Shopping in Jamaica - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

Shopping has long become an essential part of any vacation, Jamaica is no exception here. Despite the fact that the island doesn’t have a highly developed economy, many tourists arrive not only to enjoy beach recreation and to admire local nature but also to visit local shopping centers and traditional markets where Jamaican merchants offer many interesting goods to foreigners. It is likely that every tourist will want to buy some memorable item during their Jamaica vacation or other interesting goods.

Shopping in Jamaica has some peculiarities and nuances. First of all, do not bargain when making a purchase in a large shopping center. They have fixed prices. However, bargaining is ok at local markets. Even more, bargaining is mandatory there. When visiting Jamaican markets, it is better not to take big sums of cash and prepare paper money in small denominations in order to escape thievery or various conflict situations. As for an ordinary tourist, it may be difficult to navigate in Jamaican towns, it is better to hire a taxi to get to a market or a shopping center. By the way, many taxi drivers offer discounts if you hire them for several hours or a whole day.

Such resort cities as Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, as well as the country’s capital, Kingston, are the main shopping destinations of the island. They are also the location of the majority of large shopping centers. As a rule, local shopping centers work from 9 am to 5 pm. On weekends, local shopping centers can close already at 3 pm. Shopping malls accept cash and debit/credit cards. Both the US and Jamaican dollars are accepted on the island. There are several duty-free shops in Jamaica. This is an interesting peculiarity of the island – local duty-free shops are open not only in the airport but in different locations in Jamaica. Tourists can get nice discounts in these shops and buy jewelry, branded watches, and perfumes. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In other to experience authentic Jamaican shopping, tourists need to visit local traditional markets. Quite often, these markets are open in remote neighborhoods, so for tourists, it is better to refrain from visiting them alone. Local drug sellers are one more unpleasant surprise that tourists may encounter in Jamaica. It is recommended not to deal with them. Small shops and trading stalls adjacent to the seller’s house are typical for Jamaica. As a rule, local sellers try to attract tourists with small performances or traditional Jamaican music and dancing. As a rule, these small shops offer local handicrafts and different souvenirs. Tourists need to know that it is prohibited to purchase corals and different items made from turtle shell. It is illegal to buy these items in Jamaica.

The choice of souvenirs that travelers can bring from Jamaica is not big. Different items with the portrait of Bob Marley, such as t-shirts, bandanas, caps, and scarves, are very popular on the island. A Rastafarian hat is also an interesting and eye-catching accessory. Consider buying original stone figurines, wooden and ceramic items created by local artisans. They still have traces of the African past of the islanders. Dried crabs are also a popular Jamaican souvenir. Nowadays, it is hard to surprise anyone with a gift like this, but dried crabs are still sold everywhere in Jamaica. Local shops and souvenir stores always offer paintings by local artists and CDs with the music of the legendary founder of reggae music.

Besides traditional souvenirs, many tourists buy local rum. Connoisseurs of this drink agree that Jamaican rum is not inferior to the Cuban one. A local drink called “roots tonic”, which is similar to rum, is also very popular. Jamaicans believe in its magic capabilities in restoring male power. Blue Mountain coffee is one more interesting present that tourists can bring from Jamaica. This coffee has a pleasant and elegant taste that is free of bitterness. Blue Mountain is famous far beyond the borders of the island, but it is better to buy it in Jamaica, in shops not far from the coffee factory. Coffee liqueur is another delicious gift from Jamaica. It is sold virtually everywhere on the island. The island is famous for its unique spices. Local markets even offer individually blended spices in accordance with preferences of buyers.

Just like in any other country, there are sales in Jamaica. Sales are organized during the Christmas period and in the off-season. Prices are significantly lower during the period from May to October because of the rain season and fewer tourists. Mid-winter is the peak season, so prices are higher because of numerous foreign guests. There are no tax-free services in Jamaica because it is hard to buy something more expensive than a hundred American dollars on the island.