It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, Spanish! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Hola
• How are you? ¿Cómo estás?
• Goodbye: Adiós
• Thank you: Gracias
• Please: Por favor
• I’m (your name): Soy (your name)
• I’m from (your country of residence): Soy de (your country of residence)
• How much does this cost? Cuánto cuesta?
• Where is the...?: Dónde está...
  • bathroom: el baño
  • bus stop: la parada de autobús
  • pharmacy: la farmacia

The people of the Dominican Republic are vibrant, proud, and very hardworking. And the more you express interest in their culture, the more you'll be welcomed with open arms. Here's just a handful of fact to get you started.

• Merengue and bachata music originated in the Dominican Republic. You'll hear these styles everywhere in your travels, so consider learning a few dance steps!
• It's the norm to announce yourself with a "Buenos dias/Buenas tardes/Buenas noches (Good morning/afternoon/evening)" when entering any establishment.
• Baseball is the national sport of the Dominican Republic, and many people are very passionate about it. You may see lots of people practicing or games being played if you pass by any parks.
• Especially in more rural parts of the Dominican Republic, siestas (midday breaks a lot of businesses close down for) are still common. For some this means having a long hearty lunch, for some it means taking a nap, and for some it means both of those things.
• Haggling is the way to shop in many places. Offer about half of the initial price, don't show too much interest, and don't be afraid to walk away.

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Mangú: The breakfast staple is often served with eggs, fried Dominican salami and queso frito (fried cheese!) – also known as Los Tres Golpes (The Three Strikes). Yum.
• Pastelitos: Pastelitos are small, stuffed pastries made with all kinds of fillings, like meat, cheese, vegetables and potatoes, and then fried
• La Bandera Dominicana: Translating to “The Dominican Flag,” La Bandera Dominicana is the national standard lunchtime dish.
• Tostónes: Twice-fried and then salted, tostónes are made from unripened plantains and most commonly served as a side dish
• Tres Leches Cake: This three-milk cake is a sweet ending to any meal
• Yaroa: This street food favorite is just the ticket. Made from mashed plantain or fries, yaroa is loaded with shredded meat and smothered with cheese and sauces.
• Refrescos: In the land of fresh fruit, you must try the fresh fruit juices! Try cas (sour guava), maracuyá (passion fruit), tamarindo (tamarind), guanabana (soursop), piña (pineapple), sandia (watermelon), mora (blackberry), fresa (strawberry), and more!