Vietnamese taels, now prized as jewelry all over the world, were introduced into the international gold market on Guam in the early 1970s. It was during this time that Guam was the main processing location for thousands of Vietnamese following the fall of South Vietnam. Their property gone, survivors converted their holdings into paper thin gold wafers, easily hidden in their clothing. Available duty free from shops and department stores, these are among the many quality brand names from France and Italy. On Guam, a multitude of fragrances can be purchased with considerable savings.
Perfumes are often as much as one third less than Tokyo prices.
Excellent foreign and Californian wines, unusual liqueurs from far off lands, and favorite blends of whiskeys are among the universal selection of liquors. Jewelry and carved statuettes in quality jade can be found on Guam at irresistible prices. The different kinds of jade found on Guam come from Australia, India, South Africa, Burma, Taiwan, Brazil and Bangkok. Jewelry and gifts fashioned from coral are a treasure unique to the Pacific. Red coral usually comes from Taiwan and black coral from Hawaii.