Shopping for Shipping to the Dominican Republic
My experience with delivery orders being shipped to the Dominican Republic and how it works.
In search
It all started as we were looking for a particular item. We searched through local websites, flyers and by popping up in different stores. The Capital city had the best options and the search would have ended if we decided to travel there.
We traveled to shop in the Capital before, but it only makes sense if the item doesn’t sell anywhere else. This item is available, but we were just being specific and looking for delivery.
Order set and how its delivered
So, first off we looked at the usual popular online shopping websites. The options were endless, with all sorts of prices. The goal was to find something of good quality, but lower prices than what would be found locally.
After an extended search, we agreed on the one for purchase. Now what’s left to do is type in the credit card information and we’re good to go. The delivery would arrive in Miami in a few days.
Why Miami? In the Dominican Republic, to receive online orders from outside the country, you must sign up with a local courier. That local courier will supply you with an ID code and address for where to send your orders to.
So in my case I’m not in the US, and I wanted something from a US based seller. The receiving address for my order will be where I was assigned from the courier company in the DR. In my case it happens to be Miami, Florida.
As my package arrives in Miami, then it will be transferred to me in the Dominican Republic. I’m told that not everyone in the Dominican Republic is assigned to the same courier address in the US, it would depend on the company.
My package arrived at the nearby courier office where I only had to pay the delivery fee for release. Many couriers have the option to pay fee online and have the courier deliver to your home.
Would I do it again? depends
The service was smooth and easy to use. The delivery was on time. In fact, it arrived a day early.
The item came in a box. No damages, no problems, no complaints from me. They gave me a tracking number where I could monitor the movements.
With that being said, I don’t think ordering from outside the country is really worth it. Unless you’re specific on a particular model or brand name, but even then, it could probably be found here in the country.
In a scenario where an item is not found in the Dominican Republic, and will cost less by ordering online, then you have to factor in the extra cost of the overseas delivery fee.
I personally would use this service again, but not for anything that I could take a couple hours bus ride to go buy. Top name electronics and popular US brands cost much more in the Dominican Republic.
Seeing a 30% plus markup on one of your trusted brands might have you thinking about ordering online for delivery. The carrier I used from Miami to DR charges based on weight.
My advice is to order when huge sales are going on, or anything that doesn’t weigh too much, if you want to save some cash, and to be worth it.
Why not just choose Amazon?
Just recently Amazon announced delivery to the Dominican Republic. It sounds good and has its pros, but the cons won’t necessarily have everyone leaving the traditional courier.
Amazon offers free shipping for orders between $50 and $200 USD. Standard shipping typically takes 5 to 15 days; expedited shipping can arrive within 2 to 5 days.
Amazon has a limited selection, higher costs for smaller items, and a few major points that buyers need to be aware of. It’s safe to say that the Dominican Republic has a tax for items over $200 USD.
You are legally required to pay a combination of taxes, including an ITBIS of 18% plus customs duties that can range from 3% to 20% depending on what the item is. Amazon always charges these taxes upfront for items over $200 USD.
Couriers are more flexible. They often help packages slip through customs untaxed or allow you to prove a lower sale price to avoid paying up to 18–38% in extra government fees.
And also, Amazon ships boxes separately and charges multiple fees. Couriers combine boxes into one shipment to save you significant shipping money.
Ultimately, it depends on your patience and your pocketbook. Whether you stick with the local trusted couriers or try Amazon’s new direct shipping, just remember to do the math on the weight and taxes before you click 'buy'.
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