Caribbean Islands » Shopping in Dominican Republic

The Caribbean is renowned for its world-class shopping. Many of the Caribbean islands are known for their duty-free and even tax-free shopping. Luxury goods, designer fashions, jewelry, cigars, and liquor are to be had for much less than you would pay at home. There are also other bargains to be had in the Caribbean the opportunity to buy items native to or hand-crafted in the Caribbean islands. Here is a listing of some items you might want to look for in your Caribbean shopping travels.  

Throughout the island shoppers will find boutiques selling the designs of native son, Oscar de La Renta. Cigars are another popular item: Fuente cigars, handmade in Santiago, and those from the Ciabo Valley are the most sought after. Locally made products include embroidery, fabric dolls, leather goods, mahogany and cedar handicrafts, Dominican rum, and coffee. The Dominican Republic is one of the few places in the Western Hemisphere where amber can be found. Much of it is made into beautiful jewelry. You'll also find jewelry that showcases the locally found stone, larimar, a blue stone similar to turquoise. If you intend to purchase either amber or larimar jewelry, you'll want to seek out an established jeweler to ensure that what you are purchasing is genuine.