A Shopper's Paradise: Unveiling the Vibrant Markets of Cartagena
Nestled on the northern coast of Colombia, the enchanting city of Cartagena beckons travelers with its kaleidoscope of colours, rich cultural tapestry, and a shopping scene as diverse as its history. This Caribbean gem is a treasure trove of unique clothes, souvenirs, and precious gems, offering an immersive experience extending far beyond its picturesque streets. But before you embark on your shopping spree, here are some essential tips to make the most of your retail therapy in Cartagena.
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Emeralds: Unearthing Green Treasures
Cartagena's abundance of emerald shops is no coincidence. Colombia is renowned for producing some of the world's finest emeralds, and the city's coastal location has made it a hub for these precious gems. The country's geological richness contributes to the availability of emeralds, making them a coveted purchase for those seeking a truly Colombian keepsake.
Identifying real emeralds can be a challenge for the untrained eye, so thorough research is essential before making a purchase. One key tip is to remember that all authentic emeralds have flaws. Understanding this can help set realistic expectations as you explore the dazzling displays in Cartagena's shops. If you do purchase a gemstone you will need to fall in love with its possible inclusions or cloudy appearance, because if the stone appears perfect, that is an indicator that it is not authentic.
Shopping Hotspots: Exploring Cartagena's Unique Clothing & Accessory Boutiques
Portomar: Men's Fashion Oasis
With multiple locations across Cartagena, Portomar is a go-to for men's clothing, especially stylish button-downs and swim trunks.
Jon Sonen Prive: Swimwear Extravaganza
This boutique takes the spotlight for selling the best men's swimsuits we have ever found. The options were all designed in silky soft fabrics, fell at shorter, more flattering lengths, and came in various stunning patterns and colours. These swimsuits however were not even the shop's main offering, as here you will find a diverse selection of men's and women's clothing, including great staple linen pieces.
Velez: Leather Haven
A chain spread throughout the country, Velez offers an array of incredible leather goods. Some of their jackets, bags, and shoes can even be customized in-store using their laser engraver, providing a personalized touch. I had the strap of my leather duffel bag engraved with my name, but the woven leather men’s slip-on loafers we purchased were perfect as is. Because of Columbia’s large meat industry, they also have a large production of high-quality leather, meaning that you will find these leather goods for sale at much lower prices than you would back home.
St. DOM: Celebrating Latin Designers
St. DOM is a beautiful concept store showcasing high-end designer pieces, exclusively from Latin designers. With another location in Bogotá, it promotes and celebrates the richness of Latin fashion.
Azulu Boutique
I first discovered Azulu inside of St. DOM, and after browsing through the elegant designs with a Columbian flare I was delighted to learn that there was a separate stand-alone boutique in town with even more options.
Beatriz Camacho: Impeccable Quality, Local Designs
Founded in Cartagena in 1993, Beatriz Camacho is a haven for impeccable quality and colourful designs. It stands as the ultimate local souvenir destination, capturing the essence of Cartagena's vibrant culture.
Pasaje La Moneda: Local Style Affordability
For local style at an affordable price, Pasaje La Moneda is a must-visit. This shopping mall boasts an array of shops with beautiful, colourful dresses that invite you to spend an entire day trying on different styles, while the kind salespeople shout “linda!” as you twirl around.
Centro Comercial La Serrezuela: Upscale Shopping Delight
Offering a different style of shopping mall, Centro Comercial La Serrezuela is an upscale haven with incredible stores inside. Adolfo Domingo, a Spanish designer with impeccable leather purses, and Malva, with its vast collection of beautiful patterns and designs, were the highlights for us within this shopping paradise.
VAT Refund: Navigating the Paper Trail
Shopping in Colombia offers a unique opportunity for a VAT refund for foreign tourists. However, you must be aware of the requirements: the purchase must exceed a certain threshold, and the VAT refund process involves some intricacies.
Stores may indicate their ability to provide a VAT refund, but they must collect your personal information, including your passport number and email, to issue the necessary email confirmation. This email confirmation should arrive in your inbox quickly, and is crucial for claiming the refund at the airport before you pass through customs. We had several stores offer the VAT refund and provided only a paper receipt to claim it, only to discover at the airport that these were not valid.
When you do reach the airport refund desk, you must present all purchases to the agent at that time, and you will be denied the refund if the goods have been sent off in your checked luggage already. Allow ample time for paperwork and potential line-ups here.
Conclusion
With these insights in mind, you are now prepared to embark on a seamless shopping journey through Cartagena's vibrant markets, where every purchase becomes a piece of the city's rich tapestry. As you weave through colourful boutiques and gemstone displays, Cartagena will reveal itself as not just a destination, but a captivating retail haven waiting to be explored.
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