What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Dominican Rep?

We asked people in Dominican Rep if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"It is important to be respectful of the Dominican Republic's culture and customs. It is considered rude to show up late to social gatherings, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress modestly, as revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. It is also important to be aware of the local customs and traditions, and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as offensive or disrespectful. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public, as this can be seen as a sign of disrespect," remarked another expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"If we have committed any cultural blunders, the locals were nice enough to ignore them," explained one expat living in Juan Dolio, Dominican Rep.

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Dominican Rep?

If you live in the Dominican Republic, newcomers to the Dominican Republic would love to hear your answer to this question.