In this realm of entertaining, buffets seem to be more popular. Like the cocktail buffet, the cocktail period before dinner is served will be long, the meal will be served banquet style and the service will most likely be family style. Dress should be conservatively elegant. Lunch meetings are common, and breakfast meetings are becoming more frequent, particularly among companies doing business internationally. Business appointments are generally required, but punctuality is not a consistent part of Dominican business practices.
Most Dominican businesspeople speak English, but communication in Spanish is desirable.
Business cards are exchanged. Conduct tends to be less formal in the Dominican Republic than in other Latin nations, however, people do function within established and traditional social parameters. Family and cultural ties are very strong. While women's societal roles still remain within the boundaries of centuries-old social structure, there are some women's groups working to raise awareness of women's issues. Needless to say, women may likely encounter more difficulty than men in attempting to do business in the Republic.