Visitors to the island should save time to explore Cruz Bay, home to most of the shopping on the island. You won't find fast-food chains, discos, and movie theaters here. Cruz Bay provides an eclectic mix of interesting boutiques, art galleries, bars, and fine dining for its visitors. Wharfside Village, in town right on the beach, and Mongoose Junction just north of Cruz Bay are two of the prettiest shopping areas in the Caribbean. Both Wharfside Village and Mongoose Junction offer everything from funky local crafts and fashions to elegant jewels and exotic imports.
Shops in the downtown areas are usually closed on Sundays, unless a cruise ship is in port. Shops at the larger hotels are usually open on Sundays. Look for bargains on perfume, liquor, cameras, china, porcelain, crystal, imported clothing, leather goods, watches, jewelry, and gold, as well as crafts made by local artisans. Many of these items can be bought for 40 percent less than in the United States; liquor and cigarettes are often 60 percent less.
Duty Free Shopping
U.S. citizens are allowed a duty-free shopping quota of $1,200 - twice that of any other island in the Caribbean and three times that of European countries. A flat rate of five percent duty is charged on purchases over your $1,200 allowance, up to a maximum of $1,000 more. Besides your personal exemption, you can mail friends and relatives at home an unlimited number of gifts (other than perfume, liquor, or tobacco) worth $100 or less each.
Some of the well-known, duty free shopping items include:
- cameras
- china
- crafts
- crystal
- designer fashions
- gemstones
- jewelry
- liquor
- sunglasses
- tablecloths
- watches
Visitor Favorites
Cruz Bay is the "Downtown" of St. John. Shopping and dining are plentiful, with local artwork, luxury items, and local and international cuisine. The Elaine lone Sprauve Library and Museum near downtown Cruz Bay contains historic artifacts and works created by local artists. Nearby Hawksnest Bay has a pristine beach popular with snorkelers for its nearby reef.
