Shopping on Aruba
Imagine a shopping paradise of convenient resort arcades, busy store-lined streets, cool downtown malls, and unique boutiques and emporiums filled with irresistible treasures. Exquisite jewelry and timepieces, perfumes and cosmetics, state-of-the-art electronics, beach and resort wear, designer accessories, lingerie, fine linens and china, collectibles, souvenirs and kids’ stuff await your purchase. No matter where you shop, you will be assisted by friendly, knowledgeable and multilingual salespeople.
Downtown Oranjestad has a new look with such additions as a modern bus station, a waterfront condominium/shopping center, new gleaming exclusive boutiques and restored historic buildings. To get downtown, hop on a bus, take a taxi or drive your rental car. There is ample parking behind the central bus station.
A few miles away, the high-rise hotel strip is rapidly becoming a retail haven as well. Paseo Herencia is not only a shopping paradise but also a cultural and entertainment center with restaurants and movie theatres. Visitors will also be able to walk to several other malls that are being constructed nearby.
Downtown stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm; if a cruise ship is in port, some open on Sunday. Shopping hours vary in and around the hotels; some stores remain open until 9 pm. Though personal checks are not accepted anywhere, major credit cards, travelers’ checks, and US currency are welcome. A government tax is added to every purchase.
Supermarkets are open until 8 pm daily and 1 pm on Sunday; here prices are in Aruban currency. To arrive at the dollar equivalent, divide the price in half and add 10%. All stores close on national holidays. Sample international gourmet delights and take home a taste of Aruba with unique local products.
Serious shoppers and those “just looking” will quickly discover the benefits of some relaxing and rewarding retail therapy. Treat yourself and those back home to great buys and special gifts.
