Dominican Time

Dominican time isn’t just about clocks—it’s a slower pace of life, letting you enjoy each day to the fullest.

Forget clocks. In the Dominican Republic, being on time is optional, and most people are perfectly fine with that. Expats quickly learn what Dominican time really means.

Countryside drive

What is Dominican Time?

Dominican time isn’t just a Dominican thing, other Caribbean countries, as well as Central and South America, can definitely relate. But to keep things simple, let’s just call it “Dominican time.”

So, what exactly is Dominican time? Basically, it’s about taking your time and being late. If a meeting is set for 1 p.m., expect to start around 1:30 pm. When a waiter says, “I’ll be with you in a minute,” it usually means 10 minutes, or until you flag the waiter down again. And if a Dominican bumps into a familiar face while out and about, get comfortable, because that conversation could last a while. Quick “hi and byes” don’t really exist here, lol.

Of course, not all Dominicans live by “Dominican time.” It’s more of a running inside joke, often teased among themselves. It’s not something to be taken too seriously.

Relaxing by the beach

Slower Pace, Happier People

In a fast paced society, the average person might cause a ruckus when faced with the slower pace of life here.

I’ve been late for a meeting or two myself, and you know what? The other party was fine and never made an issue out of it. I guess even a foreigner can be on Dominican time, lol.

In the DR, the people who work quickly really stand out. I like to keep working with them. I’ve dealt with people who respond right away and get things moving, and with others, I’m still waiting to hear back months later.

It’s not just contractors either. Many companies take their time. For example, setting up electricity in a new home can be a long process. The first thing you should do after signing a rental lease is contact the electrical provider. They’ll need to schedule an electrician, but that doesn’t mean tomorrow. It could take weeks, even months, before anyone shows up. Better to start early and avoid the headache.

Parque Eugenio Maria de Hostos

Life, Work, and the Dominican Rhythm

Here’s how I see it: I’d rather live in a society where people move slower and run a little late, as long as they’re friendlier and more loving toward each other.

In North America, everything is fast paced (except government workers), yet many people act as if they don’t have 30 seconds for a few words. That’s the big difference I see here.

Dominicans live in the moment, not hurrying to what’s coming next. Foreigners adapt to this slower pace. Many expats are here to get away from the hustle and bustle. From locals to expats, everyone seems much happier. Maybe it’s the hot weather that relaxes people. There’s no pressure to speed rush anything in the Dominican Republic.

The only time Dominicans get impatient is in rush hour. That explains stop signs being ignored, red lights run, aggressive driving, car horns, motorbikes cutting through traffic, and even driving on the wrong side of the road. They’re usually in a rush, likely running late.

Work still gets done and deadlines are met, just in a “dale pa’ ya” (take your time) kind of way. As for Sundays? Forget about it...nobody works on Sundays.

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