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N1GEL said..
I don't think they have income tax in NC, so the GST is huge to make up for it. Tahiti is the same.
I wish we didn't ...

we actually have an income tax, and gst is "only" 10% on prepared/transformed goods
It's the import taxes that hit us hard, 30% on product and freight from europe, 50 % from elsewhere.
(that's why we only have the european collections in the billabong/rip curl/quiksilver stores)
Like Nigel said, if you plan an extended stay, you can't go dining out every night ! Cook your meals and prepare your lunch boxes for the beach
And if you go out, tell every restaurant manager I sent you !

plenty of discounts
Sean