Shopping in Guadeloupe - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

Guadeloupe is a wonderful vacation destination. There are gorgeous beaches with white sand, the sea that is always warm, lush tropical flora and fauna, but this is not the best choice for shopping. Guadeloupe is an overseas French territory, so local prices are not small. Tourists also need to take into consideration the fact that many goods, such as clothing, are imported from the continent. Agriculture is the major industry here. Guadeloupe produces various fruits and vegetables while industrial goods mostly come from Europe.

The price of imported goods is, certainly, higher, but there is one destination that is great for shopping - Saint Barthelemy (St. Barts) Island that is a tax-free zone. It is not a part of Guadeloupe, but this island is also a French territory. St. Barts is great for shopping designer items and fine jewelry. If you want to dedicate a part of your vacation to shopping, first explore shops near your hotel and then head to St. Barts. This way you will know the difference in prices and find better deals.

Euro is the official currency in Guadeloupe, but many shops also accept US dollars. It is possible to pay with bank cards, and payments systems that work in Europe also work in Guadeloupe. Bank cards with an account in euro may be more beneficial since virtually all hotels, shops, and restaurants accept them and it might be cheaper. Banks work from 8 am to 4-5 pm and close for a lunch break from 12 pm to 1 pm. Exchange offices usually work from 9 am to 6 pm. Banks are closed on Sundays and holidays. If you have euro, you will not need exchange offices and do not lose money on conversion commissions. If there is a need to exchange cash, don’t forget that exchange offices in hotels usually have the least favorable rate. Nevertheless, do not exchange currency outside hotels and banks. Of course, street exchange dealers offer a cheaper rate because this is the best way for swindlers to attract a potential victim, and they never stop using this old trick. Of course, cash is always a convenient way to pay since it is accepted everywhere. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

What can tourists take back home as a reminder of their vacation in this wonderful tropical country? Something that will be connected with Guadeloupe and not some unnamed tropical overseas country. Perhaps, the best way is to buy something produced directly in Guadeloupe. This is exactly what tourists can buy in Reve de Sable (a Dream of the Sand) workshop that is open in Pointe Noire. This artisan makes stunning paintings using wood and sand that can naturally come in different shades in colors. Painters use this material instead of brushes and pastel to unleash their fantasy. Pictures of the underwater world, Caribbean beaches, and flowers will be a great reminder of a holiday in this piece of paradise on earth.

When searching for the most beneficial place to buy souvenirs, many tourists choose to visit the market in Sainte Anne. As a rule, local prices are the lowest. The majority of local souvenirs are made of wood and ceramics. The market is located at the southern coast of Grande-Terre not far from Pointe-à-Pitre. The majority of souvenir shops in Pointe-à-Pitre itself are mostly located on Nozieres, Schoelcher, and Frebault Streets. Local shops attractive pearl jewelry and hand-painted textiles. Don’t forget about local flower markets as it is possible to buy interesting plants there. However, tourists need to remember than it is prohibited to export endangered species.

Handmade decorations made of tropical plant seeds, large and small seashells are among the most popular souvenirs that tourists enjoy bringing from Guadeloupe. If taking into consideration a broader range of authentic goods, tourists might be interested in such items as traditional checked tablecloths with Creole motifs. This is an attractive and useful household item that tourists can find at local markets. The same applies to local spices – this is a wonderful gift to friends and family. By the way, the largest cities in the country, Basse-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre, have very interesting markets that tourists may want to visit as a landmark. Local markets are rarely present in tour guides, but these places perfectly reflect the atmosphere of the country and are a great destination for everyone wishing to learn more about the local lifestyle.

Guadeloupe is famous for its rum. This is the national drink in the country that is widely cherished here. There are four distilleries that produce rum in Guadeloupe. It is possible to buy different varieties of rum, from straw-colored one to dark. Different rum types have a different drinking tradition. Local rum is affordable and inexpensive. There are even drinks for children that contain rum punch – a drink with very small alcohol content. It is useless to buy wine in Guadeloupe as it is imported and expensive. A bottle of two of local rum is, without a doubt, a great gift.

Shops are usually open from 9 am to 6 pm and can be closed for a lunch break from 1 pm to 3 pm. It is virtually impossible to buy anything after 6 pm. This is the sunset time in Guadeloupe, and life stops until the next morning. Only bars and nightclubs work until late. On Saturdays, shops usually work until 1 pm and then close until Monday. Sunday is the day off in the country.