As you already found out, Ocho Rios is famous across the tourists and locals for its nearby attractions like Dunn’s River Falls, but also for all inclusive resorts and nice people. Shopping in Ocho Rios as in most of the Jamaican places is all about souvenirs, such as t-shirts, shot glasses, coffee, crafts, wood photo frames, rum, and the list can go on like this forever.
If you are wondering in what currency you can pay the products, well US dollar or Jamaican dollars are accepted by most of the vendors. Still, be very careful when you read or ask the price and the currency. There is a huge gap between the Jamaican and US dollars: 1 USD = 85 JMD.
Craft Markets
You can imagine that the best place in town for shopping traditional Jamaican stuff is a native craft market.
And where else can you find these markets if not closer to most of the touristic attractions. This is the case with the craft market from the entrance to Dunn’sRiverFalls. Here you will find nice gemstones jewelries made, carvings, paintings, mugs, and many other interesting gifts. Maybe you will feel overwhelmed by some of the sellers’ insistency for buying something from them. If you are not interested a simple” No, thank you!” should be enough.
Keep in mind that our custom is to bargain and we are very happy when we can do the bargaining with a foreigner. So, you should bargain a little bite your products, but do not go too down with the price as you can offense the vendor. Most of the vendors are gaining money from their small business for all their families.
Other markets are also present in Ocho Rios; just ask the staff from your hotel. They can help you in finding the best one for your needs.
Shopping Malls
If you are a shopping lover, than you have to pay a visit to theIslandVillage. Here you will find the best combination for entertainment: relaxation, water, bar, restaurant, shopping center. What else do you need?
All these are available to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville: Blue Mountain Coffee gift packages,Appletonrum, marvelous jewelries, T-shirts with Bob Marley and Jamaican flag, reggae, dancehall, ska music burn on a CD.
After two hours of shopping you can taste the traditional Jamaican cuisine and drink some amazing cocktails.
These are just few suggestions from where you can take some nice stuff as presents or just for you to keep closer to your soul our beautiful culture.
Other options for Shopping in Ocho Rios are the small gift shops from your hotel. This is the best choice when you are in a big rush. Enjoy your shopping moments in Ocho Rios!