Buying Stuff in the Caribbean

[lawrence_craig]

Hey guys,

Need some advice. I am doing the ARC crossing and thinking of adding some stuff (Paddleboard, Surfboard etc).

I can either buy in the UK, or buy in a southern Caribbean island, or get it shipped from somewhere (i.e. US) to an island.

What would be best in terms of price given that some of the islands don't have duty?

Thanks,
Lawrence

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by lawrence_craig

Hey guys,

Need some advice. I am doing the ARC crossing and thinking of adding some stuff (Paddleboard, Surfboard etc).

I can either buy in the UK, or buy in a southern Caribbean island, or get it shipped from somewhere (i.e. US) to an island.

What would be best in terms of price given that some of the islands don't have duty?

Thanks,
Lawrence

If I'm understanding this right. You are wondering if you should buy it in the UK before heading out?

If that is correct, then YES buy it in the UK. Trying to buy that stuff down here will cost you at least %50 more. However, chances are you won't even be able to find that stuff in most islands. Paddleboards can be bought in Martinique at Decathlon, I don't think they sell surf boards. Trying to ship it in will also add easily another %50.

If you have no option but shipping in, then the 2 best islands are St. Martin or St. Lucia. St. Martin is a duty free port so you just need an address to ship to. St. Lucia is duty free but requries the use of a broker. A broker in St. Lucia costs about $175EC (about $85usd). You might be shocked by the cost of shipping though.

[Cheechako]

Some stuff will cost you more in the Caribe. If you go to a big enough city there it may not. Finding what you want may be fruitless for some things though. Certain things may be a good price like outboards.
A new AB Dingy was cheaper in St Martin than in the US.