Buying vs. Bringing basic toiletries

lilcanadiangal · #1 03-20-2004, 09:22 PM

Hi everyone,

I did a search and couldn't really find anything about buying things like shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, etc. Almost every post regarding that topic relates to cars or other household items.

I'm going to the DR for four months and I'm debating on whether or not to bring bring those items, or to buy them there. Can anyone recommend what I should do? Are these things really expensive to buy in the DR?

Thanks, in advance, for any advice!

lilcanadiangal

Ken · #2 03-20-2004, 09:28 PM

I don't know how the price compares, but all these items are readily obtained. Most large supermarkets have a section stocked with a variety of shampoos, etc.

quaqualita · #3 03-20-2004, 10:12 PM

I agree with Ken, supermarkets do have a variety of American or European shampoos etc, but they do not have THAT many different brands like back home. And yes, most of them cost at least twice the price, unless the dollar went up drastically within a few days and the supermarket didn't have a chance yet to adjust their pricing in Pesos.
If you live here, you have to get used to pay a lot more for your favourite shampoo (if you're lucky that you can get it here) or switch to a Dominican brand, which is much cheaper and actually not too bad.
For a four months trip, you won't need that many bottles: if you have a special brand you prefer, if you have still enough space in your suitcase, I would bring it with me in your case.

quaqualita

Hillbilly · #4 03-20-2004, 11:01 PM

There are some areas that are not served by large supermarkets.

Santo Domingo and Santiago and San Francisco de Macoris certainly are.

However, what you need is easily available. We don;t have Lava soap for example, and liquid Dial is scarce. Colgate Total can be found.

Shampoos and conditioners abound inthe markets.

Not to worry.

HB

melvinfrom NYC · #5 03-21-2004, 08:10 AM

It might be cheaper to use pesos to wipe your butt and nose with than buying tissues & TP

ricktoronto · #6 03-21-2004, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melvinfrom NYC

It might be cheaper to use pesos to wipe your butt and nose with than buying tissues & TP

The smallest note is RD$10 worth 20 US cents, so that's prettty dubious advice. And it is doubtful she meant toilet paper anyway.

Actually a lot of general personal supplies are not obscenely more than the N. American prices so I woudn't bring an excessive supply of personal grooming items if I had access to a decent sized store in a larger city.

Another major concern is the weight plus the risk of leakage due to pressure changes in the cargo area of the plane and the risk of having quarts of shampoo and conditioner all over your clothes though they'd smell nice and they'd be quite clean.

I buy shampoo and shavng supplies on occasion at the supermarkets in Boca Chica (no bargain bins those stores, generally) and when I reckon the prices back the $ they are not too bad. Except name brand antiperspirant/deodarant sticks they seem about double for some reason. YMMV.

Talldrink · #7 03-21-2004, 11:48 AM

Even if you save a few dollars by bringing it from abroad, the chance of those bottles breaking on the way and ruining all you have brought is not worth it. For a few month's worth, you will have to bring more than one bottle of all that, which will make your luggage very heavy, cutting your room to pack (most airlines only let you bring 2 luggage items @ 70 lbs each). So I suggest you buy it in DR and use the extra room for clothes and shoes - THAT is hard to find in DR at a good price.

BTW - Does anyone else think those airline pounds are magical? I took out 1 pair of shoes and one jean and that took off 15 lbs!!

lilcanadiangal · #8 03-21-2004, 01:52 PM

Thanks everyone for responding. I'll definitely just buy them there..that's what I wanted to do in the first place, i just wanted to make sure that it was a good idea. I'm not worried about spending a little extra for them, but I am very concerned about the luggage space! Somehow I have to fit enough clothes and shoes, along with everything else, for four months into two suitcases. It's going to be quite the challenge!

Anyways, thanks so much for all your help, it's definitely appreciated.

lilcanadiangal

Hillbilly · #9 03-21-2004, 06:34 PM

Maybe we can point you in the right direction for some stores and things to see and do, besides whatever it is that is bringing you here in the first place, that is...

A very curious,

HB

Talldrink · #10 03-21-2004, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilcanadiangal

Thanks everyone for responding. I'll definitely just buy them there..that's what I wanted to do in the first place, i just wanted to make sure that it was a good idea. I'm not worried about spending a little extra for them, but I am very concerned about the luggage space! Somehow I have to fit enough clothes and shoes, along with everything else, for four months into two suitcases. It's going to be quite the challenge!

Anyways, thanks so much for all your help, it's definitely appreciated.

lilcanadiangal

Lil' Gal, you can also send a box of items over there, if you find an agency they will get your stuff there very cheap and rapido.