Duty Free Shopping

[jreeves628]

I am going on the 9 day caribbean cruise in September. Which island is best for shopping? My DH is interested in buying a couple of nice watches.

[superjerryw]

St. Thomas and St. Marten are probably the best, but you don't mention where your ship will be stopping. Overall, you really need to know what you are buying. Most of this stuff about duty free/tax free is a lot of nonsense as merchandise found in the Caribbean can be found back home for the same price. In many cases the absense of sales tax inthe Caribbean is the only difference in price. Price what you want to buy before leaving home so you will know if the price in the islands is really any good. The only items that are truly cheaper are alcohol and cigarettes.

[jreeves628]

We'll be stopping in St. Thomas, San Juan, St. Maarten and Labadee.

 

Thanks for the heads up, I'll be sure to price the watch he wants before we leave.

[truffles2]

The duty free allowance is much greater when items are purchased in St. Thomas.