obsessed with baseball. If you know even one name (for example, “Big Papi” David Ortiz), you’ll instantly become best friends.

Religion is a serious and ethical issue

The Dominican Republic is a deeply religious country. The Bible is depicted directly on the national flag (in the center of the coat of arms).

• Symbolism. You’ll see the words “Dios es Amor” (God is love) or “Regalo de Dios” (Gift of God) everywhere: on taxi windshields, on barber shop signs, and on menus.
• Taboo. Joking about religion, the church, or loudly blaspheming in public is considered bad manners. This is not taken lightly here.

Photos of local residents

The Dominican Republic is very colorful: grandmothers smoking cigars, children in school uniforms, colorful fruit vendors. Your hand automatically reaches for the camera.

• Don’t act like you’re at a zoo. Taking photos of people point-blank without permission is an insult.
• Smile and ask, “¿Una foto, por favor?” (One photo, please?). In 90% of cases, they’ll be happy to pose for you, especially if you show them the results on a screen later.

5. Street Safety in the Dominican Republic & Etiquette

Many tourists are afraid to leave their hotels after reading horror stories. The truth, as usual, is in the middle. Tourist areas (Bavaro, Punta Cana, Cap Cana) are safe, but you shouldn’t “yawn.”

Sparkling Christmas Tree syndrome

• Forget about going out for a stroll around the city decked out in gold chains, expensive watches, and waving the latest iPhone.
• There’s petty street crime (theft) in the Dominican Republic. Don’t provoke it. Leave expensive jewelry in a safe. Dress modestly – this way you’ll blend in with the expat crowd and be less likely to attract the attention of “motorcycle robbers.”

Who are the Sankie Pankies? (A cultural phenomenon)

You might encounter well-groomed, muscular, and incredibly charming young men on the beach who shower lonely tourists with compliments. To handle it appropriately, you should know this modern part of etiquette.

• These are professional gigolos (called Sankie Panky). Their goal isn’t your heart, but your wallet, a dinner you pay for, or a visa to your country.
• Chat, dance, enjoy the compliments (it’s nice!), but keep your wallet under wraps and don’t take declarations of love seriously within the second minute of meeting someone.

Drugs – prison, not romance

You might be offered “something more fun” on the beach or in a club.

• The Dominican Republic has draconian drug laws. A single joint can land you in jail for years, and no consulate will help you. The police have zero tolerance for tourists in this regard. Just say a firm “No, gracias” and leave.

How to buy excursions without getting scammed?

On the beach, you’ll be offered a “VIP tour to Saona” for $30. Don’t fall for it. They usually offer old boats, bad food, and hidden extras.

If you want high-quality service, insurance, and a guarantee that a transfer will actually pick you up, book online with licensed companies. EverythingPuntaCana is one of the largest services in the region: we have their own boats, new buggies, and the best guides. Plus, you see real reviews and prices upfront, instead of haggling in the heat of the moment.

6. Where to Stay: A Safe Oasis

When it comes to comfort and privacy, accommodation choice plays a huge role. All-inclusive hotels are convenient, but they’re always like dorms: shared pools, food queues, and noisy neighbors.

If you’re traveling with a group or family and want complete control over hygiene and quiet, consider renting a villa. In Punta Cana, this is often cheaper than renting 3-4 hotel rooms.

Life hack for insiders: to avoid overpaying on aggregators and ensure the photos match reality, book through trusted local agencies. A full catalog of verified villas (with prices without Airbnb markups!) you can find on our website. We meet you at the airport and handle any issues on-site, from booking a chef to renting a yacht.

Conclusion: The Secret to a Simple Smile

There’s a saying in the Dominican Republic: “Todo tranquilo” (everything is calm). They don’t like fuss, aggression, or furrowed brows. Here, in the Dominican Republic, the biggest cultural and etiquette mistake tourists from colder climates make is walking around with stone faces.

• The main secret is your smile. Smile at the security guard at the entrance, the cleaning lady in the restroom, or bus driver. Here, a smile isn’t a sign of flirtation or silliness; it’s a sign of being a good person.

Be more relaxed, say hello first, respect their leisurely pace of life – and the Dominican Republic will open its arms to you in a way it doesn’t to the average package tourist.

Frequently asked questions about
etiquette and culture in the DR

Updated on: 2026-02-05. Author: Karina Volf

Tags: Dominican Republic Hospitality Tips for Travelling