St. Maarten Highlights Duty-Free Shopping Options

St. Maarten is highlighting its duty-free shopping. No tax is paid on any item purchased on the island, nor any duties when returning to the U.S. St. Maarten’s capital, Philipsburg, features boutique stores lining Voorstraat (Front Street), which stretches for over a mile.

Shoppers will find that most prices are as much as 50 percent less than other countries and are quoted in U.S. dollars saving the confusion of sorting out the exchange rate. Along Front Street, stores range from Tiffany to Tommy Hilfiger.

The Sint Rose Shopping Mall on the boardwalk by Front Street features Cartier, Lalique, and Faconnable. Old Street, situated off Front Street, is highlighted by 19th century houses which contain specialty shops. Maho Plaza (located by the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort) is another area for name-brand stores.

St. Maarten offers buys on jewelry with jewelers offering everything from loose stones to original designs. International fashion items such as Gucci and Ralph Lauren can be found at reasonable rates as well as fine leather goods, top-of-the line cosmetics and electronics.