Choose what you would enjoy discovering
A shopping outing can focus on a few meaningful purchases instead of a long list of stops. Dominican crafts, artwork and jewellery made with amber or larimar appear in the country’s tourism guidance. Browse for objects you like, ask who made them and compare the information offered by different sellers.
Choose the type of visit first: an individual craft shop, an art gallery, a shopping centre or a neighbourhood with several stores. A compact indoor visit and an outdoor market require different plans for surfaces, shade and distances. Avoid assuming that every shop in the same area has the same entrance.
Check access before committing to the route
Ask each priority shop about the entrance threshold, doorway and space between displays. For a shopping centre, check the drop-off point, lifts between floors and the location of accessible toilets. Request recent photographs when a simple yes-or-no answer does not explain the route.
Keep your most important stop early in the visit and allow time to browse without rushing. Agree where you can take a seated break. If a shop proves unsuitable on arrival, an alternative stop should be a choice rather than a promise that cannot be checked in advance.
Make informed purchases
For jewellery or a higher-value craft purchase, ask for an itemised receipt and the seller’s written description of the material. A guide or driver taking you to a shop does not authenticate the product. Compare prices in the same currency and confirm how a card charge will be processed before paying.
Consider the weight, dimensions and protective packaging for the journey home. Check your airline’s baggage rules and your destination country’s customs restrictions before buying food, plants, animal-derived items or anything difficult to transport. Keep purchases clear of wheelchair controls and the vehicle’s securement area.
Book the outing that fits your day
From Punta Cana, you can enquire about a half-day shopping outing or a planned mall visit. Share the shops or types of products you have in mind, your accommodation and preferred return time. Purchases and refreshments are paid separately unless your confirmation states otherwise.
If you already have a shopping plan, arrange the outward and return journeys through our accessible transport page. Ask which stops, waiting time and wheelchair arrangements are included before confirming.
Destination inspiration
The Ministry of Tourism’s Santo Domingo shopping guide describes the city’s crafts, galleries and shopping options. Its listings are ideas for planning, not an assurance that every venue suits every mobility requirement.