Going Shopping In Mauritius By Ben Cartwright At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Shopping in Mauritius is as diverse as the rest of island life. The islands reputation as a shopping paradise is well deserved thanks to the sheer diversity and quality of shopping opportunities. Ranging from duty free shops, shopping centres, arts and craft shops to beach hawkers and street markets, the shopping experiences in Mauritius are absolutely amazing.

Grand Bay is the main shopping area on the island and is a shopping and leisure paradise. It was also the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom and many Mauritians head here for when they want a fun-filled night out. The area is great for its choice of restaurants, bars and discos.

Duty free Shops

There are a number of tourist only duty free shops on the island where you can make some great savings. Please note that you will need to take passports and valid air tickets along with you to take advantage of these savings. Alternatively you can make purchases at duty free shops on arrival and departure at the airport. Here you will find clothes and perfumes at discounted prices. There are also jewellery shops and consumer electronic shops offering duty free discounts. Payment can be made in both foreign currencies or the Mauritian Rupee and goods will be delivered at the airport on departure.

Markets

The traditional and colourful markets are a unique shopping experience which provides you with the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the Mauritian way of life and gives you a chance to improve your haggling skills. The Port Louis market at the centre of the capital is the best example of this. Stalls of tropical fruits and vegetables side by side with medicinal plants and spices line the market. Another popular market is at Quatre Bornes which is every Thursday and Sunday. It specializes in textile products. Most major cities and villages in Mauritius have their own markets on specified days.

If you love cooking you will be able to take back a variety of spices and pickles and do not forget to buy some vanilla tea or rum to try.

Shopping Centres

Caudan and the Port Louis waterfront shopping centres cater for leisure facilities and have a number of bars, restaurants, cinemas and casinos. Quatre Bornes and Curepipe shopping centres offer a variety of products all under one roof. At most shopping centres you will be able to buy clothes, fabric, jewelery, books and other products.

Arts & Crafts

Traditional Mauritian arts and crafts products such as sculptures and drums of African origin and colourful sarees make great gifts and are further proof of the diversity of the island. The arts and crafts market offers a variety of model ships designed by craftsmen who specialize in replicating maritime history. Airline companies can charge for freight depending on size and weight.

Jewelery

With a tradition of jewelery gained from Indian and Arabian immigrants Mauritius has a number of jewelery shops operating with a legacy of impeccable quality and design.

Textiles

Mauritius is renowned for its textiles production, namely for pull-overs and knitwear. Major brands of shirts, trousers, suits, dresses, suits for women, shorts or swimwear are sold at unbeatable prices. Basketwork, embroidery, pottery, cut stones and recycled glass are also in demand.

Hotel Shops

Everyone knows that bringing back souvenirs can be quite time consuming which is why Coffret des Iles is so convenient. Coffret des Iles sells a wide range of gift parcels which can be home delivered in France, England and Germany within 72 hours. They can be purchased from most of the luxury hotels in Mauritius gift shops or from a Tout Operator’s local representative.

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