Shopping
Overview
Among the most popular souvenirs are the beautiful jewelry and other souvenirs made of amber (ámbar), e.g. T. with enclosed insects, leaves or dewdrops. Dominican amber is known for its variety of colors, the rare blue amber, whose coloring is due to fluorescent molecules, is particularly popular. Esotericists attribute a relaxing and creativity-enhancing effect to the sea-blue larimar (also known as pectolite or Atlantis stone), which can only be found on the Dominican peninsula of Barahona and near Soave in Italy. Jewelry is also made from the milky blue and pink shells of sea snails. Rocking chairs are also typical Mahogany carvings, naïve paintings, macramé, basketwork and limestone works. CDs with salsa and merengue sounds are also nice souvenirs. Fine fashion from Dominican designers can be found in the shopping centers of the large hotel complexes. Cigars can be found in the larger malls such as Plaza Columbus in Santo Domingo (website: www.columbusplazastores.com) as well as in specialty stores. The Davidoff Puro is made entirely from Dominican Republic tobaccos in the old traditional way, while other cigars are often wrapped in a foreign wrapper. In the town of Moca on the north coast, there are numerous shopping opportunities at customary prices. Local products such as fruit and vegetables are particularly inexpensive, while imported goods such as Chocolate and wine are sometimes quite expensive. In many shops there are no price labels, haggling is recommended and often expected. The colored bracelet (plástico), which many holidaymakers wear, can lead to a fairly free pricing.
- Topmbadirectory: Offers information about politics, geography, and known people in Dominican Republic.
Opening hours
Mon-Sat 08.00-12.00 and 14.00-18.00. Colmados (small grocery stores) are open around the clock.
Nightlife
Introduction
The Dominican Republic is known for its vibrant nightlife. Folklore and dance evenings are organized in numerous hotels. Perico-ripiao trios accompany dances such as salsa and merengue. Bachata sounds, a form of the Caribbean bolero, can also be heard frequently and are becoming more and more popular. The music style became internationally known through the band Aventura, which was also in the charts in Germany in 2004 with the song “Obsesión”. Outside the hotel complexes there are countless nightclubs, discotheques and casinos where you can meet many locals, especially on weekends. Santo Domingo has a particularly diverse nightlife to offer: Along the promenade (Malecón) at the port there are numerous dance halls and nightclubs as well as a few cozy cafés. One of the best clubs in the world is the Guácara Taína disco cave, where up to 2000 visitors can dance to hot beats under stalactites. Younger Dominicans enjoy listening to reggaetón, a mix of reggae, dancehall, hip hop, merengue hip hop, various Latin American music genres and electronic dance music. To this one dances Perreo, in which the dancers in particular provoke with strong hip movements. Concerts and other cultural events are often held in the Casa de Francia and Plaza de la Culturain Santo Domingo. A special event are the fiestas (live concerts), which often take place at car washes and where you can experience merengue and bachata bands for a small entrance fee. Note: The Dominican Republic has a statutory curfew, so bars and nightclubs must close at 12:00 am on weekdays and at 2:00 am on weekends.
Culinary
Overview
Local dishes are extremely tasty. Spanish influences give the Dominican cuisine a special flavor. Above all, the north of the island is known for its Caribbean cattle breeding, the beef is excellent and is one of the main export goods of the country. Pork, chicken and goat meat are also served with pleasure. Fish and seafood are plentiful. The tomatoes and fruits grown on the island are excellent (papaya, mango, passion fruit and citrus fruits).
Regional specialities
La bandera (meaning ‘the flag’ and consists of white rice, red beans, steamed meat, salad and fried plantains). Chicharrones (crispy pork rinds) Chicharrones de pollo (roast chicken cut into strips) Cassava (roasted vegetables) Moro de habicuelas (rice and beans) Sopa criolla dominicana (vegetable soup with meat) Pastelon (baked vegetable pie) Sancocho (stew with up to 18 different ingredients)
Tip
Hotel and restaurant bills already include 10% service; however, an additional tip of 5-10% is quite common. Shared taxi drivers do not necessarily expect a tip, but tipping is common for all other services.
Regional drinks
Presidente is the name of the excellent local beer. Well-known rums are Brugal and Bermudez. Rum añejo (old, dark rum) with ice is recommended after a meal. Local coffee is excellent and strong. Local beers and spirits are significantly cheaper than imported drinks.
Minimum age for consumption of alcoholic beverages
In the Dominican Republic, you can drink alcohol from the age of 18.
Accommodation
Hotels
The range of hotels is constantly expanding. The modern hotels on the southeast coast are close to the beach. In the capital, accommodation of all classes is offered, the prices of which are the same all year round. In the holiday areas, summer prices are around 10% lower than winter prices. Hotels outside of Santo Domingo and La Romana are generally significantly cheaper. Service charge and 13% government tax are added to hotel bills. Categories: 5-star system, but the level does not correspond to the usual standards in the Caribbean. Further information is available from the Asociación Nacional de Hoteles y Restaurantes (ASONAHORES), Calle Presidente Gonzalez esq, Avenida Tiradentes, Edificio La Cumbre, DO-Santo Domingo. (Phone:
Camping
Official campsites are not available. In rural areas, camping is allowed with the permission of the property owner.
Culture
Religion
Catholics (95%). Minorities of Protestants, Baha’i and Jews.
Social Rules of Conduct
General: The Roman Catholic Church plays an important role and exerts an influence on the social structure. The Spanish influence can also be felt throughout the island. The Dominican way of life does not know the tradition of long lunch breaks. Manners: When greeting someone shakes hands. The usual courtesy formulas should be observed, e.g. B. in the case of invitations from the hosts about a small gift. Flowers are only given on special occasions. Clothing: Casual clothing is appropriate, especially during the day. Swimwear and shorts belong without exception at the beach or pool. In the evening men should wear a jacket, a tie is not essential. Proper attire is expected when entering churches, arms and legs should be covered. Photographing: People should be asked before photographing them. Photography is sometimes allowed in churches and museums, but you should ask beforehand. Smoking: Smoking is generally allowed everywhere. However, some hotels divide into smoking and non-smoking rooms. Non-smoking zones should be observed. Crime: Like everywhere else in the world, there are pickpockets in the Dominican Republic. Valuables belong in the safe and should not be left unattended on the beach. Rental cars should always be locked and parked in secure parking lots. It is better to avoid walking in dark areas and driving at night across country.
Climate
Best travel time
Hot and tropical all year round. Rainy season from May to October. Hurricanes can occur from June to November.
Country data
Phone prefix
+1
Area (sq km)
48,442
Population
10,847,910 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
223
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
911
