Jamaica - Shopping

Among the items available are rum, Blue Mountain coffee, gemstone jewelry, shells, local art (there's everything - from neo-expressionist to primitive), colorful clothing and fabric, preserves and spices, musical instruments, hand-carved mahogany items, local handicrafts, woven straw baskets, embroidery, leather goods and CDs and cassettes of reggae music. 

You can get Cuban cigars, but if you're a U.S. citizen, be aware that they may be confiscated if you try to take them home. The sale of black and white coral is banned (for good reason - some of Jamaica's reefs have been heavily damaged). Turtles are also protected by law, so don't buy turtle products. 

Duty-free shopping is available at most large hotels, at the Kingston and Montego Bay airports and in select stores in Ocho Rios, Kingston and Montego Bay (everything from watches and crystal to local liqueurs). 

Shopping will bring you in contact with many aggressive vendors, who can be intimidating. If you aren't interested, a firm "No thank you" should suffice. And keep walking. If you do see something you like, expect to bargain: It is a time-honored tradition, always conducted with humor and mutual respect. Never pay a vendor the first asking price.

Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-4 or 5 pm; Saturday 8 am-1 pm.

Banking Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 am-2 pm; Friday 9 am-noon and 2-5 pm.