Dominica (iphone pic) Photo by Gary Bembridge via Flickr Creative Commons

Dominica is a duty-free port, but its shopping scene is not as well-known as those of other Caribbean islands. However, you can still buy tax-free items like jewelry, sunglasses, clothing, and tobacco at relatively low prices. You can also purchase high quality local handicrafts like hand-woven rugs, bags and hats made from wild banana strands and vetiver grass. Some of the most notable Island products are bags made using two-layer reeds which get their color from being buried underground. You can find these unique items at the Carib Reserve Crafts Center.

Dominica is popular for its diverse selection of handmade products, which are sold by local merchants throughout the island. The Carib Indian Territory is the best place to visit to buy baskets, hand-painted shirts, wood carvings, screw-pine tableware, pottery, and natural soaps. Groceries and produce like jellies, jams, rum, sauces, coffee, and medicinal herbs are also popular buys.

There are many shops around Roseau. Be sure to visit the famous Old Market Plaza, which was a once a slave trading post, but is now a handicrafts market. There are vegetable stalls every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday morning and travelers are encouraged to support the local farmers.

There are no big shopping malls or complexes in Dominica. Most stores on the island are open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. On the weekends, shopping hours are greatly reduced, closed all day on Sunday and Saturday only from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Click here to learn about Transportation in Dominica