Shopping while on vacation can be both thrilling and chilling. Awesome because you can throw away all the rules. Horrifying because you might spend too much money only to find that the spoils are, metaphorically speaking, rotten.

If you're heading down to Mauritius soon, we've got a shopping guide for you so you can start planning now and avoid mishaps.

Something old-school

If you’re a cashmere kind of person, get it while you’re in Mauritius. The island exports the material to European markets so it might be a good idea to get it there because it will be way cheaper than you'll find here. If cashmere's not your thing, how about a present for your great Aunt Muriel?

A bit of glitter

There's great jewellery in Mauritius. Diamonds too if you have the money. But it could be a mission trying to figure out whether they're bloody or not. How about Indian jewellery? Copper bangles, necklaces and anklets are all available for sale and you have to admit they're in a league of their own.

A bit of fun

Some people buy all kinds of dodo bird memorabilia. T-shirts, shorts, hats and all other bumbling tourist embarrassments. If you have good sense of humour you can buy these. You'll also be paying your respects to a now extinct bird.

Not just for the hobbyists

You might think model ships are for nerds. But in Mauritius everyone can buy one or two. Model ships are some of the most popular Mauritian memorabilia because of the island's shipping history. Get some for yourself and your friends.

In addition to the spoils, we have recommendations on where exactly you should go shopping.

Grand Baie

Grand Baie is one of the most popular spots on the island. When you think of Mauritius you're probably thinking of Grand Baie. But besides the great beaches it's also one of the most important shopping areas. It's home for the designer queen in you. This is where fashionable locals and tourists stock up on affordable designer labels. Visit the La Mauricia Shopping Centre to spend major cash.

Quatre Borne

While not as big as the capital, Port Louis, Quatre Borne (Four Quarters) is as much a shopping hive. Visit the markets for some inexpensive handmade Mauritian crafts. This is where you can actually shop at night because the town is most known for its nightlife.

Curepipe

Another small town in Mauritius. You can find it in the middle of the island. It's the second most important town after Port Louis. It's known for its vegetation so flower markets are quite hot here. The biggest shopping area is in Le Sablonniere, just near Pope Hennessy Street. But if you like less touristy areas you can shop in the suburbs of Floreal and Forest Side. Remember to take your umbrella as it rains throughout the year, also check out Trou au Cerfs, a volcanic water, silt, and vegetation filled crater.

Port Louis

Besides being the capital of the country and the biggest city on the island, Port Louis is also shopping mecca. Anything goes here, clothes, fabrics, household items, shoes, etc. But it seems most people adore this place because of the t-shits. Take your time and look thoroughly for interesting t-shirts to take home.

Haggling

To fully enjoy your shopping experience, check your embarrassment in at the door and haggle a bit. If it doesn't work out at least you tried. The thing is at some places haggling is expected, so you can do it without feeling arrogant. Try your luck at the markets rather than at the designer shops. Don't haggle for fruits and food, rather for clothes, crafts, or fabrics.

Explore all that Mauritius has to offer with these deals.

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