Santiago de los Caballeros is the Dominican Republic’s shopping capital for authentic local products — not the resort-branded trinkets sold at beach hotels, but the real thing. World-famous cigars rolled by hand at La Aurora. Single-origin coffee from the mountain farms of Jarabacoa and Constanza. Artisanal cacao chocolate made from the finest Cibao Valley cocoa. And handmade crafts that reflect 500 years of Dominican culture.
This guide covers the best souvenirs to buy in Santiago and the Dominican Republic — what to look for, where to buy them, how much to pay, and what to avoid.
📸 Photo courtesy of @santaferia
Best souvenirs to buy in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the world’s largest exporter of premium hand-rolled cigars, and Santiago is the epicenter. La Aurora — founded in 1903 and the oldest cigar brand in the country — has its factory right in Santiago with a museum and shop. Brands like La Aurora, Davidoff, Arturo Fuente, Romeo y Julieta, Presidente and dozens of boutique labels are all available at local prices significantly cheaper than abroad. A box of quality Dominican cigars is the most impressive gift you can bring home.
Dominican rum is among the finest in the world and dramatically cheaper in the Dominican Republic than anywhere else. Top picks: Brugal 1888 (aged double barrel — the most awarded), Barceló Imperial (smooth sipping rum), Bermúdez (the traditional Santiago choice). Buy at any supermarket, liquor store or duty-free. Note the 1-liter bottles for the best value.
Dominican coffee is grown in the cool mountain regions around Jarabacoa and Constanza — and is significantly better than the instant stuff most tourists drink at resorts. Look for single-origin bags from mountain cooperatives. Best brands to bring home: Santo Domingo Café, Café Monte Real, Induban. Available at Jumbo supermarket (Ágora Santiago Center), Mercado Modelo, and specialty coffee shops in the city.
Larimar is a rare blue volcanic stone found exclusively in one mine in the southwest Dominican Republic — it exists nowhere else on earth. The stone ranges from pale sky blue to deep ocean blue and is typically set in silver jewelry. Rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets. It’s the most genuinely unique Dominican Republic souvenir you can buy — nothing else like it exists anywhere in the world. Buy from reputable jewelers or the Mercado Modelo to avoid synthetic imitations.
The Dominican Republic is the world’s largest organic cacao producer and the Cibao Valley is its heartland. Artisanal Dominican chocolate — made from single-origin Cibao cacao — is exceptional and completely different from mass-market chocolate. Look for bars from Öialla, Rizek, Chocolate Cortés and local artisanal producers. Also available: cacao nibs, cacao powder, and cocoa paste for cooking.
Dominican amber is considered some of the finest in the world — prized for its clarity and frequent inclusions of ancient insects, plants and air bubbles fossilized for 25 million years. (Yes — exactly like Jurassic Park). Available as raw pieces, polished specimens, and jewelry. Santiago has several amber specialists. Buy only from reputable shops — the market for fake amber (plastic) is significant.
The handcrafted papier-mâché lechón masks unique to the Santiago Carnival are extraordinary pieces of folk art — made by artisan families who pass the tradition down through generations. Wall-hanging versions make spectacular home décor pieces. Available at Mercado Modelo and specialty artisan shops. Each mask is unique — no two are identical.
The Mercado Modelo is full of local artisans selling handmade Dominican crafts — woven baskets, painted gourds (higüeras), leather goods, macramé, ceramics, and colorful textiles. These are the most affordable authentic souvenirs and the ones most deeply rooted in everyday Dominican culture. Bargaining is expected and welcomed here.
Walking distance to Ágora Santiago Center · central Av. Estrella Sadhalá · 91 rooms.
Where to buy souvenirs in Santiago
The best place for authentic, affordable Dominican crafts, amber, larimar, textiles and cigars. Expect to haggle. Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Located in the historic city center near Parque Duarte.
The only place to buy La Aurora cigars at factory prices, plus a museum showing the full production process. The on-site shop carries the full range — from everyday cigars to collector editions. Tours available.
The largest mall in northern DR — opened April 2025. Best for rum, packaged coffee, chocolate and branded Dominican products in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment. Jumbo supermarket opens at 7 AM.
Established mall with a mix of local and international stores. Good for jewelry (including larimar and amber), clothing, and everyday Dominican products. More relaxed atmosphere than Mercado Modelo.
Inside Ágora Santiago Center — excellent selection of Dominican rum, coffee, chocolate, hot sauces and packaged local foods at supermarket prices. Open from 7 AM. Best for last-minute souvenir shopping.
The cultural museum’s gift shop carries curated Dominican art, books, artisanal products and unique design items. More upscale than the market — great for quality gifts with cultural context.
What NOT to buy — avoid these tourist traps
- Fake larimar: Plastic or glass dyed blue and sold as larimar is common. Buy only from shops with authentication certificates, or buy at reputable jewelers. Genuine larimar has natural variations — perfect uniformity is a red flag
- Fake amber: The needle test (stick a hot needle to it — plastic melts and smells like burning plastic, amber doesn’t melt) is the best field test. Buy from established amber specialists
- Mass-produced “Dominican” items: Many items labeled “Dominican Republic” are imported from China. At the Mercado Modelo, look for items actually being made on-site or ask the artisan directly
- Airport prices: Everything at the airport is 20–40% more expensive than in the city. Stock up before your departure day
Current market hours · best cigar shops · trusted larimar dealers — we point you in the right direction.
Packing and customs tips
- Cigars: US residents can bring up to 100 cigars (non-Cuban) duty-free. No limit for personal use from Dominican Republic
- Rum: US residents can bring 1 liter duty-free. Additional bottles subject to duty but rarely inspected for personal quantities
- Larimar and amber: No restrictions — pack carefully in carry-on to avoid breakage
- Food products: Packaged coffee, sealed chocolate and packaged cacao are fine for most destinations. Check your country’s agricultural import rules for fresh products
- Wrap fragile items well: Carnival masks, pottery and amber specimens need good padding. Consider buying a local bag or wrapping at the market
Frequently asked questions
Dominican cigars are the most iconic souvenir — the country is the world’s largest exporter of premium hand-rolled cigars, and Santiago is where most of them are made. A box of La Aurora, Arturo Fuente or Davidoff cigars bought at factory prices in Santiago is an impressive and genuinely authentic gift. Dominican rum (Brugal 1888, Barceló Imperial) runs a close second.
Larimar is a rare blue volcanic stone found only in one location in the world — a single mine in the southwest Dominican Republic. It’s the most genuinely unique souvenir you can buy in the DR. In Santiago, buy larimar jewelry at the Mercado Modelo, Bella Terra Mall, or specialty jewelers. Always ask for an authenticity certificate and be wary of perfect uniformity which indicates imitation.
La Aurora Factory has the best selection at factory prices, plus a fascinating museum. The Mercado Modelo also has good cigar selection at negotiable prices. Avoid buying loose cigars from street vendors — quality control is inconsistent. For premium and boutique brands, visit specialty tobacco shops in the city center or shopping malls.
Yes — bargaining is expected and part of the culture at Mercado Modelo. Start at about 60–70% of the asking price and work toward a middle ground. Be respectful and friendly — this is a cultural exchange, not a confrontation. Don’t haggle at malls, specialty shops or the La Aurora factory where prices are fixed.
US residents can bring 1 liter of alcohol duty-free. Additional bottles are subject to duty but small personal quantities are rarely inspected. Check your country’s specific customs rules before buying large quantities. Most travelers bring 2–4 bottles without issue.
On Av. Estrella Sadhalá · walking distance to Ágora Mall · 91 rooms · casino & BarRocko restaurant.
