Shopping

Christiansted and Frederiksted's quaint boutiques offer hand-made local crafts as well as designer fashions and exquisite jewelry. King's Alley is the center of Christiansted's shopping district. In Frederiksted, visitors will find shopping between Strand Street and King Street.

Shops in the downtown areas are usually closed on Sundays, unless a cruise ship is in port. Shops at the larger hotels are usually open on Sundays. Look for bargains on perfumes, liquor, cameras, china, porcelain, crystal, imported clothing, leather goods, watches, jewelry, and gold, as well as crafts made by local artisans. Many of these items can be bought for 40 percent less than in the United States; liquor and cigarettes are often 60 percent less.

Quota: U.S. citizens are allowed a duty-free shopping quota of $1,200 - twice that of any other island in the Caribbean and three times that of European countries. A flat rate of five percent duty is charged on purchases over your $1,200 allowance, up to a maximum of $1,000 more. Besides your personal exemption, you can mail friends and relatives at home an unlimited number of gifts (other than perfume, liquor, or tobacco) worth $100 or less each.