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Aruba offers a good range of souvenirs and memorabilia to take back home for family and friends. They make not good as gifts but are also a pleasing reminder of your memorable vacation to the Caribbean Islands. Colorful malls and main streets of Aruba look inviting as the shops are well-stocked with floral perfumes, glittering gold jewelry, trendy watches, sparkling gems, latest designer wears and intriguing gadgets and sophisticated electronics. |
Shopping in Aruba can comprise of imported merchandise and luxury items at good bargain prices. Aruba is not a duty free port but the duty is relatively low enough that one can get certain items at a very good price such as jewelry, perfume, fashions and electronic equipment.
Many stores also display and sell local handicraft items. Local handicrafts in Aruba are often found in the form of original paintings and folk art, expressing the island experience through ceramics, kwihi-wood objects, and metal-worked pieces. The wharf on Oranjestad's harbor side is full of display of paintings, t-shirts, photographs (some of them historical), pottery and jewelry.
Stores on the main streets are open from 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday. Some are closed for lunch between noon and 2 pm. Shops in the malls and shopping centers are open from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Some stores are open on Sundays and holidays when cruise ships are in port.
Most stores and boutiques are located in Oranjestad. However, some very good shops can also be found at the larger hotels and at the airport. Since Aloe is abundant in Aruba, skin care products are manufactured on the island and make a good buy.
Citizens of the United States who have been out of the country for a minimum of 48 hours and who have not used their respective duty free allowance within 30 days are entitled to a $600.00 duty free tax exemption. Canadian citizens who have been outside Canada for a minimum of 7 days are permitted a duty free exemption of $500.00 Canadian dollars. Citizens are also permitted a duty free exemption of $200.00 each time they are out of the country for more than 48 hours. Exemptions cannot be pooled with spouse and/or children.
International trends and stylish statements by the world's well known designers such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss and Kenneth Cole are easily available. Luxury items from big brands like Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo are also available. Aruba's designer boutiques provide symbols of the good life for prices often less than what is normally found back home.
By: Shuchita Bist
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2007
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