Shopping in Punta Cana: The Only 5 Souvenirs That Matter (And How to Avoid Fakes)

Please, for the love of God, step away from the plastic keychains and the "I Love Punta Cana" t-shirts made in China.

If you want to bring a piece of the Dominican Republic back home—or a gift that your friends won't secretly throw away—you need to shop like a local, not a tourist. I see visitors every day at the airport Duty-Free dropping $60 on a bottle of rum that I buy for $18 at the grocery store. It hurts my soul.

Here is my personal shopping list of the only 5 things you should buy, exactly where to find them, and how to spot a fake.

1. Larimar (The Gem of the Caribbean)

This is the ultimate souvenir. Why? Because the Dominican Republic is the only place on Planet Earthwhere this stone is found. You literally cannot find it anywhere else.

• What it is:A semi-precious blue pectolite found in the mountains of Barahona. It looks like frozen Caribbean water with white veins running through it.

• The Scam Warning: If a vendor on the beach tries to sell you a "Larimar" necklace for $10, it is painted plastic or resin.

  • The "Lighter Test":Real Larimar is stone. It’s cold to the touch. If you hold a flame to it, it won't melt. Plastic will smell and melt immediately. (Ask the vendor to test it; if they panic, walk away).

• Where to buy:Go to a reputable jewelry store like Harrison’sor the Larimar Museum. Expect to pay $40 - $60 USDfor a small, real silver-set piece.

2. Rum (The Vitamin)

We make some of the best rum in the world. But you need to know which bottle to grab. The "Big Three" brands are Brugal, Barceló, and Bermúdez.

• The Mistake:Buying it at the Resort Gift Shop or the Airport. They mark up the price by 200%.

• The Fix:Take an Uber to a local supermarket (look for Super Pola, Jumbo, or Nacional).

• My Recommendation:

  • Brugal Leyenda:This is the premium stuff. It comes in a beautiful bottle with a net. It’s smooth, sweet, and perfect for sipping neat. In the supermarket, it costs about $20 - $25 USD. At the airport? $50+.

  • Barceló Imperial:Another classic. Smooth and woody. Great value.

3. Coffee (Santo Domingo)

Dominicans run on coffee. If you visit a local home, the first thing they will offer you is a "cafecito" made in a greca (stovetop espresso maker).

• The Brand:Look for the iconic Red Bagthat says "Café Santo Domingo."

• Why buy it:It costs about $4 USDfor a 1lb bag in the supermarket. It is strong, dark, chocolatey, and tastes better than anything you'll buy at Starbucks. It is the perfect "cheap gift" for your coworkers that they will actually use.

4. Cigars (Puros)

The DR is the #1 exporter of premium cigars in the world. However, this is also the #1 area where tourists get ripped off.

• The "Glass Box" Scam: NEVER, under any circumstances, buy cigars from a guy walking on the beach with a glass-top box. I don't care how "official" the seals look. Those cigars are counterfeits made in back alleys, often filled with banana leaves, dirt, and floor sweepings. They will taste terrible and might even make you sick.

• Where to buy:Buy only from a sealed walk-in humidor in a proper shop (like Don Lucas, Cabinet, or a factory tour).

• Brands to look for:Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, La Aurora, La Flor Dominicana.

5. Mamajuana (The "Liquid Viagra")

You will be offered this everywhere. It is the drink of the island. It’s a mixture of rum, red wine, and honey soaked in tree barks and herbs. Locals swear it cures the flu, digestion issues, and... helps performance in the bedroom (hence the nickname).

• Pro Tip (The "Dry Bottle"): Don't buy the liquid bottle. It’s heavy and might leak in your suitcase. Buy the "Botella Seca"(Dry Bottle)—it just has the wood and herbs inside. It costs about $5.

  • How to prepare at home:When you get back, fill it with cheap gin or white rum for 3 days to "cure" the wood (spit out that liquid, it will be bitter). Then, fill it with 50% Rum, 50% Red Wine, and a squeeze of Honey. Let it sit for a week. Enjoy.

Summary: The "Where to Shop" Cheat Sheet

• The Resort Gift Shop:Only for emergencies (like if you forgot sunscreen). Everything is 3x the price.

• The Beach:Good for paintings, wooden statues, and haggling practice. BADfor jewelry and cigars.

• The Supermarket (Jumbo/Pola):The Holy Grail. This is where you buy Rum, Coffee, Vanilla, and hot sauce at real local prices.

Happy shopping, and don't forget to wrap that rum bottle in a towel!