St Thomas, St John and St Croix are the biggest and most visited of the 60 islands making up the US Virgin Islands. Their appeal lies in the amalgamation of the exotic and the recognisable, an island paradise with modern comforts and a balance between Caribbean culture and American practicality.
The energetic capital of Charlotte Amalie and its attractive harbour lies on St Thomas, being the most Americanised of the chain and famous for its world-class duty free shopping. Nearby St John is an unspoilt nature lover's paradise, with most of its forests, pristine beaches, and reefs part of a protected national park.
St Croix is the largest of the islands and is fairly remote from the others. Historic remnants are scattered about the landscape, as are the picturesque Danish-influenced towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted. Additionally, snorkelling at Buck Island is also an attraction.
Surrounded
by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, these islands boast some of the most splendid coastlines in the world, with white sandy beaches, astonishing coral reefs, plentiful marine life, secluded coves and untouched rainforests rising up from the land.
Caribbean colour touches every aspect of the islands, blending with the strong Danish influence in the towns. White sails glide effortlessly across the emerald waters; local craftsmen display their unique island art along cobblestone alleyways; tiled villa roofs provide a splash of red against the verdant hillside; busy markets supply the essentials for a delicious cuisine; and the sounds of folk songs and calypso bands fill the air.
The Virgin Islands are among the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean and the port towns of Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted and Frederiksted are often swamped with newly arrived passengers in a frenzy of shopping and dining. The most popular beaches
are seldom deserted and the key reef areas are often a flurry of flippers and snorkels.
Luxury resorts and fine hotels share the streets with old colonial architecture. In the US Virgin Islands, it's still possible to escape the crowds and find that elusive slip of paradise, away from the divers, tourists and the shopaholics.
Key Facts
Language:
English is the official language. Spanish, Creole and some French are also spoken.
Passport/Visa:
Entry requirements are the same as for the United States of America. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. There is no immigration control for visitors arriving from mainland USA. Visitors from countries that qualify for the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a bar code on the photo page. Eligible travellers under the VWP must include biometrics in their machine-readable passports if they wish to enter the country without a visa; this means that unique personal data, such as fingerprints or iris details, must be included in passports. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. Those travelling under the VWP must also register on the US government ESTA website three days before departure, which allows the US to screen visitors before travel. All visitors to the USA
will have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the Visa Waiver Programme. All travellers arriving or departing by air, land or sea between the USA and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central and South America are required to present a valid passport. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD) divided into 100 cents. Most credit cards are accepted, including American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, and Visa, and are useful for withdrawing cash at ATMs. Foreign exchange bureaux are available to exchange other currencies, but it is best to arrive with US Dollars as many banks and hotels will not exchange foreign currency.
Electricity:
120 volts, 60Hz. Two-flat-pin plugs are standard.
Travel to US Virgin Islands
Climate in US Virgin Islands
The islands are hot and humid throughout the year, with most rain falling between August and October. The busiest tourist season is from December to May, and outside of these months rooms are cheaper and the islands less crowded. Between April and August, the waters are calmer and underwater visibility is best for diving and snorkelling. Most travellers prefer to avoid the rainy season in the US Virgin Islands, but this Caribbean gem can be enjoyed at any time of year.
Health Notes when travelling to US Virgin Islands
Only bottled water should be drunk outside the major towns, but other than that there are no significant health risks. Medical facilities are of a high standard but travel insurance is vital as medical care is very expensive.
Safety Notes when travelling to US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands are generally safe for travellers and the vast majority of visits are trouble-free. But normal precautions against petty crime should be taken, especially in the back streets of towns during the night. Don't leave valuables lying on the beach when snorkelling or swimming.
Customs in US Virgin Islands
In the US Virgin Islands, politeness is important. Greet people before asking questions or requesting assistance. You may hear locals thanking jumbi (spirits) for good luck, or blaming them for misfortune.
Duty Free in US Virgin Islands
Travellers may transport 100 cigars or 200 cigarettes or 2kg smoking tobacco; and a US quart of alcohol.
Doing Business in US Virgin Islands
The economy in the US Virgin Islands revolves primarily around tourism, though petroleum refining takes place off St Croix. Like many other Caribbean countries, things are pretty relaxed and formal business attire is generally not considered necessary. The people are friendly, polite and shaking hands is common upon introductions for men and women. Business hours are typically 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with lunch breaks around 12pm.
Communication in US Virgin Islands
The international country code for the US Virgin Islands is +1 340. The main mobile service providers on the islands are AT&T Mobility, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA.
Tipping in US Virgin Islands
Tipping of 15 to 20 percent is customary for good service. Some hotels and restaurants automatically add a service charge and room tax.
Passport/Visa Note
Entry requirements are the same as for the United States of America. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. There is no immigration control for visitors arriving from mainland USA. Visitors from countries that qualify for the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a bar code on the photo page. Eligible travellers under the VWP must include biometrics in their machine-readable passports if they wish to enter the country without a visa; this means that unique personal data, such as fingerprints or iris details, must be included in passports. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. Those travelling under the VWP must also register on the US government ESTA website three days before departure, which allows the US to screen visitors before travel. All visitors to the USA
will have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the Visa Waiver Programme. All travellers arriving or departing by air, land or sea between the USA and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central and South America are required to present a valid passport. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
A valid US passport is required. A visa is not required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a passport valid for duration of stay but a visa is not required. Visitors should hold tickets and documents required for return or onward destination.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK passport holders require a valid passport for travel to the US Virgin Islands. British Citizens require a passport valid for duration of stay. Passports with other endorsements must be valid for six months beyond period of intended stay. Under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), most British citizens do not require a visa for holiday, transit, or business purposes provided that their passports are machine-readable, the stay does not exceed 90 days, a return or onward ticket is held, and they check into the US government ESTA website prior to departure to register.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay but do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Passports need to be machine-readable, a return or onward ticket is required, and Australians must check into the US government ESTA website prior to departure.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay, but as Ireland qualifies for the US Visa Waiver Programme, visas are not required for tourists or business stays of up to 90 days. Visitors must have machine-readable passports, return or onward tickets, and they must register on the ESTA site before departure.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay but do not need visas for stays of up to 90 days. New Zealanders require machine-readable passports and return or onward tickets, and must register on the US government ESTA website before departure.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay, and a visa is required. Visitors must have return or onward tickets and the necessary documents for further travel.
Tourist Offices
US Virgin Islands Tourist Office, St Thomas: +1 340 774 8784 or http://www.usvitourism.vi
US Virgin Islands Embassies
In Canada:
United States Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 5335.
In the United Kingdom:
United States Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7499 9000.
In Australia:
United States Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6214 5600.
In Ireland:
United States Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +354 (0)1 668 8777.
In New Zealand:
United States Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 462 6000.
In South Africa:
United States Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 4000.
Foreign Embassies in US Virgin Islands
Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Washington DC, USA: +1 202 682 1740.
British Embassy
British Embassy, Washington DC, USA: +1 202 588 6500.
Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Washington DC, USA: +1 202 797 3000.
Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 462 3939
New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 328 4800.
South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Washington DC, USA: +1 202 232 4400.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to U.S. Virgin Islands
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in the U.S. Virgin Islands, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in the U.S. Virgin Islands. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies is present in bats in the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in the U.S. Virgin Islands, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in the U.S. Virgin Islands. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies is present in bats in the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
Note: Zika is a risk in the US Virgin Islands. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to the US Virgin Islands. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in the U.S. Virgin Islands, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in the U.S. Virgin Islands include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call the U.S. Virgin Islands’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of the U.S. Virgin Islands may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in the U.S. Virgin Islands, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Be aware of current health issues in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the CaribbeanNovember 14, 2017Beginning on September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma crossed the Caribbean, followed on September 16 by Hurricane Maria. These storms caused severe damage in a number of countries and territories, including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos, and the US Virgin Islands.
Zika Virus in US Virgin IslandsAugust 29, 2017Zika virus (or Zika) has been reported. Public health officials have reported that mosquitoes are infected with Zika and spreading it to people.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD) divided into 100 cents. Most credit cards are accepted, including American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, and Visa, and are useful for withdrawing cash at ATMs. Foreign exchange bureaux are available to exchange other currencies, but it is best to arrive with US Dollars as many banks and hotels will not exchange foreign currency.
Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar
0.00BMD Bermudan Dollar
0.93EUR Euro
0.80GBP U.K. Pound Sterling
152.99JPY Japanese Yen
1.37CAD Canadian Dollar
0.91CHF Swiss Franc
1.52AUD Australian Dollar
39.40UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
443.91KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
93,075.00LBP Lebanese Pound
4.86LYD Libyan Dinar
6.86BOB Bolivian Boliviano
0.00NPR Nepalese Rupee
0.00OMR Omani Rial
0.00QAR Qatari Rial
1.35SGD Singapore Dollar
10.82SEK Swedish Krona
0.00TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00VEF Venezuelan Bolivar
58.11DOP Dominican Peso
0.00HRK Croatian Kuna
16.95MXN Mexican Peso
610.53XOF West African CFA Franc
0.00PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.00BSD Bahamian Dollar
0.00FJD Fiji Dollar
0.00HNL Honduran Lempira
133.87DZD Algerian Dinar
0.00MMK Myanma Kyat
0.00BWP Botswana Pula
3.72PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
938.44CLP Chilean Peso
386.84AMD Armenia Dram
23.29CZK Czech Koruna
17.63MDL Moldova Lei
139.89ISK Icelandic Krona
12,582.40UZS Uzbekistan Sum
3.72ILS Israeli New Sheqel
0.71JOD Jordanian Dinar
0.00KWD Kuwaiti Dinar
38.15UYU Uruguayan Peso
0.00MUR Mauritian Rupee
0.00NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
10.88NOK Norwegian Krone
4.03PLN Polish Zloty
3.75SAR Saudi Riyal
0.00LKR Sri Lanka Rupee
36.79THB Thai Baht
3.66AED U.A.E Dirham
5.09BRL Brazilian Real
4.63RON Romanian New Leu
7.81HKD Hong Kong Dollar
610.53XAF Central African CFA Franc
25,405.70VND Vietnamese Dong
878.36ARS Argentine Peso
0.00XCD East Caribbean Dollar
0.00GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
10.06MAD Moroccan Dirham
0.00BHD Bahrain Dinar
1.00PAB Panamanian Balboa
1.70AZN Azerbaijan Manat
3,920.00COP Colombian Peso
88.42KGS Kyrgyzstan Som
362.00HUF Hungarian Forint
10.89TJS Tajikistan Ruble
16,073.70IDR Indonesian Rupiah
47.95EGP Egyptian Pound
1,358.84KRW South Korean Won
7,456.52PYG Paraguayan Guaraní
4.74MYR Malaysian Ringgit
508.31CRC Costa Rican Colón
1.67NZD New Zealand Dollar
277.87PKR Pakistani Rupee
91.39RUB Russian Rouble
18.51ZAR South African Rand
3.13TND Tunisian Dinar
0.00BBD Barbadian Dollar
1.82BGN Bulgarian Lev
32.33TRY Turkish Lira
57.28PHP Philippine Peso
32.31TWD New Taiwan Dollar
1,164.84NGN Nigerian Naira
0.00XPF CFP Franc
0.00GHS Ghanaian Cedi
0.00JMD Jamaican Dollar
0.00ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder
0.00BND Brunei Dollar
108.90RSD Serbian Dinar
7.24CNY Chinese Yuan
6.94DKK Danish Krone
3.49TMT New Turkmenistan Manat
83.42INR Indian Rupee
Exchange Rate for Euro to U.S. Dollar
1 EUR = 1.07 USD
Exchange Rate for Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar
1 CAD = 0.73 USD
Exchange Rate for U.K. Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar
1 GBP = 1.26 USD
Exchange Rate for Australian Dollar to U.S. Dollar
1 AUD = 0.66 USD
Exchange Rate for New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar
1 NZD = 0.60 USD
Exchange Rate for South African Rand to U.S. Dollar
1 ZAR = 0.05 USD
St Thomas International (STT) Cyril E. King Airport
Location: St Thomas The airport is situated four miles (6km) east of Charlotte Amalie on St Thomas Island.
Time: GMT -4.
Contacts: Tel: +1 (340) 774-5100.
Getting to the city: There are taxis available to transfer passengers to the main towns and resorts. Many hotels also offer transport.
Car rental: There are car rental agencies at the airport such as Avis.
Airport Taxis: Virgin Islands Taxi Association Inc. offers taxi services at the airport.
Facilities: Facilities are limited but include restaurants, bars, souvenier stores and ATMs.
Parking: The first fifteen minutes are free, followed by $2 for one hour, $4 for two hours, up to $10 for one day.
St Croix International Airport (STX) Henry E. Rohlsen Airport
Location: St Croix The airport is situated six miles (10km) southwest of Christiansted on St Croix Island.
Time: GMT –4.
Contacts: Tel: +1 340 778-1012
Getting to the city: There are taxis available to transfer passengers to the towns and resorts.
Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis and Hertz.
Airport Taxis: St Croix Taxi Association offers taxi services at the airport.
Facilities: ATMs, duty free shops, cafeterias, a VIP Lounge and Tourist Help Desk can be found at the airport. Facilities are available for the disabled.
Parking: Parking is free for the first fifteen minutes, and following this it costs $2 for up to one hour, $4 for up to two hours, and a maximum of $10 for one day.
Overview of the Attractions in US Virgin Islands
Buck Island St Croix
A few miles off the northeastern shore of St Croix lies the tiny paradise of Buck Island, one of the best excursions in the Virgin Islands. The entire island and its surrounding coral reef is a protected nature reserve and includes a beautiful beach, an incredible coral marine garden, and two major underwater snorkelling trails with signs that introduce snorkellers to the types of coral and sea life.
Turtle Bay Trail and East End Trail together have become one of the most popular attractions in the US Virgin Islands, while there are also some excellent scuba diving sites off Buck Island Reef. Those wanting to visit Buck Island should take a taxi or drive to Christiansted or Green Cay, on St Croix, and then find a boat trip going to the island. There is no regular ferry service, but it is generally easy to find and join a boat tour.
Christiansted St Croix
One of the prettiest towns in the Caribbean, Christiansted has a perfect harbour setting and is the capital of St Croix. Dominating the waterfront is the large yellow building, Fort Christiansvaern, built in the late 1700s to protect the town's harbour against pirates during its days as capital of the Danish colony. It served as an important trading centre for sugar and rum.
Much of the original Danish colonial architecture remains, including the Old Custom House, government buildings, and the atmospheric wharf area lined with pastel-coloured warehouses. Original Danish streets signs survive among modern enterprises like tourist shops, courtyard restaurants, and a spirited bar scene on the waterfront. There are plenty of beach activities nearby and a popular excursion is a trip to Buck Island, which offers superb beaches and coral reefs.
Charlotte Amalie St Thomas
Charlotte Amalie, named in honour of the wife of King Christian V, is the Danish-flavoured capital of the US Virgin Islands, a busy port and important merchant centre since the 18th century. The beautiful harbour is ringed with whitewashed houses and painted villas, their red roofs a splash of colour against the green hillside. Cobbled, Danish-signposted streets and alleyways lead down to the waterfront lined with shops, boutiques and colonial architecture.
The old Danish merchant warehouses form a world-famous shopping district, selling imported goods from around the globe. The harbour is usually filled with cruise ships, ferries, yachts and fishing vessels, and is one of the most visited ports in the Caribbean, creating a tourist hub that is vibrant and multinational, but often overcrowded.
For those weary of duty-free shopping, Charlotte Amalie offers numerous other attractions, as well as elegant restaurants and an
exciting nightlife. Blackbeard's Castle on top of Government Hill offers superb views over the harbour, and is said to have been the lookout tower for the legendary pirate, Captain Blackbeard.
The red brick Fort Christian is the oldest standing building on the island, where Danish soldiers stood guard against pirates and invaders. The fort has served as a jail, church, government house and community hall in its long history and today houses the Virgin Islands Museum.
St Thomas Skyride St Thomas
The best way to appreciate the stunning beauty of Charlotte Amalie and the St Thomas Harbour is from above. The idea for the tramway, which carries visitors over Flag Hill to Paradise Point, 700 feet (213m) up, began in the 1980s, when two ambitious businessmen bought more than 30 acres of Flag Hill from the Queen of Denmark.
After a few setbacks, including Hurricane Hugo, the tramway opened in 1994 and has been a favourite tourist activity ever since. If visitors are fortunate enough to catch one of the last trams of the day, they will witness a magical vista of twinkling lights against the soft Caribbean twilight.
At the top, there is a collection of unique shops as well as a casual restaurant perfect for watching sunsets while sipping a cocktail and listening to a local band. Paradise Point has been voted the best live entertainment venue and the best tourist attraction multiple times.
Address: 9617 Estate Thomas, St. Thomas Virgin Island
Website: http://www.ridetheview.com
Coral World St Thomas
Coral World Ocean Park is arguably the island of St Thomas' premier tourist attraction and has been enormously popular for years with visitors of all ages. The marine park is built on two levels: an over-water floor with interesting exhibitions, a touch pool, restaurants, and a gift shop; and an underwater observatory where visitors can gape at exotic marine life in its natural surrounds.
Coral World also boasts Sea Trek technology - that is, 'helmet diving technology' - allowing you to walk along the ocean floor for up to half an hour with no need for an oxygen tank or a snorkel. This technology was successfully used to stage the island's first-ever underwater wedding, which took place at Coral World in January 2001.
Address: Coki Point, St Thomas
Website: http://www.coralworldvi.com
St Croix SCUBA St Croix
St Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures has been called 'the friendliest dive shop on earth' and offers a fantastic opportunity to anyone who wishes to become a fully-certified diver while on holiday in the Virgin Islands.
While experienced divers will find their every need catered for (try the night dives!), the real beauty of the operation is the ease with which complete novices can obtain their PADI Open Water Diver certification, under the expert guidance of highly-qualified dive staff.
Over and above experiencing the beautiful underwater sights of the Caribbean, doing a diving course in the US Virgin Islands allows visitors to the islands to leave with a skill that they'll cherish for the rest of their lives.
Address: 81 Queen Cross Street, Christiansted
Website: http://www.stcroixscuba.com
Public Holidays in US Virgin Islands
Port of Call - St Croix (Frederiksted)
Frederiksted Pier Photo credit: Prayitno
Quieter than St Thomas or St John, the port of St Croix doesn't see nearly as many cruise liners as it could, and for some travellers this is a big draw card. The unspoilt island is a haven for those who enjoy a less touristy destination and it offers a multitude of activities for day visitors.
Key sights include the rainforest, which can be seen on foot or horseback; the beautiful St. George Botanical Gardens; scuba diving in Buck Island National Park; and a visit to Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted, which is one of the best-preserved colonial forts in the Virgin Islands and a US National Monument.
Most ships dock at the pier in Frederiksted, but smaller ships carrying less than 200 passengers dock in Christiansted, the larger of the two cities. Transport into either one of the cities and between the two is quick and cheap.
Shopping in St Croix (Frederiksted)
There is plenty of duty-free shopping to do in St Croix with the usual duty-free items available. Most of the shopping in Frederiksted is centred between two main streets, namely Strand St. and King St. In Christiansted there are more smaller shops selling jewellery and art around the tiny narrow streets.
Dining in St Croix (Frederiksted)
The Blue Moon - great affordable lunch spot with views over the water
Stixx on the Waterfront - casual eatery in Christiansted
Eat @ Cane Bay - popular brunch spot in Frederiksted.
Things to do in St Croix (Frederiksted)
Explore Buck Island National Park
Ride on horseback through the rainforest
Take a guided kayaking trip
Tour the Cruzan Rum Distillery
Scuba dive the pristine waters
St Croix Tourism Office, 52 King Street
Tel: +1 303 680 5640
http://www.stcroixtourism.com
Port of Call - St Thomas
St Thomas port Photo credit: Roger W
Perhaps the most bustling town in the US Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas is arguably the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. The cruise port combines the convenience of being on US territory (no passport for US citizens) with a decidedly Danish culture and atmosphere.
Among vying attractions, the vibrant and scenic town of Charlotte Amalie is the most alluring. The European-styled city, coloured with the pastels of the Caribbean, is set against deep green hills and a rich and deep bay.
Cruise ships come to St. Thomas via two ports: the more often used Havensight or the newly built Crown Bay Centre. Havensight is next to Charlotte Amalie city centre and Crown Bay is just to the west. When berths are full passengers are tendered into the port docks. Both ports have all conceivable passenger amenities, although Havensight is the larger and has a bit more on offer.
Shopping in St Thomas
Havensight has an enormous shopping centre that will take some time to peruse. In Charlotte Amalie great boutique stores are best found along its Main Street also called Dronningens Gade. Cheaper souvenirs are best sought at Vendors Plaza near Fort Christian. US residents get extra duty-free allowances.
Dining in St Thomas
Dinghy's Beach Bar and Grill - scenic spot for drinks and light meals.
Heidi's Honeymoon Grill Restaurant - great fresh seafood on the beach.
Paradise Point - top of the tram ride, with the best island view.
Things to do in St Thomas
Take a bus to Red Hook
Ride a boat to Honeymoon Beach
Visit nearby beaches on the island of St John
Charter a yacht for sunset cruise
Golf at Mahogany Run Golf Course
Tel: +1 (340) 774 8784
http://visitstthomas.com/cruise_ships.html
Tourist information is available from the entrance of Havensight cruise terminal
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