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/ Social Life |
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Dining out
Most restaurants include a service charge, although it is common to tip up to 10% in addition. If there is no service charge, leave 10 to 15%, depending upon the service received.
In general, the person who extends the invitation intends
to pay, although Dominican men often haggle over the
bill. Make one or two offers to pay and then allow the host to pick
up the check. If you want to host a meal, make payment
arrangements in advance. The concept of splitting
the bill among the guests has not caught on in the Dominican Republic
since the people are hospitable and paying for a group is a matter
of pride.
You will have to ask your waiter for the bill, even if it is obvious that you are finished. Since eating and conversing with friends is a social occasion, the waiter would not want to rush you. The easiest way to get the waiter's attention is to clap your hands.
Many better restaurants require male guests to wear
a jacket.
Gift-Giving
In general, Dominicans give gifts for birthdays and at Christmas and on January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany. Gifts need not be expensive, but they should always be good quality.
Here are some general gift-giving guidelines:
· If invited to a dinner at a Dominican's home, bring wine, flowers, chocolates or pastries.
· Avoid giving 13 of anything as the figure denotes bad luck.
· Avoid gifts that are black or purple. They are considered mourning colors.
· Do not give knives or scissors as they indicate a desire to sever the relationship.
· A gift for the children is always appreciated.
· Gifts are opened when received.
Other Social Situations
Dominicans are extremely hospitable, and once a personal relationship has been developed, there is no need to call in advance before dropping by, although polite to do so. If you are visiting near a time when a meal is to be served, you will be invited to join the family. You may turn down the invitation without insulting your hosts or risking your relationship.
Avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing, tattered, or do not fit properly.
Be cautions when complementing something, a Dominican owns. Their need to show a generous spirit and be hospitable to a guest may make them attempt to give the object to you. Therefore, it is safer to compliment the overall décor of the home rather than a portable object!
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