Shopping in the Virgin Islands

In addition to the relaxing setting and opportunity to spend time at the beach, the Virgin Islands offer great deals on designer products, making shopping yet another reason to book a trip.

The Goods

If you are looking for a great deal, be on the lookout for items that would normally be expensive back home.  Art, cameras, china, clothing, electronics, jewelry, leather goods, linens, perfume, and spirits can often be found at discounted rates in the Virgin Islands.  When choosing a perfume, why not go for the tropical scents, made from the plants of nearby islands?

Cruzan rum is brewed on St. Croix, so this makes for a great gift as a symbol of locally produced product.  Jams and jellies, hot sauce, and spices are a few other edible options. 

There are many locally made handicrafts that serve as excellent souvenirs including batik, olls, shell jewelry, and woven items.  Don't leave for home without picking up the traditional souvenir of the U.S. Virgin Islands: the Caribbean Hook Bracelet. 

Where to Shop

U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Thomas

In St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie is where you will find the best shopping around.  Three streets within walking distance, Main Street (or Dronningens Gade), Back Street, and Waterfront are lined with duty free shops.  Clothes, jewelry, housewares, artwork, and more make up the goods that can be found in this area of the island.  Also in Charlotte Amalie, is the Vendor Plaza.  Here, local entrepreneurs set up booths selling handicrafts, imitation products, and funky souvenirs.  You can also purchase snacks and beverages, get your hair done, or get a picture taken with a donkey!  Right near the primary cruise ship dock in Havensight, visitors will find a collection of shops that cater directly to cruise passengers. Duty free, tax, free, and filled with souvenirs, the hours of these stores directly coincide with whether or not a ship is docked.  Elsewhere on the island you will find shopping centers that are mainly frequented by locals, but keep your eyes peeled, because you never know when you will find a good deal.

St. John

One of the most popular spots to shop in the U.S. Virgin Islands is at Mongoose Junction on St. John.  This is a great place to find quintessentially Caribbean items, like hand made crafts, artwork, batik, and shell jewelry.  There are also a few chain shops in the area, including department stores that American visitors will be familiar with. Wharfside Village is the island's other major retail area, which is immediately accessible to ferry travelers.  This shopping center is much like Mongoose Junction, which is within walking distance.  The Coral Bay area is another great place to find souvenirs like t-shirts and jewelry.  Visitors will also find duty free shopping at many of the resorts, however, prices will typically be higher in these facilities than out on the streets.

St. Croix

Christiansted is St. Croix's shopping center.  Danish-inspired storefronts provide a welcoming atmosphere, and the prices on high end goods keep that good feeling going.  Kings Alley Walk and Strand Street in Christiansted offer shops that sell jewelry, clothing, housewares, and more.  Along the water in Fredericksted, there is a decent mixture of shops and street vendors, selling a variety of those high end goods at discounted prices that everyone is after, as well as the locally made items that are perfect for people in search of something that is one of a kind.

British Virgin Islands

Tortola

On the British Virgin Islands, there are no traditional shopping malls, and rarely is there a store that American visitors will be familiar with.  This can make shopping on the islands a fun adventure.  Instead of searching for high end goods, you'll be able to focus your attention on products that were handcrafted on the islands, and gifts that truly mean something to locals. 

If you're heading to the British Virgin Islands and are interested in a big shopping trip, Road Town, on Tortola, is considered to have some of the best shopping spots.  Right along the cruise ship port is where the jewelry shops and boutiques featuring clothing and crafts are located.  Nearby is Mill Mall Shopping Centre, where the British Store, a popular shop with the U.K. set, is located.

Duties, Taxes, and Tips

Shopping is made easy for American travelers, who can shop without having to exchange their money for foreign currency.  The official currency in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands is the United States Dollar (USD).  Despite being outside of the U.S. Customs Zone, travelers may bring home up to $1,600(USD) worth of duty-free products with them.  This is nearly twice the amount you can purchase anywhere else in the Caribbean. 

Though every shop is different, the typical shopping hours in the Virgin Islands are between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, though many shops offer extended hours when a cruise ship is docked nearby.  If a shop is open on Sunday, it will typically only be for half of the day. Click here to read more about hours of operation of businesses.

While it is possible to find a clerk who will float you a deal, bargaining and haggling is not common and may be considered rude.  Always remember your manners, and greet each salesclerk with a friendly “Hi, how are you, today?” before asking your question.  Manners are important on the islands, and you will see a huge difference in the service you receive if you are rude.

With high limitations on duty free shopping, many vacationers head the Virgin Islands with plans to shop.  If this is you, make sure you bring extra luggage, or you'll end up having to buy that, too!