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Shopping
in Jamaica
Throughout Jamaica's resort areas, you'll find many duty-free
shops devoted to the world's best perfumes, jewelry, watches,
and leathers. But don't forget Jamaica's home-grown gifts during
your shopping tour. Here's what to look for:
Liquors.
Jamaica is home to several excellent rum distilleries. Appleton
and Myers are the best known; Sangster's is another top name.
Tia Maria liqueur, a coffee-flavored delight, is another popular
purchase. And there's always Red Stripe beer if you're watching
your pennies.
Coffee. Blue
Mountain coffee is considered one of the finest in the world.
Gift shops at the resorts and the airport sell it in small burlap
gift bags for about US$1 per ounce (less than half the price
found in American coffee shops).
Artwork.
Jamaican crafts are some of the best in the Caribbean. Look
for wood carvings; lignum vitae creations are the priciest but
the most beautiful.
Duty-Free Shopping.
The major resort areas are home to duty-free malls, places
where hassling is prohibited and goods are pricey (but security
is tight). Shop for fine jewelry in most of these malls.
What's the Price?
Bargaining
is also part of the fun at the many craft markets throughout the
island. Many travelers avoid the market because of fears of high-pressure
sales, but we have found the market delightful. A friendly "good
morning," abstaining from photos until a purchase (no matter
how small) is made, and general good manners will go far with
the salespeople. On a recent visit, one cheerful vendor gave us
a small basket as a gift. After shopping, take a break with a
soft drink or "sky juice" (like our snow cone) sold
from pushcarts beneath the shade trees.
Fixed prices are found
in the stores. Stop by a local grocery store for the best prices
on liquor (rum, Red Stripe beer, and Tia Maria are especially
good values), coffee, and tea. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is
considered one of the finest coffees in the world. Gift shops
at the resorts and the airport sell the coffee in small burlap
gift bags for about $1 US per ounce (less than half the price
found in American coffee shops) but you can find the coffee even
cheaper at local markets.
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