Shopping in Aruba- An Amazing Experience

While Aruba is definitely a kingdom for romantic dreams, the tiny island is also a shopping paradise. With a variety of cultures including Spanish, Dutch, English, African, and Portuguese that influence the area, tourists have an array of shopping options that include arts and crafts from the region. Visitors can enjoy Aruba shopping for a variety of international brand names at incredibly lower prices than the US. From low-rise shopping bazaars to upscale malls, shopping in Aruba can be an exhilarating experience.

Spoilt for choice

Aruba shopping cannot be complete without a visit to the island’s jewelry store-lined streets. The shops are brimming with gold, silver, and diamond jewelry made by the finest craftsmen. Many open air shopping malls offer world class shopping with stores like Gucci and Ralph Lauren. Known for its Dutch connection, shopping in Aruba offers a colorful blend of Caribbean and European goods. One of the major benefits for shoppers is that the salespeople are knowledgeable, multi-lingual, and friendly.

Visitors find duty free shopping in Aruba simply irresistible. Shoppers have a wider selection of branded products at prices much lower than anywhere in the Caribbean and Europe. Passengers returning to the US are allowed up to $800.00 per person as duty-free tax exemption.

Convenient and comfortable shopping

Downtown Oranjestad is a great place to purchase handicrafts, collectibles, and souvenirs made by local craftsmen. Aruba shopping includes an array of beach and resort wear, lingerie, designer apparel and accessories, and fine linen and China. Most downtown stores in the area are open from Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 6 pm, although shopping hours vary at some of the hotels. All major credit cards, travelers’ checks, and US currency are widely accepted.

Caya Betico Croes, the Main Street in downtown Oranjestad has numerous department and retail stores located in malls. There are smaller malls located behind the Main Street along Havenstraat that are distinguishable by their Dutch Caribbean facades. Aruba shopping along the narrow side streets is also recommended if you are looking for a good bargain. There is plenty of parking available behind the bus station. Taxis and buses also ply to and from the shopping area.

Plenty of malls

Among the prominent shopping malls is the three-storied Royal Plaza that resembles a rich wedding cake with its pink and white paint. You can shop here for apparel, jewelry, souvenirs, accessories, linen, and even grab a bite or cocktail at the after-hours club. The Renaissance Mall offers a variety of luxury goods including Belgian chocolates. For an array of shopping and live entertainment, the Renaissance Marketplace located between Queen Wilhelmina Park and the yacht-lined boardwalk is the ideal place for shoppers.

The high-rise area is lined with shops and kiosks, malls, bars, cafes, and restaurants. A visit to the Paseo Herencia shopping center is a must. The center features great entertainment options with six movie theaters, fifty retail stores, and seven restaurants. The center is dedicated to Aruba’s legendary composer and musician, Juan Chabaya Lampe. The Village, Palm Beach Plaza, and South Beach Mall are also shopping centers with a variety of kiosks, bars, and restaurants as well.

Numerous supermarkets in downtown Oranjestad are open from 8 am to 6 pm daily and from 8 am to 1 pm on Sunday. Kong Hing, Certified, Ling & Sons, and Super Food are among the well known supermarkets in the area. While most prices are in Aruban currency, it is easy to determine the dollar equivalent by dividing the price in half and adding 10%.