Punta Cana Shopping

Typically, there will be an ourdoor Vendor market close to any resort in the Dominican. They are very basic, and constructed of blue tarps over wooden frames, but they certainly do the trick!

You'll definitely need to barter, but if you're not used that that, like me, trust me, it gets easier. Start by offering 1/2 of their price, and go from there. Decide in your mind how much you're willing to pay for the item, and bear in mind that the Dominican is a very poor country. If you have to go a couple of dollars higher, so be it - it's only a couple of bucks to you, but could mean an extra meal for the Vendor's family. After you do the deal, don't be surprised if the Vendor seems grumpy, like you ripped him off - it's part of the game, just to let you think you got the better of him!!

I wouldn't recommend buying anything at the resort without checking the Market first. They will probably have the same thing, and you will definitely pay less. And it's fun!!

And everything is "cheapie, cheapie"!!

What to buy: The bright, colourful paintings are everywhere. There are usually 3 types. Beach scenes, which can range from beautiful, to the Elvis-on-black-velvet variety with gaudy orange sunsets. 'Crowd' scenes, which consist of a very similar person replicated over and over in the same painting. I find the most interesting is the Taino art. Taino are the aboriginal people of the Dominican, and these types of paintings are usually stick figures inside geometric patterns. Sounds weird, but they are very beautiful. You'll know what I mean when you see them.

Beyond the paintings, you'll find wood carvings, jewellery, cigars, rum, and lots of trinkets. Be careful with the cigars - they are usually dried out, from what I heard.

Walking along the beach...you think your alone...everything is peaceful...and there they are! After a long walk we came across lots of beach shops selling all kinds of local craft. The shop owners are nice but they will do everything for you to buy in their shop and not on their neighbours shop. They will show you pictures of their children, and of course they will offer you a "regalito" so you feel impeled to buy him stuff. Always offer 1/3 from the original price or you'll feel riped off. I bought lots of things, including 2 beautiful paintings. They rub water on their paintings to show you the paint has good quality. They are very sweet.

What to buy: Ambar, local paintings (they use beautiful colours), all kids of artisan bracelets and necklaces, cigars "cohibas" (be careful with the fake ones)

What to pay: Depends on how much you love that kind of craft. But you can buy almost everything cheap. They ask a lot for the paintings, you have to be strong and "battle" with the man for a nice price.

There's a mall across the street from the resort. There's also a strip of shops down the beach...great stuff, don't forget to BARGIN!

What to buy: Laramar, torquoise....

What to pay: Not TOO much. But keep in mind it is a relatively poor country, give them a few extra bucks, it won't kill you =P

The itinerant sellers are not abmitted to the private beach of the hotels. You can walk to the end of these beaches and here you find a little open air market full of stalls. Sellers are very persistent but they are likeable and cheerful.

What to buy: Here you can buy t-shirts, wood carvings, paintings and jewels made with amber or larimar, which is a light blue stone you can find only in the Dominican Republic.

What to pay: If you want to buy something, you have to bargain over the price anyway. You hurt them if you don't do it!!

I think it's better don't buy amber if you aren't an expert. You never can tell, you could be swindled! Instead there are many beautiful wood carvings, sculptures made of stone and the typical naive paintings to buy.

What to buy: I bought a picture and this wood carving which is a Taino idol. Tainos were the ancient inhabitants of Hispaniola, then arrived the 'conquistadores'....