Dominican Republic Culture of Business

By | July 24, 2022

Subchapters:

  • Introduction
  • Addressing
  • Business Meeting
  • Communication
  • Recommendations
  • Public holidays

Introduction

A good knowledge of Spanish is essential to establish a good relationship with business partners in the Dominican Republic. Formality is expected in business dealings, despite the fact that Dominicans are very welcoming and friendly.

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Addressing

The first contact is quite formal, and expletives are always used. It is addressed by an academic title or function. Two surnames are used in the Dominican Republic. First by father, second by mother. In business relations, only the first of them can be used for addressing, i.e. after my father. Very soon, however, he switches to touching and using only his first name.

Business meeting

Appointments are usually arranged by phone or email. Punctuality and maximum professionalism are expected from the foreign partner. At the meeting, it is recommended to bring a little attention for the Dominican partner, it is not recommended to use black and purple colors (the colors of sadness). Usually at least two people participate on behalf of the Dominican side, the same composition of the negotiation team is recommended on the supplier side as well. Clothing and overall appearance speak of social status, formal, high-quality clothing is expected at the meeting, a tie and a suit are not necessary for gentlemen.

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The course of negotiations usually does not differ from the European way, with the difference that Dominicans are very open and it is natural to ask questions about personal life and family at the first meeting. The same interest is also expected from the business partner. At the same time, direct eye contact should be maintained. Business cards are handed out without a formal ritual, it is advisable to store them in a business card box. It is normal for the meeting to be interrupted or for several people to speak at the same time.

Dominicans often stand less than half a meter away from their partner when speaking. Any step back can be seen as impoliteness and unwillingness to continue the conversation. People who talk to each other often touch each other, regardless of gender.

Contact with the Dominican side must be maintained regularly, it is recommended if possible in person.

Communication

Similar to other Latin American countries, we recommend communicating in Spanish without an interpreter. It is advisable to start any negotiation with a personal meeting and then maintain regular contact with the business partner, if possible supplemented by occasional personal meetings. Dominicans are very warm, so you can expect a kiss on the cheek when shaking hands, and certainly intense eye contact, which conveys respect. Communication is open, the main topic is family and everything related to it. Visit Calculatorinc for more information about Dominican Republic culture and traditions.

Recommendation

In business negotiations, it is always advantageous to have a foreign partner who is able to communicate in Spanish. Negotiation in English is often possible, but never as efficient and cordial. The personal presence of the trader in the territory or a local representative is necessary for the success of the trade. Businesses concluded by fax or email are not taken into account very much. For legal issues, consulting in investments and real estate, taxes, customs, etc., it is recommended to use local professional companies. Emphasis is placed on the appearance of the partner and his personal hygiene. The perception of time in Latin America is more relaxed than in Europe, noticeable especially in state institutions. For a private party, it is impolite to arrive at the indicated hour, but it is advisable to arrive a little later.

Public Holidays

New Year

Three Kings

2Day of Our Lady of Altagracia

2anniversary of Juan Pablo Durte

27.2. Independence Day March-April Easter, Good Friday

Labor Day May-June Body of God

16.8. Statehood Restoration Day

24.9. Day of Our Lady of Mercy

6.11. Constitution Day

25.12. Christmas

Contacts

Subchapters:

  • Contacts to Czech embassies in the territory
  • Practical telephone numbers (emergency services, police, firefighters, information lines, etc.)
  • Important Internet links and contacts

Contacts at the embassies of the Czech Republic in the territory

Embassy of the Czech Republic in Havana

Ave. Kohli, No. 259, e/ 41 y 43 Nuevo Vedado la Habana, Cuba

Phone: (+53) 78833201, 78833467 Fax (+53) 78833596

email: havana@embassy.mzv.cz commercial and economic section: commerce_havana@mzv.cz

Facebook: facebook.com/EmbajadaChecaLaHabana

Territorial coverage: Cuba, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti

Honorary Consulate General Head of Office: José Ramón Brea Gonzáles

Assistant Consul: Gina Victoriano

Ave. Bolivar No. 830 La Esperilla Apto Pastor 3673 Santo Domingo

Phone: + 1809 685 6900, + 1809 682 7605

email: santodomingo@honorary.mzv.cz

Practical telephone numbers (emergency services, police, firemen, information lines, etc.)

Emergency number 911

Fire Department 809-6822000

National Police 809-6823151

Red Cross 809-6823792

Civil Defense 809-6893898

State Electric Company 809-5351100

Tecni-taxi 5672010

Transporte turístico – taxi 809-4221330

Complaints and complaints 809-4125045

Important web links and contacts

Ministry of Industry and Trade, www.micm.gob.do

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, www.mirex.gob.do

Ministry of Agriculture, www.agricultura.gob.do

Ministry of Culture, www.cultura.gob.do

Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, www.economia.gob.do

Ministry of Defense, www.mide.gob.do

Ministry of Public Works, www.mopc.gob.do

Ministry of Tourism, www.mitur.gob.do

Basic information about the country and tourism, www.godominicanrepublic.com/es/

Export free zones, www.cnzfe.gov.do

Santo Domingo Chamber of Commerce, www.camarasantodomingo.do

Export and Investment, www.prodominicana.gob.do/ Central Bank, www.bancentra.gov.do

Customs Administration, www.aduanas.gob.do

Tax and Finance Office, www.dgii.gov.do

Dominican Republic Culture of Business