Island Spirits

A recent survey showed that prices for liquor in St. Thomas and St. John were as much as 30% less than in New York City. You're allowed to bring 5 bottles of liquor back to the United States, or 6 bottles duty-free if the sixth is locally produced.

Local liquor nearly always means rum in the Virgin Islands, but it could also include Southern Comfort, which is bottled on the island of St. Croix (check the label). All the liquor retailers will pack your purchase in protective, easy to carry boxes for transport home. Because of the generous U.S. Customs allowances in the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas or St. John might be the best places to purchase expensive French brandy, champagne, or liqueurs. The widest selection of discount liquor for sale is found on the island of St. Thomas, at A. H. Riise Gift & Liquor Stores and Pueblo Supermarket and Dynasty Dazzlers. These stores have locations in both the downtown and Havensight Mall areas. Most airlines will allow you to check in your liquor boxes at no charge.