Helpful information
Before leaving for the airport, check that you have the following documents:
- a valid international passport (no visa required for citizens of Russia and Ukraine)
- voucher
- medical insurance
- printed electronic ticket
- a certificate from the bank for the export of currency (if you are exporting more than $10,000 per person)
- power of attorney from parents (if the child follows without them)
Check-out(check-out time) 12.00. When leaving the hotel, at the reception desk, you must pay all bills for additional services (if these services are not included in the price of your stay)
Time
The time is 8 hours behind Moscow.
Money
Dominican Peso, equal to 100 centavos. Banknotes in circulation are in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 pesos and coins of 1 peso and 50, 25, 10, 5, 1. Foreign currency can be exchanged at hotels or at commercial banks
Medical service
No special vaccinations are required. It is not recommended to drink tap water.
Mains voltage
Electrical voltage is 110 V. Adapters can be purchased at the hotel
Car rental
Car rental is very expensive (for people over 25 years old), you must have an international driver's license valid for 90 days and a credit card. Due to the traffic conditions on local roads, we do not recommend renting a vehicle.
Religion
Catholics - 95%.
Population
8 million people. Of these, 70% are mestizos (a mixture of European and Indian blood) and mulattoes (a mixture of white and black races). The remaining 30% is divided approximately equally between whites (usually Spanish) and Africans.
Language
The official language is Spanish.
Customs
Limits for transporting alcoholic beverages per person (persons over 18 years of age): 3 liters of alcoholic beverages, 200 pcs. cigarettes or 50 pcs. cigars (cigarillos) or 250g of tobacco; coffee, cocoa - in unlimited quantities.
It is prohibited to export: shells, corals, starfish. It is strictly prohibited to import and export pesos (national currency). The export of objects and things of historical and artistic value without special permission is also prohibited. There are no restrictions on the import and export of national and foreign currency.
The high prices are not surprising, since brewing requires hops, and this plant grows well in temperate climates but very poorly in tropical ones. Dominicans are forced to import it.
Rum of adequate quality can be purchased at the supermarket for $5 a bottle. The Anejo variety (pictured left, click to enlarge) sells for $10. Of course, premium varieties are more expensive - up to 100 - 200 dollars.
Import standards
The official wording of the norm for importing alcohol into the Dominican Republic is as follows: “A person over 18 years of age can import a bottle of alcohol up to 2 liters.” Moreover, the word “bottle” is used in the singular. It sounds a little stupid, but those are the official rules.
In fact, tourists carry up to 2 liters of alcohol in both two and four bottles without any problems. Customs officers don't look at such trifles.
Rules of trade and use, age restrictions
Officially, the minimum age for purchasing and drinking alcohol in the Dominican Republic is 18 years. In fact, stores don’t ask for ID.
In hotels, All Inclusive guests wear bracelets of different colors on their wrists - for adults (alcohol is poured) and for children (alcohol is not poured at the bar). In some hotels they look at your passport and put on the appropriate bracelet strictly according to your age. Some simply ask parents: which bracelet should I wear? There is a lottery - which hotel you will end up in.
According to the laws, there is a concept of “alcohol curfew”. From 2 a.m., alcohol cannot be sold, and alcohol can only be consumed at home. In fact, most residents are not even aware of these prohibitions. There are many 24-hour bars here.
Any tourist trip is not only about free three meals a day at the hotel, a sweet nap on the beach and photographs against the backdrop of architectural monuments. Tourism also means purchasing a variety of exotic souvenirs. From this article you will learn what souvenirs you can bring from the Dominican Republic.
Alcohol
Dominican rum at the beginning of the twentieth century became perhaps the main symbol of this country. In addition to rum in the Dominican Republic, it is worth exploring the products of local breweries. The most famous local beer is Presidente, which has been brewed for 80 years.
Bohemia, Soberana and Quisqueya beer made a significant contribution to the development of the local economy.
Rum
Many tourists have a question: “What rum should I bring from the Dominican Republic?” There are three main answer options:
- "Brugal", the most popular spirit in the Caribbean. “Brugal Blanco” is the only white variety of this brand, the others are “Carta Dorado”, “Anejo”, “Extra Viejo”, “Siglo de Oro” and “Unico” - dark varieties, the aging time of which varies from 3 to 30 years!
- "Barcelo"- Brugal's main competitor in the country's alcohol market. From the product line of this brand, “Imperial” stands out, more than once recognized as the world leader among such drinks.
- "Bermudes". Its Ron Hispaniola Blanco variety is the most sought after white rum in the Dominican Republic.
You shouldn’t overlook other brands of the national drink: “Atlantico” and “Matusalem”.
Mamajuana
Mamajuana is a Dominican folk remedy and homemade alcoholic drink rolled into one. It consists of red wine, honey and a variety of botanicals: cinnamon, lemon balm, lime, cloves, ginger, as well as the roots, leaves and bark of a dozen local plants. The composition may undergo slight changes, but in general this red tincture with a yellow label is considered a “cure for all ills” in the Dominican Republic.
Faceless dolls
Faceless dolls are another calling card of the Dominican Republic. According to legend, these dolls do not have faces due to the broad views of the artist, who decided not to tie the appearance of the very first sculpture created to any race. This strong human gesture later became a craft and a source of income in the Dominican Republic.
Nowadays, faceless dolls are also handmade from clay, porcelain and plaster, which makes each figurine unique. For this reason, they are not sold on every corner.
Seafood
Seashells are a common type of souvenir in hot countries. In the Dominican Republic, the most popular are Strombus gigas, a pink shell, and Charonia tritonis, a horn-shaped shell. They can be purchased at any beach. However, tourists should be careful: the so-called “Tiger Rapan” cannot be taken out of the country.
Cocoa
The Dominican Republic has established production of products from cocoa beans. The popular Manteca de cacao butter is used both as food and as a cosmetic product.
Confectionery products are also made from cocoa beans. In addition to chocolate bars, cocoa balls are also popular in the Dominican Republic: they are used as the basis for a chocolate drink with milk and sugar. These balls are packaged in jars and sold in almost all stores.
Carpets
Homemade carpets in the Dominican Republic can be purchased in the most unpredictable places. They are often sold in markets, but a homemade carpet can also be purchased from the author of the product. Dominicans hang their fleecy and bright carpets right outside their homes: it may seem that they are just drying after washing. But this is how local residents show their entrepreneurial spirit.
Coconut oil
The oil is purchased by tourists mainly to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation, although some take it internally to improve digestion. The former use refined oil, the latter do not disdain unrefined oil.
The most popular brands of coconut oil in the Dominican Republic are Eco Vida, Dominican Coconut Oil and De Coco Caribbean Beauty.
Coffee
The word “coffee” in the Dominican Republic means “Santo Domingo”. This is a unique Arabica that does not have the bitter aftertaste characteristic of this variety. The Dominican Republic has a very developed coffee culture, so purchasing coffee beans or enjoying a cup of aromatic coffee in this country is easier than drinking water. “Santo Domingo” is sold everywhere and for a modest price, and in hotels this coffee is served for free.
Cigars
Cigars and Dominican Republic are synonymous words. Even local rum pales in comparison to the all-encompassing greatness of Dominican cigars. Brands such as La Gloria Cubana, Arturo Fuente, La Aurora, La Flor Dominicana and many others inevitably find their way onto lists of the world's best cigars.
The price range for cigars is 10-50 dollars per piece, while their prices in markets and stores vary widely.
If you buy one or two cigars just for tasting or as a souvenir, the difference will not be noticeable. It’s a different matter if 50 cigars are purchased, that is, the maximum quantity allowed for export from the country. In order not to overpay, you should treat this issue very carefully.
Fruits
Fruits brought from the Dominican Republic best convey the color and warmth of this country. Which fruits to bring depends on your taste. These can be either the more or less familiar passion fruit and papaya, or the very exotic ones - guava, grenadilla and chayotes.
Jewelry and costume jewelry
With larimar
Larimar jewelry is in great demand among tourists. The uniqueness of this material lies in the fact that it is mined only in two places in the world - in the Dominican Republic and Italy.
This semi-precious turquoise stone, paired with silver or gold, is used to create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry. Considering the large deposits of larimar and its low cost, counterfeiting of this stone is practically impossible. But precious metals can be replaced with something else.
To protect yourself from deception and low quality, it is better to purchase jewelry in stores rather than at markets and beaches.
With amber
The situation in the Dominican Republic is similar with amber. Its huge reserves lie between the city of Santiago and the province of Puerto Plata. The value of amber lies in plants, insects, animal hair and other little things that managed to get into the tree resin.
Rare blue amber obtained from ultraviolet exposure is also highly valued. The likelihood of purchasing fake amber jewelry is extremely low, since it is very easy to distinguish real amber from epoxy resin or plastic using salt and water.
What cannot be exported
- More than 3 liters of alcohol;
- More than 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars;
- Corals, starfish and some types of shells and orchids;
- Items of artistic and historical value;
- National currency.
All currency must be declared upon entry. Unfortunately, not a single official regulation states what amount must be declared.
99% of tourists bring the amount that they will definitely spend in the Dominican Republic on souvenirs and operating expenses. Therefore, don’t worry about declaring your money. If you bring back up to $1,000, it is unlikely that there will be any claims for this amount.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages may only be imported by persons 16 years of age or older.
The import limit is 1 liter per person. Moreover, there is no division into strong and light alcohol; it could be a liter of whiskey or a liter of beer - it doesn’t matter. In fact, tourists carry both 2 and 3 liters of strong alcohol, customs officers do not pay attention.
Most tourists go to Dominican hotels on All Inclusive. The Dominican Republic has excellent rum and good beer, but the local wine is not of high quality. Read our article “” about alcohol. Bringing alcohol to the Dominican Republic, what's the point? “To Tula with my samovar”?
Cigarettes
Tobacco products can only be imported by persons aged 16 years and older.
The import limit is 200 cigarettes per person. Despite the Dominican Republic's worldwide fame as a tobacco producer, cigarettes sold here are imported. Local tobacco is used for cigars, and cigars are exported.
Now at all airports in the world, passengers' phones and other gadgets are checked. They ask to turn it on to show that this is a working device, and not a container for transporting something prohibited. Keep your gadgets charged!
During customs control, behave calmly and confidently. Russian tourists are often let down by the bad habit of “downloading their license.” If you start talking to the customs officer rudely and loudly, then a full check is guaranteed;
If you decide to buy a local SIM card, it is better to do it at the airport, where there are dealers of Viva, Claro and Altice operators. Then it will be more difficult to buy a SIM card. Read our reviews "" and "".
We wish you to go through Dominican customs without any problems, and read our useful articles about this country for tourists ( links below).
Traveling to another country is a very exciting activity, be it an excursion tour or a regular beach holiday.
Absolutely all tourists rush around the souvenir shops during the last days of their vacation, sweeping away the most unnecessary souvenirs in the future: scary masks, a bunch of key rings and magnets, plates and mugs with your image, from which no one will ever eat.
It would seem that it would be worthwhile for the future traveler to spend a few minutes searching on the Internet for information about what the country of arrival is famous for, What do other tourists most often bring and what should never be taken outside the state?
There is only one answer: there is so much information that it is impossible to wrap your head around so much of it. In this article we will try to briefly outline all of the above points. Let's start with the paradise Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic is a fabulously beautiful place where holidays are possible all year round.
You will definitely want to remember your unforgettable trip to this country, not only by looking at numerous photos, but also by taking with you a piece of this fairy tale.
Coffee
So, while strolling through the numerous shops, pay attention to the local coffee.
Natural coffee will be an excellent gift not only for yourself, but also for family or colleagues.
The Dominican Republic is rightfully considered one of the largest suppliers of this aromatic drink.
Santo Domingo coffee is considered the most popular variety in the republic. which, among other things, ranks third in the world in terms of drink quality.
The cost of a 500-gram bag is low - only $5, It is sold in all grocery stores, so purchasing it will not be difficult. 
Cigars
The Dominican Republic is also famous for its premium tobacco and cigars.
Cigars are sold at almost every turn, even on the beach, However, we strongly advise against buying them on the beach, where the necessary storage conditions are not met.
It would be better to visit specialized stores in Santo Domingo, where you can not only choose from a huge variety of different cigars, but also have the opportunity to taste the ones you like.
Cigars in the Dominican Republic are in no way inferior in quality to Cuban ones. This can be explained quite simply: many Cubans, having moved to this republic for permanent residence, brought with them the secrets of properly making cigars.
They sell both elite brands, for example Davidoff (from $15 per piece), and cheaper brands - Arturo Fuente, Fonseca, Cuesta Rey, Casa Blanca, La Aurora of varying degrees of strength and with different scents.
You can purchase them from $1 per piece and above.
ROM
Gifts in the form of local alcohol are certainly attractive.
The Dominican Republic is no exception in this regard. Local varieties of rum are not inferior to world-famous brands such as Captain Morgan or Bacardi.
Local Russians living in the Dominican Republic for several years, Brugal Extra Viejo is considered the best type of rum here, aged for 4 to 5 years.
This alcoholic drink is easy to drink and will warm your body with its warmth and excite your soul with memories of a heavenly vacation.
Ron Barcello rum, especially Imperial, is also considered one of the best.
Aged in oak barrels, strong aromatic rum can be purchased as a gift for $25–28 per bottle.
At the same time, the cost of Brugal rum rarely exceeds $7–10.
A local drink is prepared based on rum, which is extremely popular among tourists and local residents - mamajuana.
According to local beliefs, Mamajuana has a strong tonic effect due to its 15 herbs and roots.
In addition, each bottle states that the mixture is a powerful aphrodisiac, that is, it enhances sexual attractiveness and also promotes fertility in women.
You can purchase this miraculous mixture in the form of a drink, as well as in the form of a bag of dried herbs, from which you can prepare the drink yourself.
Prices for mamajuana are not very high - from $10 for an infused mixture and about $5 for a bag of the mixture.
They say that proper use of this miracle drug helps with colds, stomach and joint pain, and increases potency in men.
You can pour the roots an unlimited number of times over three to five years, so feel free to buy this magical infusion or order it to your friends as a souvenir.
Stone decoration
Another attraction of the Dominican Republic is the semi-precious Larimar stone.
Larimar jewelry is made mainly from silver, it favorably emphasizes the sky-blue hue of the stone.
A gift in the form of a ring, bracelet or necklace with larimar will please any woman.
Jewelry is sold on every corner, however, as in the case of cigars, it is better to purchase them outside the hotel in specialized stores, where the risk of running into a fake is minimal.
A lot of jewelry is also sold made of amber. Dominican amber is magnificent, here it is not only yellow or orange, but also comes in green and a rare blue.
Blue amber is highly valued, and its cost can reach fantastic amounts.
You can often run into a fake, so the recommendation to be careful when purchasing is relevant in this case as well.
Amber can be purchased both in the form of jewelry and in the form of a scattering of stones or figurines made from them.
The best jewelry store with a variety of jewelry with larimar, amber and coral is located in Santo Domingo on Restoration Street and is called Ambar Nacional.
Prices depend on the number of stones in the product and the quality of the product itself.
Souvenirs
So, you have already purchased cigars, rum, mamajuana, rings and earrings with various stones... You want something else.
Something that you can give to children, numerous acquaintances, and even keep for yourself to decorate the interior, for example.
For this purpose, in the paradise Dominican Republic you can purchase products from local craftsmen:
- Popular Lime doll. This is a ceramic doll without a face, dressed in traditional clothes. Its cost starts from $3.
- Small paintings by Dominican artists or wooden carvings will serve as reminders of your trip. You can buy them in large quantities and give them, for example, to colleagues.
- The Dominican Republic is practically the only country from which corals and large shells can be exported. Small shells can be picked up on the beach; larger and more beautiful specimens are sold in souvenir shops. Starfish and shells will be a wonderful gift for family and friends.
- Coconut crafts, coconut oil for hair and body. Coconut souvenirs are sold everywhere, they cost mere pennies, but nevertheless they will be a wonderful reminder of the trip.
You can take juicy sweet fruits with you. You simply cannot buy mangoes like those in the Dominican Republic in Russia!
Before throwing yourself into the whirlpool of shopping, you need to study the rules for exporting individual items from the country.
Thus, let's see what is PROHIBITED for export:
- alcohol more than 1 liter with an alcohol content of over 22%. Everything that is less strong can be taken out 2 liters, but no more;
- cigars over 50 pieces;
- coffee more than 500 grams;
- Unprocessed amber, tiger shells and tortoise shells are strictly prohibited from being exported from the country. Violating this prohibition is extremely dangerous! Even if it seems that luggage is not inspected very carefully, there are cases where tourists were simply kicked off a flight due to problems with luggage;
- Customs rules prohibit the export of souvenirs worth more than one hundred dollars. However, it is unlikely that customs officers will force you to present receipts for purchases, especially if they were made on the beach.
We hope that all of the above will help you navigate the huge selection of souvenirs and make pleasant and practical purchases that you won’t regret in the slushy autumn and frosty winter!
Video about how cigars are made in the Dominican Republic
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