With many items imported and heavily taxed, shopping in Barbados is an expensive affair, be it for food, clothing, everyday items or souvenirs. So if you’re on a tight budget, bring with you any holiday necessities, such as sun cream or toothpaste, since they’ll probably cost double what you pay for them at home. Two items that are likely to be cheaper, however, are sugar and rum!

Duty free

That said, like several other Caribbean islands, Barbados is known for its duty-free shopping. So, if discounted designer jewellery, diamonds, emeralds, clothing, perfumes and handbags are your thing, then browse Broad Street, Bridgetown’s main drag. You’ll find the widest choice in Bridgetown Duty Free (formerly Cave Shepherd, pictured above), the island’s only department store, which is laden with designer goods. Limegrove Lifestyle Centre in Holetown, is another place for big-name brands, whereas half-a-mile further south the West Coast Mall also offers a couple of stores.

Practical Info

Duty free shopping is available at a number of stores selling souvenirs or luxury items (saving you at least 17.5% VAT, but often more), on production of your passport and plane/cruise ticket.