Studying abroad comes in handy with a good shopping culture! Everyone wants to get time to explore markets and pick a few goodies to add to the cart list! Shopaholics welcome to Cayman Islands, the land of beauty and charming crafts! This is where your shopping impulse is put to the test. With numerous shopping malls, stalls, shops, and supermarkets Cayman Islands will certainly take thy breath away!
The Cayman Islands may be famous as a duty-free shopping paradise with zero local sales tax, but a 20 percent import tax dramatically increases the price of all goods brought in from other nations. British imports can be real bargains, though, thanks to the Cayman Islands status as a British territory.
In George Town, travelers can sample fresh tropical fruit at Thomas Russell Avenue’s Farmers’ Market Cooperative, purchase a Cayman Islands rum cake at the Tortuga Rum Company, or take home some jewelry made from hard Cayman Brac caymanite stones. Underwater photographs, handmade baskets, and colorful local artwork are other common souvenirs.
Much of the jewelry found at boutiques is on par with the jewelry sold in the finest shops of Paris, London, or New York City. However, eco-conscious customers should avoid purchasing items made from endangered black coral imported from Central American countries with more lenient protection laws. United States citizens cannot bring back Cuban products, and citizens of many countries cannot bring back any sea turtle products. Raw caymanite also cannot be taken out of the Cayman Islands.
Although the duty-free allowance for United States citizens is incredibly generous, visitors should be sure the prices of the endless luxury products sold in George Town shops are truly cheaper than those found in their own country. Travelers should also double check whether prices are in United States dollars or Cayman Islands dollars to avoid disappointment.
Most shops in Cayman Islands are open from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m., and then from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Many stores are closed on holidays and Sundays. When shopping in the local markets, feel free to bargain. If you want to get an idea of how much you should be paying, visit the state-run craft markets, which have steady prices. Shops here are mostly open all day. Most are closed at least once a week, usually on Sundays, but you will still find something open every day of the week.
