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I may be moving there in a few months and wanted to know what items I should buy to bring with me to STT that aren't available on the island. I know a few people that have said they buy a ton of items when they make trips back to the U.S., but I wanted to know what kind of items so I can just load up on them prior to moving.
Well, back in the 70's and 80's it was next to impossible to find quite a few things that you get accustomed to when living in the states. But now a days, you can find most things on the islands that you can get in the states, so there is less of a need. With K-mart, Home Depot & Radio Shack it has helped out tremendously. But you also have to understand that your options are still limited especially for pets. There are only a few pet stores so if your pet likes a certain type of food or toys, you may want to stock up before the trip. Also, electronics can be a bit pricey on island so DVD players, recorder and TV's are always a good bet to bring as well.
most things can be bought on line-look for the thread of places that ship. personal things you cant live without, items for your hobbies that you will need right away. pet items until you can find a source to ship them and like an Aand A said, your car
good luck and enjoy your time here
So funny. Last year when visiting a friend in Florida I tried to shop for things. I usually get what I need online when I can't find it here. I was looking for an electric toothbrush to replace the one I had from Cost U Less than finally died. CUL changed brands on me and I still had new replacement brushes I got from Amazon. I went into Walmart and searched.. They had 21 on display! They ranged from $9 to $100+. Couldn't believe it and walked away undecided. Bought a pair of slip on canvas shoes for $19.99 and left. Driving around I decided that it was the land of excess. So many choices for the same item. Thankfully here in STT you have one or two choices!! So simple. Been able to find all I need right here. There are items I get from Penney's, Amazon, when they ship here, and the usual best option I find things on is EBay. Most all of the sellers will ship here. I can always find the most obscure things on EBay. Brand new, in the box!
Ronnie, I agree with you, and having worked in retail here where your customer has to make a,selection quickly, you really need to keep it simple or they get overwhelmed and can't make a decision.
I thought I could get the items I can't find here at stores in Ft Lauderdale, but they didn't have them either.
There are also things I buy here that I don't think are easily found in the States like the Wibix crackers from.Barbados.
Ive had mine shipped the last 3 years.
I heard they used to sell st Ag Fair, but apparently not anymore.
The first year i had them shipped, half the staff at the Bucc ordered through me. We sent that girl to Girl Scout Camp that year!
I vowed never to take orders for cookies again... unless my daughter wants to be a GS some day.
If you are shipping your furniture, stock up on things you like and normally use.
Do you have a favorite coffee brand? Spices are expensive here, bring your dog's special food, be sure to buy a few battery operated lights and batteries for your first WAPA outage experience, Bug repellent is expensive here as are most things. Diapers, etc.
If you are planning on being here for more than a yr. it will probably be worth it to bring your own furniture if it's good quality so stock up since you are shipping your furniture and cars! That being said, most things are available here but they will probably cost more and you won't have the variety of selections. When shopping here, if you see something you really like, get 2 as when you go back to the store,
it'll be gone and the store will never order it, again.*-)
Alana brings up a good point, bug spray and sun block (reef safe) 😉 I bet you can get a flat of it from Costco for a good price. Each here will run you $10+ a can. My sunscreen is like $18 but its not toxic to the reefs. I did find some cheaper thou last week at secret harbor dive shop. Also for your first couple weeks I would definatly bring a good mozzy net to sleep under. They looooove the new blood!
For the last 20 years I have been giving the same advice. Duh...this is where you live. Go to the store and get what you need. If you can not find it go on the web and try and find it, Order it,... it will eventually come ...or not...
No drama needed. We have what we have...nothing new, except it is much easier to buy things on line than years ago....MUCH EASIER
One of the things I love about living here is the lack of "stuff". You go into the nicest house or the poorest house, you'll probably find the same shower mat or soap dish, because they both got them from CUL or Kmart and it doesn't matter. If you want a different one, go to the flea market and find vintage ones or make it yourself. If you can't find it here, you probably didn't need it anyway.
One of the things I love about living here is the lack of "stuff". You go into the nicest house or the poorest house, you'll probably find the same shower mat or soap dish, because they both got them from CUL or Kmart and it doesn't matter. If you want a different one, go to the flea market and find vintage ones or make it yourself. If you can't find it here, you probably didn't need it anyway.
Love this. One of the things that's so hard to teach my children stateside. Grandparents don't help either... *-) We have been moving towards this now before we get there.
