Shopping in DR...Weeeeeeeee

[Lapurr]

Just wanted to ask about DR Shopping, For Example :

The Bow flex Machine, something that I would pay $3000 here, I saw in Higuey for $700 US.
Another ..is a Moen, Rain shower, the full body faucet sets-here $5000 in DR $800 US

So for people and expats that move to DR With some money in hand (bank) they can really set themselves up nicely..these are just some of the things I've noticed. The dramatic price differences.

I have noticed prices to be much less in DR than here, even shoes and Nikes and anything..I was surprised to see some of the things I did, considering it was a developing Country.

There is really no question here, I'm just wondering what other things you have seen available in DR and just were surprised to see it there? Or do they have everything US and Canada have just minus the big box stores?

[montreal]

Very few imported items cost less in the DR....Unless it's a knock-off or stolen. Especially in Higuey, things are a lot cheaper in the capital.

The big box stores are making their way into the DR just like they did in Canada unfortunately

[dv8]

EVERYTHING i like is more expensive in DR than europe. shoes, clothes, cosmetics, cars. cheap brand shoes in DR are either stolen or fake. also never ever any offers BUY ONE GET ONE FREE. and no 75% off sales either.
construction of a nice house in of course cheaper (due to cheap labour) but finishing is not. good quality sinks/taps are cheaper in europe. same goes for appliances.

[Expat133]

can u buy decent black leather dress shoes in SD, if so where and how much average?

what about good quality suits tht are suitable for this climate? how much?

[AK74]

Originally Posted by Lapurr

Just wanted to ask about DR Shopping, For Example :

The Bow flex Machine, something that I would pay $3000 here, I saw in Higuey for $700 US.
Another ..is a Moen, Rain shower, the full body faucet sets-here $5000 in DR $800 US

So for people and expats that move to DR With some money in hand (bank) they can really set themselves up nicely..these are just some of the things I've noticed. The dramatic price differences.

I have noticed prices to be much less in DR than here, even shoes and Nikes and anything..I was surprised to see some of the things I did, considering it was a developing Country.

There is really no question here, I'm just wondering what other things you have seen available in DR and just were surprised to see it there? Or do they have everything US and Canada have just minus the big box stores?

Well... All people around me try to bring all expensive things from USA. Even considering cost of shipping, bribes, customs and such.

Maybe we are talking about some different things I do not know. Most luxury level items in DR are twice more expensive than in US, often refurbished or plain fake.

It is only a limited individual experience. I will be happy if your experience is different.

Every time from NY to POP my maletas are full to limit with peoples orders - buy this! buy that! and that! and that!!

With all American negative things , better and cheaper shopping than in USA is hard to imagine.

[CFA123]

LaPurr,
Your experience goes against practically everything I've run into regarding shopping. I don't know anyone that recommends DR as a shopping destination for bargain hunters.



My experience:

• Quality imported items are much more expensive than in the U.S.
• Electronic items are more expensive and/or of inferior quality or outdated technology.
• Appliances are more expensive and often of inferior quality or outdated.
• Clothing with good quality fabrics and construction is more expensive
• Imported food is expensive
• Gasoline is more expensive
• Cars are more expensive
• etc, etc, etc

Bottom line, my experience is one must pay a premium for quality items in DR on just about everything.

If you're finding bargains on brand name exercise equipment, Nike's, faucets, etc... I'd suspect you're looking at counterfeits, overruns, old inventory or defective items.


If it's all legit, please advise where you're shopping!

[Lapurr]

The counterfeit idea came into my mind, so i'm sure when it comes to name brand clothing /shoes etc...they very well may have been fakes.

As far as excercise equipment and the luxery rain shower, those i saw in Higuey, it was an all in one shopping centre...can't remember the name? sorry!

But thanks for sharing your list of experiences, i will definately take your word for it!!

[Bellamona]

CFA123:

# Quality imported items are much more expensive than in the U.S.
# Electronic items are more expensive and/or of inferior quality or outdated technology.
# Appliances are more expensive and often of inferior quality or outdated.
# Clothing with good quality fabrics and construction is more expensive

I agree with CFA - I try to load up on personal items when I go to LA: PC stuff, radios, Clarins products, etc., I try to buy a year's worth over there (a years worth of makeup and creams, etc, obviously, not a years worth of radios!). My brand name Black-and-Decker items must be knock-offs -I bought them here and they've barely lasted 6 months without a problem. I love the LA and Vegas outlets and usually load up on work clothes there. I am through buying shoes here, even the $1500 peso ones which would be CHEAP in the States, fall apart after a few outings.

For plastic items here I look for the Colombian brand RIMAX.

[Big_Poppi2]

I am looking for a world baseball classic jersey, but the ones on the mlb site are way too expensive and can't find them in the D.R. do any stores there have online sales, would like one from 2007 but also want one for 2009, gracias
Biggs

[SKY]

Originally Posted by Big_Poppi2

I am looking for a world baseball classic jersey, but the ones on the mlb site are way too expensive and can't find them in the D.R. do any stores there have online sales, would like one from 2007 but also want one for 2009, gracias
Biggs

The Classic was played in 2006, not 2007. I never saw any jerseys here when it was played in 06, so I doubt you will find any now.