Top 5 Duty Free Shopping Destinations in the Caribbean

A Caribbean vacation isn’t complete without shopping, especially duty-free shopping. While duty-free shops are found in virtually every airport and port in the region, certain stations have more shops and boutiques that offer more discounts—up to 40 percent! These island destinations even allow tourists to take advantage of the opportunity to bring a limited amount of goods back home duty-free from their trip to the Caribbean.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

The capital of St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie, is the main duty-free shopping center in the Caribbean. It houses literally hundreds of duty-free shops along its main streets; Main Street, Back Street, and Waterfront Street, as well as their connecting alleys. Here you will find from jewelry, clothes, cameras, rum and other types of alcohol. The Havensight Mall across from St. Thomas Harbor is another popular destination for duty-free shopping. American visitors enjoy a special exemption on St. Thomas, allowing them to bring in up to $1,600 worth of goods duty-free.

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Front Street in Philipsburg is a mile-long stretch of duty-free shopping, with more than two dozen stores! Popular products include jewelry, tobacco products, leather goods, local spirits, as well as a wide selection of flavored rums. Most of the designer products are offered at discount rates that often reach up to 40%, below US retail prices. Some of the brand name boutiques available here are Tiffany, Tommy Hilfiger, Faconnable, Cartier and Lalique.

Nassau, Bahamas

Bay Street in Nassau has the largest concentration of duty free shops in the Bahamas, offering everything from spirits, crystals, china, photography equipment, watches and perfume. If you’re looking for crafts and other souvenirs, head to Nassau’s famous Straw Market. Most shops haggle, so bring any shopping savvy you may have.

George Town, Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is among the world’s heavyweights when it comes to duty-free shopping. The shops of the capital, George Town, are conveniently located within walking distance of the cruise terminal. Tourists are treated to designer watches, porcelain, jewelry, perfumes, crystals, rare coins and many more products at bargain prices.

Broad Street and Sunset Crest, Barbados

Broad Street in Bridgetown, Barbados is the hub of duty-free shopping and department stores with big name brands. Check out discount luxury items like jewelry, name-brand clothing, cosmetics, and home appliances. Sunset Crest’s Madison Duty Free Inc., located in the West Coast Mall, is famous for selling designer clothing and apparel; linen suits, cocktail dresses, shoes and other accessories.

Along with snorkeling, beach bar crawling, duty-free shopping has long been associated with a Caribbean vacation. If you’re in the vibrant tropical region of the Caribbean, you know where to shop.