The most popular local beer is Presidente , which is of fairly high quality and more than acceptable for most tourists. The D.R. also brews a variety of excellent rums, including brands of different levels of quality made by the local Barcelo and Brugal companies, and others too. The D.R. is renowned for its large deposits of Amber, and many beautiful pieces of jewelry featuring this yellowish-brown fossil resin are available for a wide variety of prices. Watch out for plastic imitations - most jewellers have fluorescent lights to check. There are also many inexpensive pieces of pottery and earthenware made locally, as well as products made from seashells and coral.
Transformers are necessary for European appliances.
One of the main problems in the country are the recurrent power shortages which often occur for several hours at all hours of the day or night, so it may be a good idea to bring along a small flashlight for sudden power cut-offs. Most hotels have generators to make up for this deficiency, but some of the smaller ones may not and you never know when it may cut off. Note that by law holidays can be moved from the middle of the week to the beginning or the end of the work week to make long weekends. Jan 1 New Year's Day. Jan 6 Epiphany.