Back home, if I needed anything a doctor, cleaner, or coffee shop, I’d just Google it. Here in the Dominican Republic, I quickly learned that the real search engine is… your neighborhood WhatsApp group.
Google Maps might show you a business, but it won’t tell you if they actually pick up the phone, show up, or even exist anymore!
I’ve learned to blend my old habits with local wisdom a little online research, a little word-of-mouth, and a lot of patience.
But I also realized it doesn’t have to be this hard. That’s why I’m building a modern, trustworthy directory that makes finding reliable services simple without losing that local touch we all love.