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Shops with Flavor

By Els Kroon

Curaçao 's melting pot of culture s makes shopping even more thrilling

For culture enthusiasts with a shopping addiction, strolling through the streets of Willemstad must seem like a dream come true. In and around the shops, influences from Europe, Africa and South America can be felt and seen. Centuries ago the Dutch and Spanish left their European mark, bringing national customs, goods and architectural styles to the island. The colorful buildings throughout Curaçao hold a myriad of shops whose windows show off each culture’s personality.

The African heritage is noticeable in the designs of traditional clothes in the shops at the Breedestraat, one of the broad streets in the center of Punda adjacent to the ancient walls of Fort Amsterdam and the beautiful Governor’s Palace. The bright red building on the opposite of the fort houses Boolchand’s, the place to be for duty-free bargains for more than 80 years. Boolchand’s professional staff possesses extensive knowledge regarding the newest electronic equipment and supplies, from cameras, telecommunications and computer merchandise. It’s also a great place to find timepieces, jewelry, footwear and sporting goods at competitive prices.

The famous Floating Market provides a touch of South American flavor and one of Curaçao’s most famous and picturesque sights. Shaded by cheerfully colored awnings, Venezuelan merchants on small boats moored in a row along the Sha. Caprileskade offer colorful fruits, vegetables and fish. A short walk away is the plaza Jo Jo Correa, which often holds a small artisans market featuring local crafts.

On the Otrobanda side, the revival of the old Rif Fort, a 19th-century landmark, now houses a variety of shops, restaurants and an art gallery. Completed as the new, sophisticated Renaissance Mall, the exclusive shopping, fine restaurants and exciting nightlife satisfy even the most spoilt visitors. Fifty stores feature famous fashion, fragrance and jewelry brands from all over the world, including Tiffany, Swarovski, Little Switzerland, Colombian Emeralds International and Lalique. Fifteen restaurants suit all tastes and purse sizes, and The Cinemas movie theater, with six state-of-the-art projection rooms, screens the latest releases every evening. The Las Vegas-style Carnaval Casino next door offers 400 slot machines, 15 gaming tables and amazing mystery prizes like convertible sports cars. Rif Fort, Carnaval Casino and Renaissance Mall are located next to the famous swinging Pontoon Bridge.  Free parking is provided in the Rif Fort parking garage.

Shopping hours
Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Hours may vary.

Currency
Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (NAG) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of NAG250, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2.5 and 1 cents. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere. However, it's best to take notes in small denominations; US$50 and US$100 notes are not always easy to change.

Note: The Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin keeps a stable exchange rate to the U.S. dollar.

Currency exchange
Available in banks and bureaus de change. There are some ATMs.

Credit & debit cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that may be available. Debit cards are accepted in large shops and supermarkets.

Traveler's checks
Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in U.S. dollars.

Get a complete list of Curaçao shops here.

ADL Advertising B.V. Wilheliminaplein #1, Curaçao Tel: 568-3883 E-mail: adladvertising@me.com Web: www.adladvertising.com La Martina: We are dedicated to offering the very best products within the sport of polo. Available at DLG Boutique in Zuikertuin Mall; Tel: 737-5501. Read More... Lacoste Boutique: After 75 years, Lacoste remains an elegant, authentic and timeless brand. Located at Zuikertuin Mall; Tel: 738-6313. Read More... Zuikertuin Mall: The only fully covered, air-conditioned mall on the island. Features over 25 name-brand stores, four restaurants, a fresh market and an authentic Italian gelateria. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the first Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Suikertuintjeweg z/n; www.facebook.com/zuikertuinmall; www.zuikertuinmall.com. Read More... Boolchand's Breedestraat 50 Punda, Curaçao Tel: 461-6233 Fax: 461-9122 E-mail: boolchand.cur@boolchand.com Website: www.boolchand.com Cards: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. View our Video Established in 1930 and celebrating 80 years in 2010, Boolchand's has been voted one of the top four BEST duty-free stores in the Caribbean. Boolchand's, also located in Aruba, St. Maarten and St.Thomas, carries quality branded cameras, computers and electronics, including first-class brands Apple, Bose, Canon, Olympus, Samsung and Sony, amongst a host of other brands. Additionally, Boolchand's features the full range of Pandora Jewelry and timepieces by Citizen, Michael Kors, Movado, Oris, Seiko and Skagen. Come to Boolchand's in Punda and visit one of the premier retail stores in the Caribbean. Read More... EFFY Jewelers Breedestraat (P) 33 Tel: 461-9790 Web: www.effyjewelers.com Effy Hematian is the creator, designer and founder of Effy Jewelers. With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Effy continues to design truly innovative jewelry that is not only beautiful, but also enduring. His eye for quality and style is reflected in his jewelry stores throughout the Caribbean and Alaska. Read More... Freeport Duty Free Limited Part of the Freeport Group Heerenstraat 13, Downtown Punda Tel: 461-9500 Fax: 461-2393 E-mail: info@freeportjewelers.com Website: www.freeportjewelers.com This fine store carries an assortment of sporty watches by TechnoMarine, Tissot, Raymond Weil, Fossil, Guess, Citizen and Seiko, and a stunning collection of 18k handmade jewelry by Sauro. A selection of jewelry for every taste and every budget. Also sunglasses by TechnoMarine. Free gift with every $100 purchase. Read More... Freeport Jewelers Part of the Freeport Group Breedestraat 42, Downtown Punda Tel: 465-8117 Fax: 461-2393 E-mail: info@freeportjewelers.com Website: www.freeportjewelers.com Freeport's flagship store is located on the main street, in a recently refurbished 300-year-old building. Carrying an impressive collection of watches such as Audemars Piguet, IWC, Panerai, Hublot, Bulgari, Chopard, TAG Heuer, Dior, Bell & Ross and Baume & Mercier. Stunning jewelry by Chopard, Bulgari, Roberto Coin, John Hardy and Buddha to Buddha. Also available colorful Parazul bags. Read More... Freeport Jewelers Part of the Freeport Group Renaissance Mall, Otrobanda Tel: 461-2857 Fax: 461-2393 E-mail: info@freeportjewelers.com Website: www.freeportjewelers.com Freeport's newest store is a must visit for lovers of exclusive timepieces. Carrying not only the finest variety of watches by Audemars Piguet, Panerai, IWC, Hublot, Bulgari, Dior, Gucci and Chopard, but also the more popular brands like Citizen, Seiko, Guess, TW Steel and Tissot. This store also carries the world's most perfectly cut diamonds by Hearts On Fire. Plus a great collection of jewelry by Chopard, Bulgari, David Yurman and a whole corner dedicated to Pandora. Read More... Freeport Jewelers Zuikertuin Mall Part of the Freeport Group Zuikertuin Mall Tel: 736-1394 Fax: 461-2393 E-mail: info@freeportjewelers.com Website: www.freeportjewelers.com Hours: Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. for your shopping convenience Set in a restored plantation house is Freeport Jewelers, offering a taste of all the lines carried downtown. Come cool off in Curaçao's only air-conditioned mall. Freeport Jewelers carries an impressive amount of beads by Pandora in a specialized corner. This store also features a section specially dedicated to Swarovski. Read More... Freeport Jewelry & Gifts Part of the Freeport Group Handelskade 9 / Heerenstraat 25 & 27 Downtown Punda Tel: 461-3764 Fax: 461-2393 E-mail: info@freeportjewelers.com Website: www.freeportjewelers.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Offering a collection of fine watches by Movado, Ebel, Philip Stein, David Yurman, Swiss Army, Maurice Lacroix, Longines, Charriol and Anne Klein, as well as Swarovski crystal jewelry and silver crystal collectibles. Solitaire diamond rings available, with all major purchases accompanied by GIA certificates of quality. Don't forget our duty- and tax-free prices. Read More... The Old Freeport Shop Part of the Freeport Group Handelskade 23 / Heerenstraat 25 & 27 Downtown Punda Tel: 461-2399 Fax: 461-2393 E-mail: info@freeportjewelers.com Website: www.freeportjewelers.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. This Freeport store, which is located next to their main store on the waterfront in Punda, offers a very affordable collection of the latest fashion in watches by Fossil, Guess, Michael Kors, Diesel, Tissot, TW Steel, Suunto, DKNY, Michele, Seiko and Citizen (especially loved by divers) with savings of up to 40% off stateside prices. Also visit our corners, which feature handbags, sunglasses and leatherwear. Read More... Gandelman Breedestraat 35 Punda Tel: 461-1854 Fax: 461-4872 E-mail: info@gandelman.net Website: www.gandelman.net Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:15 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Within the colorful architecture of Willemstad lies a wonderful collection of fine jewelry and Swiss timepieces presented by three generations of the Gandelman family. Gandelman is the exclusive representative for Rolex in Curaçao and Aruba. We are delighted to fashion you with fine names such as Cartier, Gucci, Omega, TechnoMarine and Swiss Army. After-sales service includes a modern, state-of-the-art workshop with certified watchmakers. At Gandelman you don't just shop, you live an unforgettable experience. Read More... Little Switzerland Breedestraat 44-P P.O. Box 140 Willemstad, Curaçao Tel: 461-2111 Fax: 461-2599 Web: www.littleswitzerland.com Defining luxury across the Caribbean. Little Switzerland is one of the world's most trusted duty-free retailers with a global reputation for luxury and service for over 50 years. Twenty-five stores across the Caribbean offer an unprecedented showcase of the most desired collections of respected names in fine designer jewelry, watches, china, crystal and accessories. If you haven't been to Little Switzerland, then you haven't been to the Caribbean! Read More... Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort Renaissance Resort & Casino Baden Powellweg 1 Willemstad, Curaçao Tel: 435-5000 Website: www.shoprenaissancecuracao.com Hours: Shopping: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Bars, restaurants & casino open every day, hours may vary Exclusive shopping, the finest restaurants and an exciting nightlife including a six-screen cinema. All this is nestled within and around the historic setting of the Rif Fort. Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort offer more than 50 stores providing international & local brands. Get your latest fashion, accessories, fragrances, one of a kind souvenirs and lots more at this brand new, outdoor mall. Adventurous tastes are also accommodated with a variety of 15 restaurants and bars serving culinary creations from across the globe. Read More... Swarovski Boutique Renaissance Mall, Otrobanda Tel: 461-2856 Come see the sparkling world of Swarovski at this new boutique that carries a beautiful collection of Swarovski fashion jewelry, watches, evening bags and of course the famous figurines. Feel the glamour of shining crystal from glassware to cute little key chains. Swarovski also always makes a great gift!