Dominican Republic Dos and Don'ts

When traveling around Santo Domingo try the local guaga - it's a bus that gets you around the city for less than $1,

Get to know some of the locals,they are extremely friendly and will show you their way of life.

In the capital, dudes will try to shine your shoes for a few bucks.. I didn't want them to as I was wearing sneakers, but they are persistent little kids.. Once I figured I'd be nice and gave one of the kids a buck just for the hell of it.. Well that kid did not stop following me for many blocks, and then some friends joined in assuming I was rich and going to give everyone cash.. Uhm, don't do it.. Unless you are rich and want to be followed by alot of little dudes.... Find other ways to help the community is such is your desire.. It gets dangerous when the older guys notice. Luckily I speak spanish and can speak slang so I spooked them off.....

the best tourguide was local taxidriver. showed lot of places (rum destilery, slums...). try to find one (criminality rate was very low, when I was there, but be carefull)

Dancing and nightlife, merengue and other folklore.Donot go along showing off, just be friendly and simple, avoid conversations with people that obviously want something from you and keep talking to you. When you go, for instance, to El Mercado to buy souvenirs, always bargain.You will find lots of restaurants, local food, Italian, French, American, Mexican, Argentinian, German...