Things to Buy in Andaman: Best Souvenirs and Where to Shop
The best things to buy in Andaman are cultured pearls, coconut shell crafts, wooden and bamboo handicrafts, Nicobari mats and baskets, beachwear, spices and Andaman-themed keepsakes. Most of the best shopping is in Port Blair, at Aberdeen Bazaar and the government emporiums. Never buy corals, turtle shell, sea fans or raw sea shells. They are protected by law, and carrying them out of the islands can lead to fines and confiscation. Last updated November 2026.
Andaman Shopping at a Glance: Where to Buy and What to Avoid
Port Blair has the widest choice, and the smaller islands have only a few stalls. These two tables show where to shop and which items are safe to take home.
Where to shop in Andaman
Place
Island
Best for
Price type
Quick tip
Aberdeen Bazaar
Port Blair
Clothes, souvenirs, spices, sweets, daily needs
Bargaining
Compare two or three stalls before buying.
Sagarika Government Emporium
Port Blair
Coconut, wood and bamboo crafts, Nicobari items
Fixed price
A safe first stop. Check opening days before you go.
Other government emporiums
Port Blair
Authentic local handicrafts
Fixed price
Ask for a bill with every purchase.
Museum gift shops
Port Blair
Books, postcards, small crafts
Fixed price
Easy, low-risk souvenirs.
Havelock beach market
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
Sarongs, beachwear, wooden jewellery
Bargaining
Limited range, so do your main shopping in Port Blair.
Neil Island stalls
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
Basic souvenirs near the jetty
Bargaining
Skip any raw shells.
Safe to buy vs. avoid
Safe to buy
Avoid (protected by law)
Coconut shell crafts
Corals of any kind
Wooden, bamboo and cane products
Turtle shell (tortoiseshell) items
Cultured pearls and pearl jewellery (with a bill)
Sea fans and other protected marine life
Nicobari handicrafts from official outlets
Raw sea shells and shell clusters
Beachwear, sarongs, T-shirts, magnets
Shells or coral picked up on the beach
Books, postcards and spices
Anything sold without a bill or from an unlicensed seller
Always take a bill. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, ask the shop or the local forest department before you buy.
Quick guide: what to buy in Andaman
Souvenir
Best for
Where to buy
Cultured pearls and pearl jewellery
Gifts, jewellery
Licensed shops, government emporiums
Coconut shell crafts
Home decor, utility items
Sagarika emporium, Port Blair shops
Wood, bamboo and cane items
Decor, furniture accents
Emporiums, craft stalls
Nicobari handicrafts and mats
Authentic local crafts
Government emporiums
Beachwear, sarongs, hats
Use during the trip
Havelock and Neil markets, Aberdeen Bazaar
Andaman T-shirts and mementos
Cheap gifts
Aberdeen Bazaar
Spices and local food items
Food lovers
Aberdeen Bazaar
Books and postcards
Ethical souvenirs
Museum gift shops
1. Cultured pearls and pearl jewellery
Pearls are one of the most popular purchases in Port Blair. Rings, pendants, earrings and loose pearls are sold in jewellery shops and some government outlets. Quality varies widely, so:
Buy from licensed shops and ask for a written bill.
Check the lustre, shape and surface of the pearl in daylight.
Be cautious of very cheap “natural pearl” claims. Most pearls sold to tourists are cultured, and a good seller will say so.
2. Coconut shell crafts
Coconut shells are carved and polished into bowls, lamps, mugs, spoons, jewellery boxes, key rings and wall hangings. They are lightweight, eco-friendly and easy to pack, which makes them one of the safest souvenirs to take home.
3. Wooden, bamboo and cane products
Look for hand-carved wooden items, bamboo baskets, cane furniture accents, trays and ornaments. The government emporiums stock authentic pieces at fixed prices. Ask where the wood came from, and avoid items sold without a bill.
4. Nicobari handicrafts and mats
The Nicobar Islands are closed to most tourists, but many Nicobari crafts, such as woven mats and baskets, are sold in government emporiums in Port Blair. They are a good way to take home something made by the islands’ indigenous artisans. Buy from official outlets so the money reaches the makers. To learn more about the islands’ indigenous peoples, read our guide to the Tribes of Andaman.
5. Shell crafts: buy carefully
Shell jewellery, lamps and decor are sold everywhere, but this is the area where tourists get into trouble. The Wildlife (Protection) Act protects certain shell species, and raw shells and corals are banned.
Never collect shells or coral from the beach.
Never buy raw shells, shell clusters, coral, sea fans or turtle shell items.
If you buy a finished shell craft, buy only from a licensed emporium or shop, and keep the bill.
When in doubt, choose coconut, wood or bamboo instead.
6. Beachwear, sarongs and hats
Sarongs, light cotton shirts, hats and beach bags are sold in Havelock and Neil Island and in Aberdeen Bazaar. They are practical for the trip and inexpensive. Cheaper quality fades quickly, so check the fabric.
7. Andaman T-shirts, magnets and mementos
Printed T-shirts, fridge magnets, key rings and small models of Cellular Jail or the islands are widely sold in Aberdeen Bazaar and near the jetties. They make good low-cost gifts.
8. Spices and local food items
Look for packaged spices, coconut-based products and local snacks in Aberdeen Bazaar. Check packaging dates and keep items sealed for the flight. Aberdeen Bazaar also has sweet shops and bakeries worth a stop.
9. Books, postcards and museum gift shop items
Museum shops in Port Blair sell books, postcards and small crafts. This is an easy way to take home something about the islands’ history and nature without any legal risk.
Best places to shop in Andaman
Port Blair: the main shopping hub
Aberdeen Bazaar: The main market for clothes, accessories, souvenirs and daily needs. Bargain politely at street stalls.
Sagarika Government Emporium: Fixed-price handicrafts from the islands, widely recommended as a safe place to start. Check opening days and hours before you go.
Other government emporiums: Several government-run outlets sell local crafts at fixed prices.
Museum gift shops: Good for books and postcards.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
A few small stalls and beach markets sell sarongs, beachwear and wooden jewellery. The range is smaller than in Port Blair, so do the main shopping there.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Small stalls near the jetty sell basic souvenirs. Choose carefully and avoid any raw shells.
What you must not buy or take home
The following are illegal to buy or carry out of the Andamans:
Corals of any kind
Turtle shell (tortoiseshell) products
Sea fans and other protected marine life
Raw sea shells and shell clusters
Anything made from protected wildlife without a valid bill
Airport and port checks can lead to confiscation, fines and legal trouble. Rules can change, so confirm with the shop and the local authorities if you are unsure.
Smart shopping tips
Shop in Port Blair first. Choices are best there, and Havelock and Neil have limited stock.
Bargain at street stalls, not at the emporiums. Government emporium prices are fixed.
Always take a bill. It proves where you bought an item if you are asked at the airport.
Carry some cash and use UPI where it works. ATMs and networks can be limited on the smaller islands.
Pack fragile items in your hand luggage or wrap them well. Wood and coconut crafts can crack in transit.
Check airline baggage limits before buying heavy items.
Leave time on your last day. Most travellers return to Port Blair before departure, and that is the best time to shop.
Skip beach collectors. Do not pick up shells or coral on the beach, even if they look like they have washed ashore.
Plan your Andaman trip with us
Our island-based team can include shopping time in Port Blair in your itinerary, so you don’t have to rush before the flight home.
Cultured pearls and authentic handicrafts from government emporiums, such as coconut shell and wooden items, are the most popular purchases.
Port Blair. Aberdeen Bazaar and the government emporiums, including Sagarika, offer the widest choice.
Corals, turtle shell, sea fans and raw shells are protected by law, and you should never buy or carry them. Some processed shell crafts are sold by licensed dealers, but rules are strict, so take a bill or choose coconut or wood items instead.
No. Collecting shells, corals or marine life from the beaches is prohibited.
Prices vary by quality. Most pearls sold are cultured. Compare shops and buy from licensed sellers with a bill.
Yes, at street stalls and markets such as Aberdeen Bazaar. Government emporium prices are fixed.
There are small stalls and beach markets, but choice is limited. Do your main shopping in Port Blair.
Yes, in government emporiums in Port Blair. Buy from official outlets so the money reaches the artisans.
T-shirts, magnets, coconut shell items, postcards and small wooden crafts are inexpensive and easy to pack.
Government emporiums such as Sagarika sell at fixed prices, which many travellers prefer for a first purchase.
How to reach
C-43 WARD NO. 12, DIGNABAD, PORT BLAIR, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101
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