Shopping in Puerto Rico

U.S. dollars are the local currency.

San Juan Shopping

As cruise ship enthusiasts are well aware, Old San Juan is a shopper's paradise for jewelry, art works, leather goods and souvenir items.

A good selection of designer clothes and shoes are also available in the Condado and Isla Verde areas of San Juan proper.

The Caribbean's largest shopping mall, the Plazas Las Americas, is located in San Juan 's business district, Hato Rey. The mall is more than three miles long with 192 shops.

Not only may prices be at a 30 to 40 percent discount, there is the added bonus of no sales tax.

Foremost among the local crafts are the small wooden figures depicting religious scenes or representing a saint. Called "santos," they are hand-made with individualized skills passed down generation after generation within the same families.

Another local specialty is the handmade bobbin lace called "mundillo" fashioned into dollies, tablecloths and other fancy items.

Large or small masks used in the big carnivals make very colorful and unusual wall adornments. Traditionally made of papier-mâché, the masks may be made from coconut, wood and ceramics.

The island's best hammock-makers are located in San Sebastian, the best basket-weavers are at Jayuya.

Of course, rum is produced in Puerto Rico, so that's always a good buy. You may want to tour the Bacardi factory.

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