You'll also be able to buy anything you might need during your stay here. There are several different areas throughout the Island that have thriving shopping districts.

Hato Rey's Plaza Las Américas is the largest mall in the Caribbean, and one of the most successful in U.S. territory. The mall average sales per square percent is within the top 5 percent of all U.S. malls. The J.C. Penny and Sears stores at Plaza are among the most profitable for each company. The mall underwent a multi-million dollar expansion completed in 2000, which has added Macy's and Borders Books, Music an Café to its venerable roster of retailers. Other large malls are Carolina's Plaza Carolina, the Montehiedra Mall just south of San Juan, and Ponce's Plaza del Caribe. The malls have everything from high-tech electronic products to fine clothing and jewelry to books, records and housewares. Other U.S. chains, like Walgreen's, Kmart, Wal-Mart and Western Auto also have outlets throughout the Island.

Upscale boutiques, souvenir shops and art galleries are found in Isla Verde and Condado. Santurce also has a downtown shopping area. For a real taste of island life, try the market place and the shop-lined pedestrian mall in Río Piedras. The market sells local foods, herbs, religious paraphernalia and a slew of other products. Bargains on everything from cloths to electronics to sporting goods are found throughout the surrounding shopping area.

Old San Juan is a must for shoppers. There are numerous jewelry stores. Art galleries and craft shops are scattered about Old San Juan, with concentrations on Fortaleza, Cristo and San José streets. The historic zone is also packed with jewelry stores and clothing boutiques. Ralph Lauren and London Fog have discount outlets here. Souvenir and T-shirt shops are also plentiful. Artisans hawk their wares from stands set up in front of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company's Information Center overlooking San Juan Bay. The nearby bus station also has a mini-mall at ground level which houses the studios of local craft makers and artists. Crafts and other products from throughout Latin America and other areas are also available.

For local books and music, try the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture's shop, located at Plaza San José. Most of the titles are in Spanish. For a good selection of bilingual books, magazines and other publications, try Bell, Book & Candle in the Condado. Saravá in Old San Juan has an extensive collection of Latin and international music. Papyrus and Cronopios, both located in the old city, have fine selections of both music and books. The malls also have quality music and book stores.

Local artisans produce jewelry, leatherwork, hammocks, lace, musical instruments and ceramics. They have become masters of the wooden carvings of saints known as Santos. Island artists have also excelled in the a variety of print-making techniques, and fine prints can be purchased for reasonable prices. Other popular items are the handmade masks and ceramic models of the facades of Old San Juan buildings.

Old San Juan is a good place to find the work of local artisans. The government-operated National Center For Popular Arts exhibits and sells a wide variety of crafts. There are also locations throughout the Island that carry artisan's wares. Festivals are always a good spot to find local art products. It's also possible to drive out to the country to visit the workshops of Island artisans.

The rums of Puerto Rico, ranging from light rums used in mix drinks to dark, brandy-like rums usually taken after a meal in a snifter, are widely available and much cheaper than on the U.S. mainland. The Island's rich coffee is often packaged attractively and makes a nice gift.