Why do so many people visit Aruba each year? Some say that they want to relax on the island’s pristine white beaches. Others want to learn more about the history of the Dutch West Indies. A sizable number, however, will tell you that they want to experience the great shopping options that Aruba has to offer. We’ll admit that Caribbean shopping isn’t what it was decades ago, but there are still plenty of bargains to be found.
Here’s what you need to know about shopping on the island:
Hours
Most shops in Aruba are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The hours of operation do reflect the laid-back culture of the island, though, and you may find that shops are closed through the lunch hour (noon to 2 p.m.). If you want to spend your day at the beach, don’t worry about missing out on picking up some souvenirs. The Aruba Merchants Association has been encouraging retailers to stay open later than 6 p.m. so that visitors can shop in the evening.
Monetary considerations
Aruba has its own currency known as the florin (denoted by “Awg” or “Afl”), but most retailers accept U.S. dollars, credit cards and travelers checks.
You may see the tagline “duty-free” at shops, but be warned that this may not be entirely true. Unlike Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba is a foreign entity and you may be subject to import duties or taxes. According to the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection, cruise ship passengers returning to the United States are entitled to a duty-free tax exemption of $800 per person.
Where to go
Oranjestad, the capital and largest city in Aruba, has plenty of shopping destinations, including:
- Caya G.F. Betico Croes – Also known as Main Street, this is the major shopping area for most full-year island residents. Here, you will also find plenty of shopping malls like the Renaissance and Royal Plaza Centers.
- Palm Beach Plaza – Hailed as the largest mall in the Southern Caribbean, Palm Beach is three stories tall and boasts an arcade, bowling alley and movie theater in addition to its many shops.
- Port of Call Marketplace – Not surprisingly, this center is one of the first places cruise ship passengers encounter after disembarking. Here you’ll find t-shits and common Caribbean souvenirs at bargain prices.
What to buy
- Aloe – This may seem like a head-scratcher, as aloe products can be purchased just about anywhere, but after tourism, aloe is an important component of the Aruban economy. Decades ago, aloe farms used to dot the island, and manufacturers still produce moisturizers in multiple formulations that are used around the world for sun burns to skin grafts. Visit Aruba Aloe and take a tour of their farm and factory.
Photo courtesy of Aruba Aloe
- Luxury goods – While Aruban prices on luxury items are reasonable, many North American visitors often find that they can get better deals at home. The exception to this is with jewelry and perfume. You can often find diamonds, gold, watches and fragrances at much more reasonable prices at Aruban shops than you would at home.
If you’re planning on taking a Caribbean cruise this summer, now is the time to start planning. The agents at CruiseExperts.com can make the process easier by developing an itinerary for you and suggesting great places to visit. Call us at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visit our website www.CruiseExperts.com.
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