1) The Dominican time is an opinion. If you make an appointment at 10:00, you know you could wait until noon. For this reason, at the time to agree, it is very useful to specify if the time is "Dominican time" or time to "gringo", a time exactly to the minute.
2) On a bus (public) or a taxi, there is always room for one more person. If you decide to move around by public transportation (guagua) or a taxi, you should know that there is no limit to the number of passengers. Even when you think that there are not more, you will see that the driver will continue to load to stop people. Even if it is to hang out the door or on the roof, there's always room for one more person!
3) Goats, chickens, fish freshly caught any kind of animal can get into public transport. Of course, the fact that they can go up is annoying in itself, but at least you can pay them to carry!
4) Beware of motoconcho! The media used are more bikes, but are not used very differently from a family with four wheels! The motoconcho are motorcycle taxi. Also in this case there is no limit on the number of passengers or the type of transport. Negotiate the price first ever, to avoid arguments later.
5) Payments in Mint: all kinds of candy are called mint! They are a form of currency, so if you go into a Colmada (shop selling a bit 'of everything) to the grocery store, instead you happen to have your 5 pesos to rest, will give you the rest in candy. Get used to it, the mint are a form of currency!
6) Traffic and "music": If you happen to block you in traffic, in the Dominican Republic, you can play the horn and as much as you want!
This does not mean that you will unlock the traffic, whereas you can not hear your horn because everyone is using them, but if you want to try this experience, you can play at your leisure!
7) The rules of the road: often here the rules for the movement depends on the day, and the fun is that you can follow them at your leisure. The signs that say "no U-turn", for example, appear to have been made just for decoration. Just like those who say "one way" or "do not park on the sidewalk."
The constitutional clause 175-05 reads as follows: "the rules have to be respected if at that day, the rule can serve." A progressive company!
8) When a girl says you are 18, do not take it in word and ask the Cedula (ID card)! The Dominican girls are very attractive and it's not hard to run into a minor. But the laws on pedophilia exist here as well. Learn this phrase "cedula mostrame you?" and, if you've the show, then you can rest assured.
9) If you ask the color of a particular object, you will find yourself in unknown colors: Jiabao, Indio, Trigueno, Blanco Oscuro Casi Negro, No Negro, Blanco claro, Moreno, Prieto. Some of these names are almost inexplicable (what's lighter than white?).
10) The Dominicans do not have umbrellas: The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean island, where it rains almost every day. But you will be surprised to know that most Dominicans do not use umbrellas or raincoats. Some ladies have an umbrella, but use it mainly to protect themselves from the sun. In the capital, Santo Domingo, we have seen a seller of umbrellas on the street when it started raining you put a plastic bag on his head!
11) The vendors sell everything've looked for something in the most expensive malls in the city, but you're not satisfied? No problem, try shopping in the streets.
Event Venues need a puppy dog, a bottle of rum, cigars? Do you suffer from kidney problems and are looking for a new pair of kidneys? It sounds strange but the vendors can find anything, give it 5 minutes and you will see!
12) The Dominicans have long names: Usually four to five. This seems unnecessary for the typical Mr. Smith, but finally a Dominicanismo that makes sense! Not to be confused Dominicans have many nicknames. It seems impossible to remember the name of Juan Jose Sanchez de la Cruz y Duarte? Just call him "El Cuco" And 'the creative effort of giving nicknames: "El Chino" (Chinese), "El Negro" (black), "El Prieto" (true black), "El Gordo" (fat) and "El Flaco "(skinny)!
13) se fue la luz! (It went off the light!) Get into the habit, because in many parts of the country the light suddenly disappears and the blackout could also last for hours. Keep a flashlight with you!
14) Tangent: There are countries where bribes do not work, for everything else there's the Dominican Republic!
More information
Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic, and was the first Spanish Colony in the New World.
The city has a metropolitan area with a population of 2,850,320 inhabitants. The original design of the city is now visible in the Colonial Zone, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
There are still buildings of the sixteenth century, one of the oldest in the Americas, including the first administrative offices and the first cathedral in the New World.
In 1586 the English pirate Francis Drake invaded the entire island of Hispaniola, razing the city and freeing it only after payment of a ransom.
In 1655 the French invaded the south-west of the island, and the Spanish-controlled part of the island was reduced by more than half.
In 1822, Haitians, under the leadership of Jean Pierre Boyer, invaded and conquered the island entirely.
But 22 years later, after hard struggles, Dominicans were able to regain their independence.
You can see 500 years of history of this city in 45 minutes, sitting comfortably on Chu Chu Colonial train. For more information: www.chuchucolonial.com
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