Shopping in Tortola - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

Tortola, as part of the British Virgin Islands, is also one of the largest offshore territories in the world. You can register a company in just 1 day here, and the state does not charge sales tax or state duty. It would seem that Road Town, the capital of Tortola, should be a paradise for shopping due to these conditions. Alas, this is not quite so. The prices of some goods are really quite low here. For example, clothes, shoes, consumer electronics are cheaper than in most places in Europe and America. But, alas, it is compensated by a small number of large stores. Even if there are many companies registered here, the sale of their goods in a city with a population of 22 thousand people is simply unprofitable for most of them.

So, despite the status of the "offshore capital of the world", Tortola is not a perfect place for shopping tours. Coming to the island, you should expect to buy a variety of authentic things and items from local artisans. But you should go to other parts of the world to buy clothes or shoes. Going shopping, remember that the outlets on the island close very early. Most of the shops are closed after 5 pm. Moreover, if it is Thursday, many outlets are closed at 3 or 4 pm. On Sunday almost all of the shops are also closed. Only those shops that are close to the port are stably open – thanks to customers from cruise ships arriving. Alas, port shops can not boast of a large selection of goods.

It is not accepted to bargain in shops, even small. But on the markets, on the contrary, people bargain and sellers expect it. If you want to buy local fruit, vegetables or popular souvenirs like magnets or t-shirts, it is better to look for shops away from the waterfront – where prices are much lower. All calculations here are made in US dollars. Bank cards are not accepted everywhere, so it is better to pay in cash. You can write tourist checks, but also in dollars, otherwise you will lose some money. Remember that it is forbidden to export corals in any form and any objects raised from the seabed. Local merchants love to sell all kinds of "pirate treasure", which in fact, have no historical value. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The first thing that many tourists buy on Tortola are magnets with the image of the island. Perhaps this is a very typical gift, but this souvenir looks pretty and its price is quite low. In addition, the variety of such inexpensive and pleasant presents is amazing. You can buy two dozen magnets and never take two with the same pictures. A painting by local artists, painted in watercolour or oil is quite an original souvenir which you can find on a local market. Moreover, you can find high-quality rattan and terra cotta items on local fairs which are consistently held once a week in the capital.

Dolls in traditional African dresses is also an interesting souvenir. Slaves from the Black continent brought the tradition of their creation to the island. Now you can buy such a doll even if you do not believe in mystical things. It is a good souvenir and unusual decoration for a house. African sculptures and Zulu masks are sold in abundance on the island. If someone of your friends is interested in music, then you can bring him a güiro and a washing board as a gift. Locals are playing music with these tools, which is called quelbe.

You can buy seasonings that are used by local chefs, typical of Caribbean cuisine on the island. You should better buy rum at Callwood Distillery factory, but in general, you can find this drink in any island store. Local wine, tea and coffee are also tasty here. A variety of herbal mixtures is popular here. This is quite a curious purchase because it is not always possible to understand what you’ve bought. Local jewellery will please ladies. There are simple items made of shells or pearls, or expensive accessories made of silver and gold. Many tourists buy T-shirts that local women embroider with traditional patterns. Small souvenir pirate galleons are also popular among tourists.