| Known as one of the most luxurious destinations | | | | this incredible flea market boasts over 100,000 |
| in the Caribbean, it only makes sense that Aruba | | | | products, many of them unique to Aruba. When |
| is also a hot spot for shopping. Everywhere you | | | | shopping with street vendors and flea market |
| look in Oranjestad - Aruba's historic capital - you | | | | sellers, feel free to negotiate. Arubans are known |
| will see shops selling everything from designer | | | | as very friendly people and are often flexible with |
| clothing and jewelry to Caribbean souvenirs and | | | | their prices. |
| locally-made products. Throughout the streets and | | | | Regardless of what types of stores you visit in |
| along the beaches, street vendors offer | | | | Oranjestad or elsewhere on the island, you are |
| distinctive Caribbean arts, crafts and delicious | | | | bound to notice the prevalence of a few items |
| snacks. Regardless of what type of souvenirs you | | | | directly tied to Aruban culture. As the name of |
| want to take home from Aruba, you will find | | | | the island is derived from the words for "gold" |
| plenty of bargains in the streets of Oranjestad. | | | | (ore) and "red" (ruba), Aruba has developed a |
| One of the best destinations for shopping in | | | | fascination with fine jewelry and boasts some of |
| Aruba is the bustling wharf area in downtown | | | | the best boutiques in the Caribbean. As a member |
| Oranjestad. Amongst the historic warehouses and | | | | of the Netherlands Antilles, ties to the island's |
| storefronts, you will find a number of distinct | | | | Dutch heritage can be seen throughout the |
| shopping centers. Bargain hunters can find | | | | shopping district in everything from miniature |
| considerable discounts on designer apparel, | | | | windmills to fine Dutch cheeses. Lastly, as aloe |
| perfume, electronics and jewelry. If you are | | | | vera is a native crop in Aruba, many stores sell |
| looking for souvenirs with more local flavor, this | | | | products incorporating this incredibly useful plant. |
| area also boasts a number of art galleries | | | | While you are shopping, you will probably notice |
| displaying the work of Aruban artists and antique | | | | scores of signs reading "Duty-Free." It should be |
| shops that stock all kinds of Caribbean oddities. | | | | noted, however, that Aruba is not technically a |
| Most of Aruba's finest shops are located in the | | | | duty-free destination. Instead, when shopping in |
| malls and European-styled shopping arcades of the | | | | most stores and with individual vendors, you will |
| harbor front neighborhood. Incorporating the | | | | not be required to pay any tax. The results are |
| existing historic Dutch architecture, many of these | | | | prices lower than you would find in the United |
| shopping centers feature elaborate glass ceilings | | | | States on most goods. Also, when returning |
| that open to the Caribbean sunshine during the | | | | home, you are granted a duty-free tax |
| day. At night, downtown Oranjestad lights up with | | | | exemption of $600 per person. If you want to |
| luxurious neon beaming from the malls, | | | | purchase items that are truly duty-free, you can |
| restaurants and clubs. The downtown area is also | | | | visit the shops at the airport as you prepare to |
| a great place to visit for dinner and late-night | | | | leave. |
| entertainment, as casinos and clubs regularly | | | | Most stores in Aruba are open from 8 am to 6 |
| feature live entertainment. | | | | pm Monday through Saturday, yet some close |
| When visiting the shopping area surrounding | | | | for lunch between 12 pm and 2 pm. American |
| Oranjestad's harbor, you can also begin by visiting | | | | currency and credit cards are accepted at most |
| the street vendors selling all kinds of locally | | | | stores, but you can also find plenty of locations to |
| produced products. In many cases, the vendors | | | | exchange your dollars for Aruban florins. Lastly, |
| are selling their own work and you will most likely | | | | before you hit the streets in search of bargains, |
| have the chance to see some authentic Caribbean | | | | pick up a copy of the Aruba Shopping Guide from |
| arts and crafts being created. However, the best | | | | your hotel. This comprehensive booklet provides a |
| collection of locally produced products is at the | | | | handy shopping map and information about most |
| Aruban flea market. Open on the weekends and | | | | of the stores in Oranjestad. |
| easy to find - located on L.G. Smith Boulevard - | | | | |