US$6 for a small bottle of water in Punta Cana airport

MariaRubia

Well-known member
Jun 25, 2019
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That's what they are charging in the departures area of Punta Cana. RD$ 350 for a small bottle, the ones that you can buy in the supermarket for RD$ 15.

Obviously they are able to do this as you have passed through security and had to give up any liquids, so if you did want water to drink on the plane you are forced to pay what they charge.

I know airports are usually expensive, but this is abuse in my opinion.
 

aarhus

Woke European
Jun 10, 2008
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That's what they are charging in the departures area of Punta Cana. RD$ 350 for a small bottle, the ones that you can buy in the supermarket for RD$ 15.

Obviously they are able to do this as you have passed through security and had to give up any liquids, so if you did want water to drink on the plane you are forced to pay what they charge.

I know airports are usually expensive, but this is abuse in my opinion.
So you won’t be brushing your teeth in it lol
 

MariaRubia

Well-known member
Jun 25, 2019
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How about going to the Duty Free store in any DR airport and paying Double or Triple for a bottle of Dominican Rum then you would pay in any supermarket?

Or more than that. Coffee that they sell for about US$ 4 a bag in the supermarket is US$ 22 in Punta Cana.

I don't understand how the government is so pro tourism, but then thinks this type of daylight robbery is fine.
 

Sol09

Well-known member
Jan 12, 2017
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Or more than that. Coffee that they sell for about US$ 4 a bag in the supermarket is US$ 22 in Punta Cana.

I don't understand how the government is so pro tourism, but then thinks this type of daylight robbery is fine.
Probably because when people come here on vacation they don't' care about the prices and aren't going to the grocery store to do comparisons.

This isn't isolated to PUJ airport, expect to pay a premium for anything at any airport.
 

thompstr

Active member
Mar 21, 2018
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That's what they are charging in the departures area of Punta Cana. RD$ 350 for a small bottle, the ones that you can buy in the supermarket for RD$ 15.

Obviously they are able to do this as you have passed through security and had to give up any liquids, so if you did want water to drink on the plane you are forced to pay what they charge.

I know airports are usually expensive, but this is abuse in my opinion.
You can bring a empty one, and fill after security
 

webmacon

Active member
Jul 4, 2006
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caribbeanostriches.com
That's what they are charging in the departures area of Punta Cana. RD$ 350 for a small bottle, the ones that you can buy in the supermarket for RD$ 15.

Obviously they are able to do this as you have passed through security and had to give up any liquids, so if you did want water to drink on the plane you are forced to pay what they charge.

I know airports are usually expensive, but this is abuse in my opinion.
USD 14 for a small sandwich in MIA, that’s what it is.
 

drstock

Silver
Oct 29, 2010
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Cabarete
Probably because when people come here on vacation they don't' care about the prices and aren't going to the grocery store to do comparisons.
I know an American I know who visits here from time to time can't get get his head around the value of currency here and calls it "Monopoly money".
 
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CristoRey

Welcome To Wonderland
Apr 1, 2014
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How about going to the Duty Free store in any DR airport and paying Double or Triple for a bottle of Dominican Rum then you would pay in any supermarket?
Sure way to keep them coming back for more. Poor Luis has put all of his eggs in one basket. Tourism, tourism and tourism. This time next year all of these AI's and new hotel projects will be empty. Sad.
 
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Auryn

Well-known member
Apr 22, 2012
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Or more than that. Coffee that they sell for about US$ 4 a bag in the supermarket is US$ 22 in Punta Cana.

I don't understand how the government is so pro tourism, but then thinks this type of daylight robbery is fine.
I looked at Cafe Santo Domingo in the main airport souvenir shop there on our last trip at the beginning of the month. It’s 250 pesos at Jumbo, and I’m sure it was 800-1000 in the airport. The new Gran Sierra etc. specialty varieties that come in the tin were also triple in price at least.

You average AI tourist doesn’t ever leave the resort without booking a carefully orchestrated tour, so they would have no clue about the price difference.

Because Punta Cana is the main tourist airport, they have to take full advantage until departure.
 

NotLurking

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Jul 21, 2003
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Sto Dgo Este
All airports are highway robbery irrespective of country. I paid US$5 for a bottle of water in MIA around the boarding gate waiting area about six months ago; probably more expensive now. I see three things that negatively affect prices in airports, logistics, rent and a captive clientele. Not much we can do really. Other than acquiring all needed items prior to arriving to the airport. Bottled water is the sole outlier. You can't simply walk past airport security with a bottle without explicitly being ask to drink or depose it. Quite the predicament for a cheapy like me. Gasp.
 
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SKY

Gold
Apr 11, 2004
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This pretty much sums it up as far as pricing goes.

In short, Punta Cana international airport, like many Dominican airports, has Duty free stores in all terminals. Both: arrivals and departures. You can pay practically with most currencies or with credit cards, but you will only get benefits if you buy items from international brands.

For the record all of the Duty Free shops in DR are owned by the same people that own the ones in Miami. The prices are the same as Miami EXCEPT for the robberies on Dominican products. ALL prices are set by Duty Free America, not anyone in the Dominican Government...................