DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SHOPPING

The most unique purchase in the Dominican Republic is amber, available at gift shops along the north coast. Amber prices vary from $3 US for small earrings to $200 US for a mosquito encased in amber to several hundred dollars for large, chunky necklaces or amber set in gold. The color of the amber affects the price as well. Generally the pale blonde amber is the least expensive.

Amber resembles plastic, so avoid buying from street vendors and check your item before purchasing. Amber possesses a slight electromagnetic charge, so genuine amber, when rubbed on a piece of cloth, should attract particles. Better stores, such as Puerto Plata's Amber Museum Shop, also have an ultraviolet light for testing. Genuine pieces will glow under the light. Also, amber will float in salt water while plastic will sink.

Other popular souvenirs are Brugal rum (about US $3 -to $4 per liter), Dominican cigars, merengue cassette tapes, and larimar, a blue stone similar to turquoise.