Shopping in Los Roques

Los Roques Shopping Guide

Shopping in Caracas

The country's capital, Caracas offers one of the best shopping experiences in Venezuela. The huge malls here have designer stores offering every international brand and product. Visit the local markets if you are looking for genuine handicrafts as they are the best places to pick up local goods. The Venezuelan customs and excise rules have some restrictions on the import of organic products. It is good to read them before you buy edible items.

Gold and silver jewellery and precious stones also are good souvenirs to take home. Buying handicrafts from their place of origin is always the ideal thing to do but may not always be possible. Go to El Hatillo, outside Caracas, for authentic locally produced handicrafts. There is a huge department store Hannsi, with an entire section dedicated to crafts.

Bargaining

Bargaining is almost a sort of tradition here. The vendors customarily start off with a very high, almost unreasonable price and egg the buyers on to quote their price. This goes on until both parties arrive at a satisfactory rate.

Handicrafts

You can also find locally produced handicrafts in the Venezuelan markets. The most popular items are pipes, mats, baskets, bows, arrows, traditional footwear and chinchorros or hammocks. Also very attractive are the items made out of dark wood. Beautiful glazed pottery and ceramic ware are traditionally made in the Falcon State and nearby areas.

Jewellery

The jewellery and ornaments here range from the rustic to fine designer pieces. The most popular are pearl studded and gold ornaments, reed necklaces and bracelets. You can also buy metal ware like cacique coins, which make a very valuable collection.

Clothing

You will see boutiques and stores selling fashionable clothes and accessories in every corner of Venezuela. Caracas has plenty of popular branded designer stores with a good collection for men and women. Even for those who don't want to buy anything, a visit to the shopping malls can be very enjoyable, what with the eateries and other entertainment available there.

Accessories

Make sure you take home with you some of the very interesting accessories made in Venezuela. Handmade hats traditionally made using coarse natural fibres are good souvenirs. The markets have plenty of bags, shoes and sports equipment.

Foodstuffs

You can buy Venezuelan rum and cigars at the outlets near the airports. Venezuelan chocolate is a big favourite with visitors.