Ask any traveler who has ever visited the U.S. Virgin Islands and you will hear that St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas offer some of the best shopping in the world. Whether arriving by cruise ship, charter yacht or plane, travelers will find an endless selection of treasures to carry home as reminders of their USVI vacation.
With no customs duties on watches, cameras, perfume, jewelry, liquor, china, leather goods and more, this shopper's paradise is a duty-free port for travelers - and there are no sales or luxury taxes. U.S. visitors are allowed a duty-free shopping allowance of $1200 - twice the quota of any other Caribbean island and three times that of European countries. In addition to this exemption, shoppers may also mail home to friends and family one gift per day (other than liquor or tobacco) each worth $100 or less.
Voted the Caribbean's "best duty-free shopping port" by Caribbean Travel & Life readers, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas' capital, is known around the world for its duty-free treasurers. The quaint, Danish-designed shops lining Main and Back streets offer great deals on brand names such as Coash, Cartier and Fendi. Even more bargains can be found in Palm Passage, Riise Alley and other downtown shopping arcades. Cruise passengers always enjoy searching for affordably priced jewelry, electronics and cameras at the open-air Havensight Mall adjacent to St. Thomas' cruise ship dock. Charter-yacht vacationers claim American Yacht Harbor as one of their favorite sites to fit in a little shopping with their sailing.
With its relaxed atmosphere and charm, St. John offers even more treasurers. Locally made items inspired by the island's beauty can be found in stores snuggled throughout Cruz Bay, the island's main town. Exotic jewelry, home accessories and pottery are just a few of the must-buys that draw visitors to Mongoose Junction and Wharfside Village, Cruz Bay's two main retail areas. Eager shoppers will want to venture across the island to Coral Bay in seach of locally designed jewelry, apparel and artwork.
St. Croix's duty-free shopper's paradise begins in Christiansted, the island's main town. Jewelry, perfume and liquor can all be found at bargain prices in the Danish-inspired storefronts that line King and Strand streets. Since opening last year, the shops at King's Alley Walk have become popular with visitors. The waterfront stores and street vendors in Frederiksted, the island's other town, offer their own mix of duty-free treasures. Many retailers in Frederiksted remain open late every other Wednesday evening when "Harbor Night" is celebrated with music and dancing in the streets.
No matter the island or the shop, visitors to the USVI won't have difficulty finding something to take home as a reminder of their vacation. The problem will come, however, when they try to fit all their duty-free booty in their suitcases. Die-hard shoppers admit mailing their treasurers home is the best option.
