Greetings and respect
Greet everyone: a 'good morning' / 'buenas' / 'bonjou' on entering a shop or bus is expected, and skipping it reads as rude. In Cuba and the DR, the cheek kiss is standard among acquaintances.
Ask before photographing people, especially in markets and religious settings. In Jamaica, ask before photographing Rastafari elders.
Dress and behaviour
Beachwear stays on the beach: cover up in towns, churches and restaurants. Swimwear in Old San Juan or the Colonial Zone will draw stares.
In Cuba, do not photograph military installations, police or the José Martí airport. In Barbados, camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians (it is reserved for the military).
Tipping: 10-15 percent in restaurants where service is not included; resort staff via the envelope or daily tips. In Cuba, CUC-era tipping habits persist: small CUP tips go far.
Music and nightlife
Music is public life: sound systems, street parties and fetes are for joining. Buy the vendor's drink, dance if invited, and do not film without asking.
Carnival (Crop Over, Junkanoo, Dominican Carnival) is participatory: the 'jump up' is for everyone. Costumes for the road are bought through bands, booked months ahead.