Shopping

Aruba offers a bountiful selection of newly constructed shopping/entertainment centers in the high-rise resort area and downtown store-lined streets and upscale malls, as well as a potpourri of unique boutiques and emporiums. Gleaming shops are brimming with diamonds, gold and silver jewelry, timepieces, perfumes and cosmetics, state-of-the-art electronics, beach and resort wear, designer apparel and accessories, lingerie, fine linens and china, collectables, handicrafts and souvenirs. Friendly, knowledgeable and multilingual salespeople will assist you wherever you go.

With a modern bus station, sparkling new shops, prestigious international brands, and restored historic buildings, downtown Oranjestad has a fresh face. A few miles away, the high-rise hotel area has recently added three new and exciting shopping centers complemented by restaurants, movie theatres and nightly entertainment to the jumping, bustling strip.

Downtown stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 6 pm; if a cruise ship is in port, some open on Sunday. Shopping hours vary in and around the hotels; some stores remain open to 9 pm. Though personal checks are not accepted, major credit cards, travelers’ checks, and US currency are welcome.

Duty Free Shopping

Aruba isn't actually a duty free port, however the duty is low enough that it's possible to find some excellent buys here, especially on items such as jewelry, perfume, fashions and electronic equipment.

Citizens of the U.S. who have been out of the country for a minimum of 48 hours and who have not used their respective duty free allowance within 30 days are entitled to a $600.00 duty-free tax exemption. Families traveling together can pool their exemptions, meaning a couple with two children can bring back $2,400.00 worth of articles.

Canadian citizens who have been outside Canada for a minimum of 7 days are permitted a duty-free exemption of $500.00 Canadian dollars. Citizens are also permitted a duty-free exemption of $200.00 each time they are out of the country for more than 48 hours. Exemptions cannot be pooled with spouse and/or children.

Downtown Oranjestad

Oranjestad remains a haven for shoppers who will find a world-class selection of merchandise within scores of stores located in several malls and along Caya Betico Croes, the original Main Street at the heart of town. Impeccably merchandised stores of gleaming stainless-steel fixtures brimming with prestigious designer labels hobnob with one-of-a-kind retailers and small department stores. Small malls with Dutch Caribbean façades are located along Havenstraat (behind the Main Street); other shops are found along a labyrinth of narrow downtown side streets. Parking is available in the free lot behind the bus station; taxi and bus service will also get you downtown in minutes. Regular shopping hours are from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday – Saturday, but there are sometimes extended hours when cruise ships are in port. Check with your hotel concierge or front desk for holiday closings.

Royal Plaza

Royal Plaza is the three-storied shopping center opposite the harbor markets. With Dutch Caribbean touches and pink and white paint, it resembles a rich wedding cake. Retailers here specialize in jewelry, apparel, accessories, linens, perfumes, cigars and souvenirs. Stop here for a bite or a cocktail; the harbor view is awesome and there’s even an after-hours club. The mall has an escalator and elevator.

Renaissance Mall

Renaissance Mall is home to an exclusive international group of luxury retailers of simply fabulous jewelry, ready-to-wear, perfumes, shoes, accessories, beachwear and more. Enjoy Belgian chocolates, gelato, cappuccino, rice and noodles, or a light snack while shopping. The Crystal Casino and Crystal Theatre are just up the escalator.

Renaissance Marketplace

Renaissance Marketplace nestled between the yacht-lined boardwalk and Queen Wilhelmina Park boasts an eclectic array of retailers, special holiday activities and live entertainment. A recent facelift has given the marketplace a sophisticated new allure; several new eateries have recently opened their doors. The Seaport Casino and Seaport Convention Center are located here as well.

Alhambra Nighttime Shopping Bazaar

Adjacent to the Alhambra Casino, this small complex has ten unique shops, an internet café, hairstylist, and fast food outlet. New shops are on the horizon.

Paseo Herencia

Paseo Herencia entertains shoppers with liquid fireworks, synchronized swimmers, Carnaval shows, live music and six movie theatres while they explore the eclectic roster of fifty retail stores and seven restaurants. The entire center is indeed a “walk through history” and is dedicated to Juan Chabaya “Padu” Lampe, Aruba’s legendary composer and musician; the amphitheatre is named after Edgar Connor, father of steel pan music. Throughout the year there are themed events, fashion shows, talent shows and performances. Restaurants serve everything from Belgian waffles and frites, ice cream, sushi and Caribbean seafood to burgers, fajitas and ribs. Waltzing waters provide an ever-changing music and light show; the music of local bands and jazz performers fills the air.

Palm Beach Plaza

Palm Beach Plaza is an impressive new multi-level shopping mall with ample ground level parking located in the high-rise area, one block from the Holiday Inn Aruba. The largest mall in the southern Caribbean, Palm Beach Plaza is an all-day family entertainment center with prestigious retailers, an eight-screen movie theatre Mega Plex, post office, mini-market, restaurants and food court. The children’s entertainment floor features a kiddie-train, rock climbing wall, bowling alley, electronic game zone, thrilling cable slide, and indoor supervised playroom.

The Village

The Village, recently opened across from the Radisson Resort, boasts live entertainment as well as various shops and unique restaurants serving fajitas, barbecue chicken and ribs, and French Caribbean fare.

South Beach Mall

Relax at a giant sports bar, hard rock or Dutch café, al fresco bar or coffee house, or enjoy some Oriental cuisine while exploring all the shops. The enormous parking area makes the shopping experience hassle-free.

Arawak Garden

Arawak Garden is located right across from the Allegro Aruba Resort. A jumping spot, especially at night, Arawak features a line-up of Italian, seafood, Dutch, steak and fast food restaurants, as well as a popular piano bar. Kiosks and small shops with handicrafts, jewelry, souvenirs, aloe and more border the complex. Parking lot behind restaurants.

Supermarkets

In addition to a host of small markets found along every road, Kong Hing, Ling & Sons, Certified, and Super Food are mega-supermarkets with ample parking clustered outside of downtown Oranjestad past the low-rise area; they are generally open until 8 am – 6 pm daily, and 8 am - 1 pm on Sunday.

Certified Mega Mall is a complex of fifty shops that offer a broad range of services including ATM machines, shoe repair, bakery and coffee shop, fast food outlets, café/restaurant, travel agency, fitness center, photo finisher and dry cleaner.

At the island’s supermarkets, not only will you find everything you have at home, but also international gourmet delights and unique local products. Dutch cheese, confections and exotic condiments, international wines and liqueurs; local spirits, produce and hot sauces; Aruba aloe products; and homemade baked goods and snacks such as the pastechi (a deep-fried half-moon pastry with savory fillings) and pan bollo (Aruban bread pudding) are just a few of the temptations that await you. Prices are in Aruban currency; to arrive at the dollar equivalent, divide the price in half and add 10%.