Dominican Republic shopping can be an exciting experience especially if you enjoy finding great bargains on such items as handmade cigars, Dominican rum, Dominican coffee, and Oscar de la Renta's designer clothing. The Dominican Republic currency is pesos'. Dominican Republic currency exchange can be found at most banks or private exchange houses known as Casa de Cambio. At this time, Dominican Republic currency exchange may not convert all foreign currencies except at the Banca de Reservas or Central Bank. The currencies that are easy to exchange include the US dollar, Canadian dollar, English pounds, Dutch gilders, German marks, French francs, Swiss francs, and the Spanish Pesetas.

A few Dominican Republic markets may accept foreign currencies, however, it will be easier if you have a few Dominican Republic pesos' with you just in case they do not except any other currency.

The major Dominican Republic markets are home in Santo Domingo the largest city that offers many different shops and venues for your shopping crave. The Dominican Republic markets offer various items such as locally grown food, crafts, and handmade items.

Dominican Republic Map

Dominican Republic shopping is a fun experience especially if you decide to barter with the street vendors. If you just accept their asking price in El Mercado Modelo, you may see a strange look on their face as they enjoy and expect to haggle with tourists. Street vendors are home all over the place including the beach and outside other establishments.

The southern coast is the perfect spot for finding jewelry on your Dominican shopping spree. Here you will be able to find some of the most beautiful hand crafted jewelry created from amber and larimar. Both semiprecious stones similar in color to the Caribbean Sea allowing you to take home a piece of the Caribbean. Of course, prices will vary, but those that are solid blue are less expensive while stones with a milky haze will cost more. It is best if you do not purchase jewelry from street vendors, as many of the items sold are not genuine. For jewelry purchases, you should visit Ambar Tres in Santo Domingo, Harrison's in Puerto Plata, or L'Ile Au Tresor in Santo Domingo.

Entire neighborhoods were created for the shopper in the Dominican Republic and tourists love to travel through and pick out souvenirs. The most popular shopping areas include the Altos de Chavon in La Romana home to art galleries, souvenir shops, and boutiques; La Atarazana home in Santo Domingo with restaurants, bars, art galleries, and quaint shops, and Calle Beller in Puerto Plata home to many unique souvenirs and costume jewelry.