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," explained one expat living in Dominican Rep.
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The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
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"If we have committed any cultural blunders, the locals were nice enough to ignore them," said another expat in Juan Dolio, Dominican Rep.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to the Dominican Republic?
- Where should I setup a bank account in the Dominican Republic?
- Will I be able to find a job in the Dominican Republic?
- What is life like in the Dominican Republic?
- What do expats in the Dominican Republic appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in the Dominican Republic?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in the Dominican Republic accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in the Dominican Republic like?
- What are healthcare services like in the Dominican Republic?
- What are medical services in the Dominican Republic like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in the Dominican Republic?
- What are emergency services like in the Dominican Republic?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in the Dominican Republic?
- How are local medical facilities in the Dominican Republic?
- As a foreigner living in the Dominican Republic, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
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.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.