SHOPPING ON MARGARITA ISLAND
If you like shopping, you might be happy to know that Margarita is a 'free port': you don't pay the Venezuela value added tax there. That is one reason why Venezuelans from the mainland like to go there - it's not only a beach destination but a superb shopping place for them. And because of the tourism, Porlamar is FULL of shops and stores. Clothing is especially easy to find. You can choose from elegant to the casual and cheap.
The island also has several shopping malls, for example Jumbo in the very center of Porlamar, Centro Comercial AB towards Pampatar, Centro Comercial La Redoma, Sigo just west of Porlamar, and a recently built huge and elegant mall Sambil.
In the largest supermarkets Central Madeirense (CM), Sigo Supermarket, or UniCasa you will find large selections, comfortable grocery shopping, good quality fruits and vegetables, deli sections, freshly baked bread, etc. There are also lots and lots of smaller supermarkets here and there, of course.
Car renting is not a problem, and gas is extremely cheap in this oil-producing country. The variety without lead (which is the most expensive) has been around 100 bolivars a liter during 2004. That translates into about 20 cents/gallon using the official exchange rate for dollar.
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