| Many people who take cruises to the Caribbean | | | | better off buying it back at home just for the |
| islands are interested in shopping. And in all the | | | | piece of mind. |
| Caribbean, no other island compares to St | | | | Know what you are buying. Can you tell a real |
| Thomas when it comes to shopping. St Thomas | | | | diamond from a fake diamond? I can't! So I would |
| is the "Mall Of The Caribbean". You can find | | | | be a little wary of buying an expensive stone |
| jewelry, watches, electronics, cameras, liquor, | | | | from one of the smaller shops. Some of the |
| crystal, and even fine china. The main street of | | | | larger stores are more reputable, and have deals |
| Charlotte Amalie is lined with dozens of little shops. | | | | with the cruise ships that if you are unsatisfied, |
| But your shopping should begin before you even | | | | the cruise line will help you straighten it out. But |
| leave home. First have an idea of what you are | | | | you can find fantastic deals on loose gem stones. |
| interested in buying. Are you looking for a | | | | Another thing to be aware of is that some items |
| particular model of camera, or watch? Maybe you | | | | being sold may be grey market, meaning they |
| are looking at upgrading the diamond in your | | | | are not being sold through the normal distribution |
| engagement ring? Shop around your hometown, | | | | chain. What does this mean to you? It means |
| and find the best prices you can. You can even | | | | that the manufacturer may refuse to honor the |
| shop online if you want. Find the best deal for the | | | | warranty on the item. |
| items you are interested in. Write down the | | | | As of this writing, citizens of the United States |
| prices, and bring them with you to St Thomas. | | | | are allowed to bring back $1600 worth of stuff |
| Now when you are in Charlotte Amalie, you will | | | | from St Thomas, duty-free. You will have to pay |
| have a good idea of whether you are getting a | | | | a duty on stuff in excess of $1600. Keep in mind |
| bargain or not. If the price is good, but not great, | | | | that this is per person! If you have a spouse, or |
| ask the seller if they will come down a little bit. | | | | children, each of them gets a $1600 duty-free |
| Offer them a lower price. What's the worst that | | | | allowance as well! Another neat thing is that loose |
| can happen? If they say no, there are probably | | | | precious gems (diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, |
| other shops along the strip selling the same thing. | | | | rubies, etc) are considered rocks, and are duty |
| Keep in mind that you want a really good deal. If | | | | free. That is unless you also are bringing back a |
| you buy a camera at home, and there is a | | | | mounting for it. Then the gem is considered to be |
| problem, you can just hop in your car and return | | | | intended for jewelry and is subject to duty. Since |
| it or exchange it. On cruise, they won't turn the | | | | duty-free allowances are subject to change, or |
| ship around for you. So if you are only saving a | | | | may have exceptions, check with cruise ship |
| little money on an expensive item, you might be | | | | staff, or hotel staff as to your individual situation. |