Stick with simply bringing your own sticks, or picking up some Leon Jimenes or La Auroras while you're there.
I am also going to Punta Cana the end of April and I plan on taking my own ISOM's and Fuente's to smoke while I am there...why waist the time looking for these there when you can get them cheaper here. Anyway you stated that Leon Jimenes or La Auroras are the way to go...could you give me some advice on just how to go about that? I wanted to go on a cigar factory tour while I am there but all I get from members at the Travel forum is to go to Don Lucas or Domenico's factories and buy the cigars there...well I do not think so!
Some guidance in finding these while I am there would be great!
eyetek
Those are pretty much available anywhere and everywhere there. In La Romana, there is a store called Jumbo that is kind of like a Dominican Super Wal-Mart. They have everything from grocery store foods/meats/deli/dairy/bakery, to music, to clothing (they have the nicest linen guayaberas there, though in the DR they call them chacabanas, to beautiful, pristine cigar selections. Very inexpensive too as the DR peso is in pretty bad shape. I have a house and staff in Casa Campo, but if you are at a resort and want to venture off of it, make sure to arrange a driver with the resort ahead of time. Best to not try to find taxi services outside. Also, avoid mentioning that you are on the look for cigars. You'll be steered towards ISOMS (most badly done fakes at that). Instead just try to mention that you are looking for a multi-goods, dry goods store like Jumbo (don't think they have one in Punta Cana, but it's been a couple of years since I last went to Punta Cana itself). Or, if you stress it enough, say you are only looking for Jimenes' products. They will still try to hock some ISOMS on you though.
But, enjoy it. It's absolutely gorgeous there and, for the hugely most part, the people are amazingly gracious, kind and caring. Hospitality there is amazing.
Enjoy.
