There are many reasons to visit Jamaica – the beautiful beaches, the blue ocean, the mountains, the jungle, the wind, the sun, and the shopping. Because Jamaica is a very popular tourist and cruise location, you can expect to find the usual tourist souvenirs available everywhere you go…but this isn’t really what you should be shopping for in Jamaica.

What you may want to consider buying while in Jamaica includes various art and craft products, as well as wood carvings, which can be found in numerous craft markets and at roadside vendors.

Rum is a good souvenir purchase as well. Look for Appleton rum, and be sure to take a tour of the factory while you are there. Tia Maria is also good. This is rum mixed with Blue Mountain Coffee, vanilla, and cane syrup. You will, of course, also want to purchase some Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, which is a rare coffee, and one of the most expensive.

Blended oils, herbal scrubs, beeswax candles, potpourris, shower and bath gels, vegetable soaps, and other aromatic products, made from local natural products are also idea. Jerk (a seasoning), sauces, jams, jellies, and chutney’s are also worth your time and money, as well as Cuban Cigars. Definitely make sure that you get some Pickapeppa Sauce.

Look for the duty free shops. There are duty free shops located in all three of the resort areas. In Montego Bay, look for the Montego Freeport Shopping Centre. In Ocho Rios, look for Island Village. In Negril, look for Time Square Shopping Center (Craft Market). In Kingston, there is a duty free shop called Mall Plaza. Port Antonio has no duty free shopping. Most resort hotels have duty free shopping inside them, but you may find cheaper prices at these other locations.

Also, be prepared to barter. Don’t ever pay the displayed price. Barter that price down with the shopkeeper – they expect it and you will enjoy it! You will also, of course, save a great deal of money. You will need to present your passport, your immigration slip, or your return airline ticket in order to purchase items in duty free shops.

You do not have to convert your money to Jamaican money in order to shop. When possible, shop with American money, and pay prices that are quoted in American dollars. This will help you to better understand how much things cost, and how much change you should receive. Note that one American dollar is worth about $60 Jamaican dollars.

There are some things that you will find available in Jamaica, which you should not buy, because they are actually illegal. These items include black or white coral, turtle products, reptile products, and butterfly products, many varieties of shells, and wild plant or orchid specimens. Some items may not be illegal, but may have export restrictions, which means that you can’t take them out of the country.

Also note that many tourists who are not knowledgeable in illegal drugs often purchase Ganja, as the seller convinces them that it is just an herb, with various healing qualities….well, it is an herb. It is marijuana, and it is illegal in Jamaica. Don’t buy Ganja!