Shopping on Guadeloupe : Going out

Going out : Shopping on Guadeloupe

Local handicraft goes back a long way into history, and is composed mainly of pretty banana-leaf dolls, colourful traditional dresses, wide hats and large skirts. There is no shortage of stereotypical objects either: a wide choice of madras clothes, colourful towels, T-shirts, table sets, seashell jewels the famous “bakoua” hat, as well as aquarelles, bamboo plates and calabash bags are available in souvenir shops. Sweet-toothed tourists will delight in the island’s special crystallized fruit.

Devotees of the arts have a great number of art galleries to choose from all around the island, though most often situated in the vicinity of more popular tourist areas. Galleries are privately owned but usually free of charge, displaying the works of local or foreign artists dealing with Caribbean themes, forms and colours.

If you are planning to bring animals or plants on the islands, you risk contributing to the extinction of local species. Pay attention not to throw anything away, as you may find yourself six months in prison for a few accidentally dropped almonds.

Duty free shopping is possible on your way back from the West Indies but not on your way there. Be careful not to surpass the authorised amount.