What You Need to Know to Get the Most out of Your Stay With Us…
DRIVE on the LEFT!
The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) is the only place under United States jurisdiction where the rule of the road is to drive on the left.
We invite you to read along and digest the following advice from St Johnian long time resident Mr. Brad Felmly
The proper greeting:Say “good morning,” “good afternoon” and “good night” to locals and residents when you enter or exit a room. They consider these phrases almost mandatory, and far friendlier than just “hello.”
You’re in the Caribbean island sun: Take it easy your first day on the islands to avoid heat stroke, sunburn or sun rash. And always apply sunscreen before venturing out.
You need special sunscreen : In March 2020, the U.S. Virgin Islands banned the use and possession of sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene to protect its prized ecosystem. Sunscreens labeled “reef safe” are likely free of these three ingredients, but always check the label to be sure. Buy on island to be double safe.
You’ll see island critters: Lizards, bugs and medium-sized iguanas roam freely outdoors.
Culture & Customs: Similar to the residents of other Caribbean islands, Virgin Islanders dress casually but conservatively. Wearing a bathing suit — or even sandals — anywhere besides the beach marks you as a tourist. Wearing them in town (bathing suits without cover-ups) is illegal.
Since these islands are territories of the United States, their currency is the U.S. dollar. Overall, tipping etiquette is the same in the Virgin Islands as in other parts of the United States; 15 to 20% is considered the standard, but more is appreciated for exceptional service.
What to Eat: The U.S. Virgin Islands offer an assortment of restaurant options that range from white tablecloth establishments to affordable diners and fast-food joints. For a tasty meal on St. Thomas, head to restaurants in Frenchtown or Red Hook. On St. John, Cruz Bay is the place to be. Christiansted is the place to eat on St. Croix. There are also a handful of suitable options on St. Croix’s West End.
Most restaurants in those areas will give you the coddling tourist experience, but you might also find the opportunity to try a local dish. Look for menu options like pate (ground beef, chicken or salted cod wrapped and deep-fried in dough), johnnycake (deep-fried dough), fungi (corn meal) or peas and rice (kidney beans or lentils with brown rice) to eat like a Virgin Islander.
Safety: First, DRIVE LEFT!!!
St. Thomas is a major commercial hub and a very busy cruise port, and therefore susceptible to tourist-targeted crime. Additionally, there is a presence of violent crime on this island, though you’ll see fewer violent crimes on St. Croix and St. John, although it still exists. Take a taxi if possible, and if you have a rental car, paradoxically, don’t keep it locked. You’ll have to pay the rental company for the broken windows. And usually the thieves will get in anyway. Limit your travels at night – particularly in Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted and Frederiksted – and don’t travel alone. Use common sense and situational awareness like you would at home. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t make you exempt from harm
You should also safeguard your skin. The heat in the Caribbean can certainly be luxurious, but also scorching. Always remember to apply (reef safe) sunscreen before venturing out and reapply frequently if you’ll be outside all day. Use insect repellent in the evenings when the islands’ “no-see-ums” (tiny gnats) like to bite.
Getting Around U.S. Virgin Islands:
The best way to get around any U.S. Virgin Island is in a car – either your own rental or a taxi. You can rent a car at or nearby one of the islands’ two airports: the Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix. Or from a number of local rental companies on Saint John. Ferries from St. Thomas are the only way of getting to St. John (which has no airport) or even the British Virgin Islands.
Entry & Exit Requirements:
Although a passport is not required to travel between the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you must bring a passport if you’re planning to visit the British Virgin Islands during your stay. Visit the U.S. State Department’s website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
Enjoy your visit to these beautiful islands. But overall, follow the golden rule. Be kind, use common sense, and be safe.
