The stores of Aruba are stocked with well-priced imported merchandise. Aruba is a "Shopper's Paradise," with perfume, liquor, linens, jewelry, watches, cameras, designer fashions, crystal and china among the luxury items available at excellent prices. Many stores also feature local handicrafts.

Most stores and boutiques are located in Oranjestad, but excellent shops can also be found at the larger hotels and at the airport. Aloe is abundant in Aruba and skin care products are manufactured right on the island.

Stores on the main streets are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, although some are closed for lunch between noon and 2 p.m. Shops in the malls and shopping centers are open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some stores are open on Sundays and holidays when cruise ships are in port.

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Duty Free
Aruba isn't actually a duty free port, however the duty is low enough that it's possible to find some excellent buys here, especially on items such as jewelry, perfume, fashions and electronic equipment.

Citizens of the United States who have been out of the country for a minimum of 48 hours and who have not used their respective duty free allowance within 30 days are entitled to a $600.00 duty free tax exemption. Families traveling together can pool their exemptions, meaning a couple with two children can bring back $2,400.00 worth of articles.

Canadian citizens who have been outside Canada for a minimum of 7 days are permitted a duty free exemption of $500.00 Canadian dollars. Citizens are also permitted a duty free exemption of $200.00 each time they are out of the country for more than 48 hours. Exemptions cannot be pooled with spouse and/or children.

Fashion International trends and stylish statements are brought to Aruba by the world's most enduring designers. Aruba's designer boutiques provide symbols of the good life for prices often less than what is normally found back home. Jewelry The island of Aruba got its name from the ancient gold miners. Aruba means “red gold” (“ore” for gold + “ruba” for red.) The miners have long since gone and now instead, the tourists come searching for gold. These days, they have a tendency to find it and more in the luxurious jewelry shops of Aruba.

Flea Market
For an introduction to the island's local flavor as well as the opportunity to make bargain purchases, visit the fun, informal environments of the island's flea markets. Often a mix of Caribbean products can be found here as well as offerings of local snacks and even BBQ meals. Inexpensive, yet charming souvenirs, can be found in abundance.
L.G. Smith Boulevard - Opposite Container Harbour - Look for the Flea Market sign and flags.

Aruban Crafts, Souvenirs, Artwork, Hard Rock Cafe Aruba T-Shirts, Caps, Hats, Leather Goods, Crinkle Cotton Shirts/Pants, Mugs, Food and Drinks! More than 100,000 articles!

Easy transportation: Public Buses with constant transportation, Tours, and Taxis.
Easy reach from the hotels.

Handicrafts
Local handicrafts in Aruba are often found in the form of original paintings and folk art, expressing the island experience through ceramics, kwihi-wood objects, and metal-worked pieces.

The wharf at Oranjestad's colorful harbor side presents paintings, t-shirts, photographs (some of them historical), pottery and jewelry. Transactions are carried out in both dollars and florins.

Shopping Malls
The downtown harbor front area of Oranjestad bursts with modern colorful malls that produce a distinctive architectural trademark.

Many malls feature wide open-air concept ceilings that allow the sun to shine in. They are all brightly lit at night, giving the downtown core a glowing neon display in vivid colors. Some have first class nightly live entertainment and casinos.

Links & Sources:

• Frommers
• Aruba.com