Hi,

Does anyone know if there are any regulations about bringing food onto the island? We figured we could save alot of dollars by bring a cooler of meat, etc. What about produce, is that ok?

Thanks,
Danielle

Danielle, I found the prices for meat (compared to those in Holland) verry low. Some other stuff (coke, chips, nuts) are quitte expensive...

Martin

Martin, do they let you bring in foodstuffs when you travel from Europe?

There are no restrictions as yet, however the prices if you shop at one of the large cash and carries are about the same as a small grocery in the US. I also know that people are having lots of trouble with security inspections and face more scrutiny when transporting coolers. Warning..if you use American Eagle, you may get bumped for a night or two and your meat may get a bit gamey!

Jenni, usually we only take some candy (we call it "drop" with us, 'cause there are not that much placesa where we can buy it in the world. We buy the rest of our food in local shops.

We always take cold cuts with us. We freeze them first and then pack them in a wetsuit with some ice packs. The are still frozen when we unpack them. We also take cheese, crackers, mayo, junk food, crystal light, granola bars, bacon, chicken and zipo lock bags. I know it sounds crazy but we do shore dives every day and always pack lunches. This way we do not have to waste valuable Bonaire time shopping. We are ready to go the day we arrive. Also a few years ago we bought a cooler on the island and left it with some island friends full of beer. Now when we arrive they leave the cooler at our door and it is full of beer or wine.

Ok, at the risk of sounding brusque which I do not mean to sound and I am by far an expert but why bring cheese on this lovely Dutch island. Warehouse has huge wheels of this buttery creamy ambrosia. I paid 3 naf for a HUGE wedge that I brought home. I dunno..seems kind of hectic to bring food to an island that has the best grocery stores I have seen in the Caribbean. Now in Antigua, I practically brought the kitchen sink.LOL

The cooler idea is AWESOME!

HUGS

Annie
Cape Cod

Jenni,,,we bring bagels, cereal, peanut butter, candy,crystal light,pretzels, cans of fruit,coffee,coffee filters,granola bars,,,and of course..vodka and tequila...(the airport bars do not open early enough!) We have never had a problem and we go to Bonaire twice a year. We did meet some people last year that brought steaks and butter and cold cuts frozen...and had no problem either.

Thanks for the info! This is very helpful. In addition to the meat, I am bringing snack stuff too. Like Beth said, don't want to waste valuable Bonaire time in the grocery store! That's less time in the water! But I will have to go see what that cheese is all about...

Danielle