Hello All,

I am considering saving my holiday clothes shopping until I arrive in Bonaire, on the assumption that anything I need (bikini, sandals, hat, shorty) will be available in the shops at a decent price (i.e. not over charged because it's a tourist destination).

I live in Amsterdam and have had a quick look around here but haven't seen anything I fancy, so if a local, a regular or recent visitor could enlighten me please that would be most helpful.

Many thanks
Abi

There are a few options for bathing suits: Litmans has high end suits, very pretty. Best Buddies has some nice suits as well and a few other shops but the selections are limited compared to AMS. Hats, yes, you can buy tourist hats and t shirts and Chat and Browse has Reef Sandals.

Everything here is imported so prices are higher than in the US. I cannot comment on AMS as I have never shopped there.

For me, a bargain shopper who loves the American shops TJ Maxx, Filenes Basement and Marshalls, Bonaire is way over my budget.

IMHO

Hi Abi. At the risk of upsetting local shop owners here, please do your clothes shopping at home.
You can buy bathing costumes, tourist T-Shirts, hats etc but at a price. The "fashion" clothing is either poor quality, fake brands or hideous colours, on most occasions all of the above.
We travel back to the UK every year with an empty suitcase.
Hope you enjoy your stay.

Prices are high here (compared to US), because pretty much absolutely everything has to be imported (ocean freight, import duties, etc), not just because it's a "tourist" destination. There are some nice clothes here (Benneton, Jams, Tommy Bahamas, Kalhala, East-West brands), albeit a limited selection of sizes, colors, etc., if you're ok with spending +/-$50-100 per shirt/dress. Best Buddie's (T-shirts & sundresses) and Island Fashions (outfits & sundresses) on Kaya Grandi probably have the most reasonably priced (and not hideous) clothes. But you do have to spend if you don't want hideous (almost every shop has low-end "tourist" outfits-stuff you can wear here, then save for Karnaval or Halloween--I hear Halloween's catching on in AMS...).

Thanks for all the info. will have another quick look here before heading off next Monday...

I have been told that prices on Bonaire for some brand names are prettty reasonable compared to Holland. Also, you have to take into account the Euro vs Dollar. Lots of Europeans find they save money for brand names.

As a crackpot vegetarian who doesn't use leather products, I have to chime in that there is a shoe store on Kaya Grandi that I love. Lots of fun shoes in notleather, and not very expensive. I have to admit that they often die a few months after I get them home, but they're cheap enough that I feel as if I get my money's worth.
I can't remember the name of the place. It seems to attract a mainly local clientele. It's on the inland side of the street, and the spouse rolls his eyes and heads to Karel's when I get the shoe bug, so it can't be far from there.

My main problem with buying on Bonaire is I am a plus size lady and there is a limited selection to choose from. So I usually do my shopping in Texas before we go down. Having said that I do buy for members of my family and have found some really nice things at reasonable prices. You just have to shop around and do a lot of looking.
Andy

Hi Abi,

Maybe you can try the dive-shops in or near Amsterdam. I know the dive-shop at Zandeiland 4 in Vinkeveen sometimes has a nice bathing suit and bikini for a good price this time of year.
Also I usually buy my stuff in the late summer at H&M for half price because you'll never seem to find any stuff during the winter when I normally go on a holiday. I realize that this won't help you now, but maybe a tip for next time?

Good luck!
Denise

How could I NOT shop at Island Fashions and Best Buddies when on Bonaire !!!

Island Fashions has the exact same line of dresses and short outfits of a local store in my town BUT much cheaper! Best Buddies has added the same lines from their previous affiliated stores in the HarbourMall and Divi.

My teenage daughter looks forward to Bonaire shopping for her Summer fashions. My daughter's friend even picked up a nice "dinner" dress for a family cruise she's going on next month.

Note....we live in a tourist town with limited shopping. We have to drive 150 miles to get to large mall shopping and the stores Ann mentioned above.

I also think that Carib Inn has an excellent selection of dive attire and equipment at very reasonable prices....less than in my area.

Pack basics...and enjoy shopping. A couple of swim suits and shorts is all that is necessary.

I certainly agree with Linda. I am not a great shoppper but always stop by Carib Inn for a shirt or hat. They are very reasonable. We have found good stuff at Buddies and my wife loves Island Fashions. We always enjoy a stop at these outlets and think it important to support local businesses.

Last time down I picked up a beautiful dress at Island Fashions for a summer wedding. It was a big hit.
They always have some pretty things there, mostly casual as well as dressy.Sourvioners(sp) and jewelry too.

We had an enforced shop in Bonaire last year as our luggage took an alternative break. Island fashions was great for Sue for an evening outfit but the choice in the right sizes was limited (but good)I found it hard for me to get things on Bonaire for me. T shirts, shoes and shorts not a problem but other things were not so easy.