Jamaica shopping experiences range from great Jamaica art galleries to shopping for exceptional jewelry. Shopping in Jamaica provides duty-free merchandise that is offered at prices 20%-40% less than in the U.S. or Canada. Popular items include fine English china, perfumes, watches, jewelry, tobacco and the island’s famous coffee and rum making shopping in Jamaica a luxury experience.

Shopping in Jamaica is a unique experience. A festival of handicrafts and island treasures, while shopping in Jamaica try searching through one of several Jamaica shopping markets that showcase the talent of local island residents. While shopping in Jamaica, Villas Caribe advises our client to attempt to arrange their visits to craft markets so as not to coincide with cruise ships. While the ships are in port shopping in Jamaica becomes competitive. These huge crowds could sour your Jamaica shopping experience. Craft markets can be found throughout Jamaica. Spots such as Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay (Market Street especially), and Negril have great markets. Things Jamaican -- in Kingston at the Devon House and at Sangster Intl. Airport in Montego Bay – is considered one of the best places for shopping in Jamaica. Jamaica’s airports are also good locations to stock up on cigars, Tia Maria liqueur, and fine Jamaican rum.

Jamaica shopping clearly boasts a thriving artistic community. Visitors will find numerous galleries located throughout the island. Local crafts include mahogany carvings, basketry, locally made jewelry and souvenirs. Hand painted china can be found while shopping in Jamaica as well as local pottery lines in the craft markets. Rum, is obviously, another great buy on the island. Appleton Rum has been producing fine rum for over three hundred years and a variety of blends are available for purchase.
Shopping in Jamaica: Groceries
While shopping in Jamaica, visitors will find the supermarkets well stocked and offering a staggering array of exotic and distinguished specialty foods for the good life.

It is recommended that clients secure a pre-stocking of the villa prior to their arrival so that they have food and beverage items upon their arrival. After their arrival, they may sit down with the cook and plan the rest of their weekly menu. Throughout their stay, they may either grocery shop on their own or as we recommend send the cook with their driver to take care of their Jamaica shopping needs.

Jamaica Pre-stocking:
Since the villas on Jamaica include the services of a staff, it is advisable to have the villa pre-stocked for your arrival at the villa. By pre-stocking the villa for a guest’s arrival, it enables the staff to provide a meal on arrival for tired, weary guests. We request that our clients provide us with a list of some general pre-stocking items (fish or chicken for arrival dinner), snacks and beverages for their arrival. The cook will pre-purchase the first few meals plus any necessary pantry staples and then finish the week’s shopping after meeting with you. Pleas note that upon arrival, guests will be asked to reimburse the cook for any pre-stocked goods. A typical grocery budget for shopping in Jamaica is approximately US $50-$60/per adult/per day for three full meals per day or approximately US $350-$420/wk./per adult for the entire week. Obviously, these fees may vary up or down depending upon market prices and menu selections.
If you want to dine on shrimp, lobster, imported beef or large quantities of other food items, this estimate will increase. Your cook will pre-purchase your first few meals, pantry staples and a starter bar. Please keep in mind that if you chose from the local Red Stripe beer and local rum (from which wonderful rum punches, daiquiris and pina coladas may be concocted) you will be able to keep your liquor/beverage costs down. Please note that these grocery figures are estimates and what we personally generally spend during our stays at villas on Jamaica. The costs for groceries will vary depending upon the menus selected and the current market prices.

On your first day at the villa, your cook will meet with you regarding menus for the week, then finish the week's shopping. At that time, you will give her cash for your food and drink. Plan to pay for your groceries and gratuities in cash. Both US Dollars and JADollars are welcomed. Alternatively, if one or more of you wish to go to the supermarket with your cook, you may use your credit card. (Stores will not accept your card from your cook if you are not present with her.) Roadside vendors of fresh fruits and produce will require cash.

If you wish to go to the various markets with your cook, you are welcome to join her. Otherwise, simply review with her your likes and any special dietary requirements and she will handle it all while you stay at the villa and enjoy. AT the end of your stay, the cook will present you with receipts and reconcile your account.