Pressure selling and inflated shop prices in Dominican Republic

Shopping plazas and shops outside resorts in Punta Cana and Bavaro.

How it works

Friendly salespeople draw you into a shop. Prices start very high. Sellers may argue or insult you when you bargain, making you feel pressured to buy.

Warning signs

A salesperson insists that you enter their shop.
The opening price seems unusually high.
The seller becomes rude when you question the price.

How to avoid it

Compare prices before buying.
Set a spending limit before entering.
Leave if bargaining becomes uncomfortable.
Do not buy just to end an argument.

If it happens to you

Stop bargaining and leave if you feel pressured. If you have already paid, keep the receipt and ask for a refund, though recovery is not guaranteed.

Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront an aggressive group.
If you are threatened, injured or in immediate danger, call 911.
Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorized payments. Secure any accounts on a stolen phone.
Save receipts, messages, booking details and a short account of what happened. Record the time and place.
Report the incident to tourist police or police. Request a report or reference number for insurance.
Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.

Where it happensShopping plazas and shops outside resorts in Punta Cana and Bavaro.Punta Cana, Bavaro

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

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Questions

What is the pressure selling and inflated shop prices scam in Dominican Republic?

Friendly salespeople draw you into a shop. Prices start very high. Sellers may argue or insult you when you bargain, making you feel pressured to buy.

How can I spot it early?

A salesperson insists that you enter their shop. The opening price seems unusually high. The seller becomes rude when you question the price.

How do I avoid pressure selling and inflated shop prices in Dominican Republic?

Compare prices before buying. Set a spending limit before entering. Leave if bargaining becomes uncomfortable. Do not buy just to end an argument.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Stop bargaining and leave if you feel pressured. If you have already paid, keep the receipt and ask for a refund, though recovery is not guaranteed.

Where in Dominican Republic does this happen?

Shopping plazas and shops outside resorts in Punta Cana and Bavaro. It has been reported in Punta Cana, Bavaro.

How common is this scam in Dominican Republic?

Very common. The Dominican Republic is generally safe, but visitors can face persistent touts, inflated shopping prices and pressure over taxi choices. Other risks include people posing as resort staff, demands for protection money, motorcycle bag snatching and theft from accommodation.

Who can I report it to?

Tourist police / Politur: contact this agency if you encounter problems. Ask your hotel or a staffed business to help you reach it. National Police in Santo Domingo: the station is at Av. Leopoldo Navarro #402. The central line is +1 809-682-2151. Police in Punta Cana and Bavaro: call +1 809 686-8227. Stations are next to the Sitrabapu bus terminal in Bavaro and at Galerias Punta Cana near the airport. Card issuer: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorized charges. Accommodation management: report room theft or someone claiming to be a hotel employee. Ask management to preserve relevant records. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help replacing a stolen passport. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and provide receipts, evidence and any police report.

What number do I call in an emergency in Dominican Republic?

Emergency assistance: 911.

Reviewed by @snuck