Dominican Republic · Etiquette
Dominican Republic — Cultural Etiquette
Warm hospitality culture; bachata-merengue social rhythm. Tourist economy in Sosúa/Punta Cana shapes much of foreign-facing scene.
Cultural Dimensions (Hofstede)
PDI
65
IDV
30
MAS
65
UAI
45
LTO
13
IND
54
Source: Hofstede dimension data matrix (geerthofstede.com).
What This Means in Practice
Power Distance
· 65/100Moderately hierarchical: respect for age and rank; formal address opens doors.
Individualism
· 30/100Group-oriented: relationships and references matter more than transactional terms; warm small talk before business is normal.
Achievement Orientation
· 65/100Balanced: assertiveness and care both valued.
Uncertainty Avoidance
· 45/100High tolerance for ambiguity: relaxed about timing, terms, and improvisation.
Indulgence
· 54/100Mid-range: balance of restraint and expression; reading the room matters.
Quick Reference
- Languages: Spanish; English in tourist zones
- Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP); USD widely accepted
- Emergency: 911 (universal)
Related
Cultural-dimension scores from the Hofstede dimension data matrix (geerthofstede.com); etiquette specifics curated from local sources, embassy guidance, and community contributions. Last verified April 2026.