Shopping in the U.S. Virgin Islands

• USVI Duty-Free Shopping
• Shopping in St. John
• Shopping in St. Thomas
• Shopping in St. Croix
• Virgin Islands Souvenirs

The U.S. Virgin Islands are a lovely area to visit. Of course, in addition to the beautiful beaches and lovely turquoise ocean, visitors to the Virgin Isles will want to take advantage of the plentiful shopping opportunities that abound in this shopping haven.

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.

Buy Tax-Free in the US Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands has the privilege of being one of the places in the world where individuals can enjoy duty free shopping. The possibility of duty free USVI shopping allows individuals to not pay tax on their goods. Jewelery, alcohol, cigarettes, and high-end electronics are popular choices for the duty free shopper wishing to stretch her shopping dollar.

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.

Shop St. John

There are no shortage of shops a traveler can choose to visit. One of the most popular shopping areas in the Virgin Islands is Mongoose Junction on St. John, which has a variety of craft shops, some of which feature artisans at work. There are batik shops, and shell jewelry makers, among other island specialties. In addition to being a good place to find souvenirs from the Virgin Islands, there are a variety of traditional shopping venues such as J C Penney available in this shopping center. Whatever it is you aspire to buy you will find it at Mongoose Junction.

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. Thomas Shopping

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.

On St. Thomas one can have fun wondering through the Royal Dane mall and visiting the historic walkways nearby. This mall has many shopping venues available as well as the advantage of being located in a beautiful setting. There are many other fun and interesting places to shop on St. Thomas as well, many of them clustered along the narrow streets of Charlotte Amalie.

St. Croix Shopping

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.

St. Croix is home to stores selling Caribbean inspired jewelery and accent pieces. One unique Virgin Isles souvenir item is a signature hook and capture bracelet set that is both beautiful and functional. One can only hope to be inspired by the many local Caribbean arts and crafts that these stores have to offer.

Unique Souvenirs

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.

Many of the stores in the US Virgin Islands offer perfumes and tropical accent scents that come from neighboring islands such as the Antilles. The islands are so fragrant with many native and tropical scents, there are a number of perfumeries and also spice items available. Locally-distilled rum is also a popular choice, with St. Croix's own Cruzan being one of the better-known labels. There are many things native to the islands that are sold in local stores that will make cherished souvenirs to remember your wonderful, tropical visit to the Virgin Islands.