You can combine shopping with beach combing as each resort in Punta Cana offers a variety of shops along its beachfront. Locals in the area own and operate these shops, so they are important sources of revenue for most. Some tourists find it annoying, but when you walk on the beach, shopkeepers from the beach stores often come to you and ask you to buy something. They may even keep pestering you. But travel experts advise that all you have to do is thank them and tell them you are not interested, and keep on walking. The very best thing to say is that you don’t have any money with you, and after hearing that, they will quickly walk away, and leave you alone.
There are items that you may see in local shops in Punta Cana that you probably should not buy. These include dried animals, like crabs, turtle shells and seashells, for a couple of reasons. One, it’s illegal, two, you won’t be permitted to bring them through customs, and three, you could get arrested for trying. Another reason for not buying items like these are it encourages the locals to kill and misuse these reef creatures.
Be ready for an adventure if you decide to go shopping away from the resort, in Punta Cana or in Bavaro. In those areas, you are likely to be mobbed by Dominicans trying to get you to go in the direction that they want. Dominicans are used to bartering to get to the price of an item that they want to pay or sell. So, you might have to expect that once in one of their stores, unless you’re an expert bargainer, you will have to play the game. It begins with a ridiculously expensive quote, which you will say is not workable. But then, the shopkeeper will argue with you, and in the process perhaps insult you for your stinginess. This can turn into an ordeal. Then again, sometimes a local shopkeeper will offer an item to you at a less expensive price than what you think it is worth, and you might wind up getting a great deal.