where you are wrong, my dear, is that you need to know the situations when a discreet exchange of cash will get you favor. You don't stand up on the table and scream how much you love the place and the service. More than that, I am not just speaking of a food and beverage establishment. I appreciate your pointers on how to handle money in DR.
Darling,
I understand completely and have participated in and profited from this system.
I know when and where to apply it and for what reasons.
I even understand the system of bribes by governments and business.
Including lavish gifts or the free company of cultural escorts of whatever inclination.
This also works in politics and diplomacy.
All these are age old customs, even more so in the elevated world of politics and business.
Of course you can also slide a covert tip for your Mc Happy meal across the counter, to gain favour on the next burger dining out experience.
TIPS =
To Insure Prompt Service.
As you state discretion is king, as is discretionary spending to gain advantage.
Yet no need to throw money aimlessly at the poor to curry favour, as there will be little to go around.
Better to do good than harm.......
Do good without expecting something in return.
Donate without taking credit.
AAaaaahhhh !
P.S.
As a world traveller/woking internationally, someone who speaks several languages and after many years in the DR I have a handle on Dominicans and other cultures.
Most of all on human psychology and regional differences.
We are having fun psycho analyzing each other and others.
Hijo, with situational awareness...