Shopping in Guadeloupe

As an overseas department of France, Guadeloupe offers shoppers the best in imported French products, as well as a few excellent locally made items. 

The Goods

The luxury items that you can purchase in Guadeloupe are all imported from France.  You'll find lingerie, perfumes, designer fashion, jewelry, china, cheese, patés, and liquor all with French labels.

If you are looking to really support the local economy, try picking up products made right in Guadeloupe.  As you browse the markets, you'll find dolls dressed in madras, fishermen hats woven of split bamboo, woven items, spices arranged in baskets, coffee, and locally distilled rum.

Where to Shop

The best shopping to be had in Guadeloupe can be found in the city of  Pointe-A-Pitre.   Here there are a number of open air markets, where ladies sell spices and handicrafts alongside food booths.  The Central Market is located at Place de la Victoire, the main square.  Frebault, Nozieres, and Rue Schoelcher are the main streets to wonder down for boutiques featuring French products.  Also, at the Darse on the first Sunday each month, there is a flea market selling simliar products as the open air markets.  Moule, Sainte-Anne and Saint-Claude also hold flea markets on alternating Sundays.

Carrefour, which is located just outside  Le Raizet International Airport, offers the best mall experience on the island.   There are also a number of art galleries situated throughout the island, if you are after the works of local artisans.

Duties, Taxes, and Tips

The official currency in Guadeloupe, like in France, is the Euro (€).  The United States Dollar (USD), is accepted in many stores, however, change may be given in the Euro.  Major credit cards are also widely accepted.

Stores in Guadeloupe typically remain open between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with a two hour break around 1 p.m.  Some shops on the island will give discounts to patrons purchasing French goods when they use traveler's checks and certain credit cards.

Guadeloupe is a duty free port that limits only amounts of certain products that may be imported and exported, such as liquor and cigarettes.  American travelers, however, may return only with $800(USD) worth of goods after visiting the island for 48 hours.  Anything less than 48 hours, and they may only return with $200(USD) worth of goods.

The shopping scene in Guadeloupe is not large, but it is good none-the-less.  If you are interested in French products, or Guadeloupan made souvenirs, you'll find them all as you explore the island.