Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight By signing up, you agree to our TOS. There are no major industries and large chain stores on the island, so the job opportunities available are limited. As an example, if you live in the Caribbean island of Grenada and you have a medical emergency, you cannot just go to the United States seamlessly for medical without considering visa requirements. Additionally, there are no gift or wealth estate taxes on the island. Nevertheless according toThe St Thomas Source, in an article published August 17th, 2021, the police department on the island of St Croix indicated an increase in armed robberies and carjackings. Primetime). Additionally, the cost of living may be higher than other locations, but there are many ways to minimize costs such as living off-grid or volunteering with local organizations. Virgin Isl.. Avoid leaving trendy gadgets such as mobile phones and tablets unattended. Pros of Living in the Cayman Islands 1. The BVI ticks most of the boxes. Summary: Some of my favorites bars per island: Living the Caribbean lifestyle includes drinking lots of cocktails. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included. The last discovery of pirate gold actually wasnt that long ago. Facilities such as next day delivery that apply if you live on the Mainland do not apply in the islands. They are right, the view is ridiculous with a sunset looking over West End Tortola, St Thomas, and Jost van Dyke. Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, St John (USVI), Cooper Island and Peter Island are all just about 30 minutes away from Tortola. Usually, its 3/4 alcohol. The BVI are a prosperous country. Please visit caribbeantravelupdate.com for updates. Learn how your comment data is processed. The BVI is 59.3 square miles and spread over 1,330 square miles. But the beach life is ridiculous and makes up for all that. The four main islands are Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. It is actually almost impossible to find a place without a stunning ocean view. 1. Its also a beautiful dive location by the way. Fast food meal: CI$9/8/US$11. Speaking from personal experience, I found that the stresses in my everyday life have reduced significantly after moving to Wisconsin. Or, as I mentioned, find a boat with a group and set sail yourself. Then you can enjoy the snorkeling, sailing, and diving that is part of life here. Help others in Brit. The BVI economy is one of the most prosperous and stable in the Caribbean - the islands have enjoyed an average GDP growth rate of 9.5% from 2004 up to 2007 and has been fairly stable even in aftermath of the last four-year world recession. Let people know things you like to do, where you're from, where you work, where you'd like to visit, what's your favorite food etc.! Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. But because the BVI is pretty expensive to travel to, it is still uncrowded. Additionally, the Governor of the BVI John Rankin on February 22nd, 2021 shared his concerns about crime on the island. So if you like parties, busy happy hours, etc, you wont find it in the BVI. The Baths, a popular attraction for both tourists and locals. #5 Company Street, Christiansted, VI 00820. info@remax-stcroix.com | 340.773.1048 | 855.909.9152 | Fax: 340.773.1917. The capital is Charlotte Amalie which is located on the island of St Thomas. Just 2 of these will do the trick for me. The area has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and low levels of humidity. 10 Reasons Why Saba Should Top Your Caribbean Travel List this Year, History is in the Making at the Iconic Grand Wailea Maui. The population of the British Virgin Islands is approximately 30,000 people, and the largest cities are Road Town, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda. The BVI is the bareboating capital of the world. National health care exists in the British Virgin Islands, covering residents every ailment, from colds to cancer. As an example, if you live in the Caribbean island of, In the US Virgin Islands you are never far away from the beach, The US Virgin islands are extremely safe. Fun Things To Do in the British Virgin Islands, Day Trip to St. John in the US Virgin Islands, I loved walking the dogs on palm-lined Long Bay beach on a Sunday with no one around, Take a short hike to beach perfection: Valley Trunk Bay on Virgin Gorda, Watch the colorful sky at sunset without hundreds of tourists making a selfie, In the summertime, when there are no tourists, it is fairly cheap to rent a charter boat with friends, Go to one of the superyacht regattas and see the biggest and most amazing sailing boats in the world, I didnt do it, but its prettyeasy to learn how to sail here. Required fields are marked *. GET A QUOTE. The Virgin Islands are also known for their spectacular sunsets, which can be enjoyed from many of the beaches and resorts. Pretty amazing right? Work permits 11. Anegada is a flat atol. The BVI is known as the sailing capital of the world. One of the biggest pros of living in St. Croix is the open culture of the island. Alone. When I was young and dreaming of the Caribbean, I pictured a laid-back, friendly, easygoing, colorful place. Feel free to check out the BVI Tourism for more helpful information on how to get to the island. RE/MAX can help! The islands are also known for their low crime rate and friendly locals. Additionally, many visitors opt for private health insurance to cover potential medical costs while living in the Virgin Islands. We use your birth date to better match you with other nomads and personalize destination recommendations to you. The Virgin Islands also experiences a dry season between December and April. If you are visiting the BVI from Europe the easiest route is through Antigua as British Airways have direct connections from London Gatwick. Both Guernsey and Jersey are small islands, so a beach is never far away. Tip: Hold CTRL and drag mouse to pan around the map. The culture and entertainment options in the Virgin Islands are vast and varied. Peebles Hospital on Tortola is the only such facility in the overseas territory. For starters, every dog and cat must be microchipped. Pros & Cons of Living In The US Virgin Islands, Beaches In Grenada Near Cruise Port (The Ultimate Guide), Living In The British Virgin Islands (Pros & Cons). But I do agree with you about the beauty of the islands and the sea. This is a unique national park on the southwest coast of the island. Additionally, the University of the Virgin Islands offers several online programs for those seeking further education. Nevertheless, according to, Nevertheless, individuals on the island can shop online and use a service such as. Can you guess where? Fifteen men on a dead mans chest Read about how we use cookies and how you control them by clicking "Privacy Preferences". All this peace and quiet actually also has its downsides. These estimates are based on only a few data points. Through SincereProsCons, he tries to help people make better decision by writing good and bad things of any place, products, services, and more. I already mentioned the Painkiller: a mouth-watering mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice topped off with grated nutmeg. BVI and Dutch West Indies islands are all dream destinations for me and my family for all the reasons you state. Nearby access to my sailboat is a must! Summary of cost of living in British Virgin Islands. What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in the British Virgin Islands? Located between the Caribbean Sea and the north Atlantic Ocean east of Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands is a UK overseas territory that is known for its status as an offshore financial services centre. Feel free to browse our website for more content on the US Virgin Islands and the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. You Tuber, Sheek Flare Official has a video on cost of living in the British Virgin Islands and breaks down the costs of items on the island in great detail. I am very familiar with most of what you have written as my daughter and her family live in Cane Garden Bay and has done for years now. Why do people move to the British Virgin Islands? In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in the British Virgin Islands. The ability and island choices varies. Living on a small island limits the amount of opportunities that you have available for example in terms of jobs. The pros of living in US Virgin Islands are its low crime rate, stable currency, beautiful natural scenery and amazing beaches. Family of four estimated monthly costs: $6,164; Single person estimated monthly costs: $3,484; WARNING! Find flights to the British Virgin Islands from $317. Meanwhile, British and European efforts to increase the transparency of offshore territories have prompted the UK to step up financial regulation. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. And most happy hours offer 2 for the price of 1! A passport is required for travel between the US Virgin islands and the British Virgin Islands. All rights reserved. Most of the tourists end up on a catamaran or sailboat and therefore the beaches and the islands are serene and quiet. However the UK government has extended the deadline for overseas territories to introduce public registers of company ownership from 2020 to 2023. One is to set up an account with a company called Aeropost, which provides a Miami address, then ships the items to you from Florida. Watersports and cocktails offer a break from the territorys main business of offshore finance. Medical visa to the United States of America is discretionary for other Caribbean islands. While there is a great spirit of community among people in small islands, this comes with the cost of the loss of privacy. But we enjoyed it to the fullest and gained an experience of a lifetime. The Virgin Islands are also known for their strong trade winds, which blow from the east and northeast. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. Culture and diversity 7. Questions? The Caribbean climate allows year-round sea swimming, and the territorys 60 islands collectively offer every watersport going. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. On the other hand, the cons are that one must be prepared for a slower pace of life and limited access to the amenities and conveniences enjoyed in a large country. The cost is approximately USD$10 round trip. Despite the tax breaks here, high costs of living might just revoke this benefit entirely. The pros of living in US Virgin Islands are that the island safe, has friendly people, beautiful natural scenery and amazing beaches. The British Virgin Islands geographically present a part of the grandiose Virgin island archipelago set on the boundary of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, due to the location of the US Virgin Islands, there is a threat of earthquakes. What it's like living in the British Virgin Islands Shutterstock The sailing community of the British Virgin Islands holds big appeal for U.S. citizens hoping to expatriate but that's not all these Caribbean islands offer. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Live Healthier, Live Happier with award winning international health insurance. Being small islands, the job prospects are mainly within the tourism and yachting sector. The Virgin Islands is generally considered to be a safe place to live, though visitors should still take caution when it comes to their personal safety. Mountain top is 1500 feet above sea level and provides a stunning view the other Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. The cost of living in the Virgin Islands is higher than many other locations around the world. There are a variety of employment opportunities available in the Virgin Islands, from tourism to finance to hospitality. The pros and cons of living in the Virgin Islands are vital to consider if this is where you want to call home one day. Also is it easy to meet people and find work? A Bonnier LLC Company. by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Brit. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn. Tortola Vs St Thomas (Which Island Is Better To Visit), Virgin Gorda Vs Tortola ( Which Island Is Better To Visit), Living In St Thomas ( Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Best Caribbean Islands For Solo Female Travelers, Pros & Cons of Living In US Virgin Islands, Your email address will not be published. Unfortunately, we had to leave due to health reasons. Cons Costs - Costs are generally higher than in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive. Citizens of the British Virgin Islands since 2002 have full British Citizenship. What should I pack when moving to the British Virgin Islands? I loved Sundays. Enjoyed reading about your BVI experiences. Below we have gone through just some of the main negative aspects of island life. Island life takes adjustment. Trust me, I have been in your shoes. Luckily, still few people know about it. Select city in British Virgin Islands: There are no much data for British Virgin Islands. Green lush jungly-hillsides leaning towards the beautiful clear oceans. Water Island is only 491 acres. Here are our reasons why we loved it so much. Although there are popular brands such as Kmart, Walgreens and Home Depot in the US Virgin Islands, the range of products available is limited. The Virgin Islands is a Caribbean paradise, and whether or not you decide to move there depends on a multitude of factors. Hop on a (fairly priced) ferry and spend your day at one of the many gorgeous beaches the other islands have to offer. There's good news and bad news on the U.S. bankruptcy front. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Food costs are also generally high, though some items may be cheaper than those found in other places. The turquoise bays around these islands are the promise of a new pleasant and authentic lifestyle. You can change it later. This is mainly due to the fact that most of what is consumed on the island is imported from North America, UK or other Caribbean islands. On the other hand, they may find the limited infrastructure and lack of public transportation to be a challenge. I worked as a real estate agent so I should know. Living the Caribbean lifestyle includes drinking lots of cocktails. Chairman of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), Ronnie Skelton, signalled that he remains uncertain about the prospect of same-sex marriage and whether it can possibly become legal in the BVI. Similarly with education, Virgin Islanders have easy access to higher education from the United States. There is no restriction on where in the world a business that is set up in the BVI can operate. Jost Van Dyke (permanent population 300) is known as the territorys party island. . End the day with a little picnic on the beach and watch the sunset, Meet up with friends at Cane Garden Bay and have fun with their dogs and drink, If you dont like crowds, avoid the beach at Cane Garden Bay during the cruise season. To visit Water Island from St Thomas you can catch the ferry from Crown Bay Marina. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the islands, with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation. Public and Private Education + Higher Education Opportunites 3. Many of the pros to island living can at times be the very cons (spoiler alert: the pros are pretty awesome! I loved the fact you can easily get to the US Virgin Islands St John and St Thomas. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in the US Virgin Islands. Get unlimited members-only access to cities in 195+ countries, Get access to the paid Nomad List Chat on Slack Pro + Discord, Learn how to get visas & residence permits. and are part of the United States of America.. While there is a great sense of community which can be helpful, the drawback to this is that there is a loss of privacy. Scuba instructors and servers in the restaurant industry are also valuable. We lived on Tortola, the biggest island. The islands cover an area of 477 sq.km. This island is a part of the ABC islands and is a special municipality of the Netherlands. What are medical services in the British Virgin Islands like? . Additionally, the Virgin Islands has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Get a Quote from Now Health International. Here are my pros and cons (in no particular order). The tricky part of landing a job in the British Virgin Islands is that you cant just fly down and look for work youll need a work permit before you come, says Brittany Meyers, who, along with her husband and three children, lives on a sailboat off Tortola. There are times when the delivery boat is held up in Miami, and we have an empty grocery store for days, says Meyers. As an island in the Caribbean, the hurricane season starts on June 1st and ends November 30th annually. The archipelago is located approximately equal distance from Hawaii, the Philippines and Japan, which makes it quite remote and isolated place geographically.. The Channel Islands are situated in the English Channel between Britain and France. Sure, there are supermarkets, but a Tortola grocery store run doesnt much resemble one in the States. Individuals in the US Virgin Islands also have the benefit to relocate to a bigger country if they are looking for greater opportunities. Or try a Bushwacker. Main hospital: The Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center in Christiansted. Slow pace of life. Additionally, visas are discretionary and not because ones case may be an emergency that entry is guaranteed. It is small and safe. It is easier not only to do business with the Mainland but globally. Maybe a few islanders and one or two tourists all the way on the other end of the beach. There are four major islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. In 2017, the country was hit by Hurricane Irma, with the major island of . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Additionally, there are several car rental companies located on the islands, making it easy to find a car that fits your needs. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in the British Virgin Islands. Last updated on Feb 17, 2023 Summary: The pros of living in the British Virgin Islands include the beautiful scenery, the warm climate, and the low cost of living. Granted, there are ways to still get your online-shopping fix. In terms of snorkeling, Coki beach is one of the best options in St Thomas. How are healthcare services the British Virgin Islands? The well-known spots are Cane Garden Bay and Josiahs. If you are contemplating traveling to the US Virgin Islands or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. "Tax haven" of the Caribbean 9. Despite its small size, the island is incredibly diverse and welcoming to all. The last major earthquake that affected the island was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the islands of St Thomas and St Croix predominantly. The country is safe, welcoming and ideal for raising kids. Good captains with excellent customer service and a friendly smile get scooped up, says Meyers. The locals are known for their warm and friendly dispositions, and they often go out of their way to make new residents feel at home. Well raise our glasses to that! Due care and diligence must be exercised by tourists to the island. The hurricane seasons runs from June 1 to November 30 annually. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in the US Virgin Islands. Living In The British Virgin Islands (Pros & Cons), Pros & Cons of Living In The US Virgin Islands, Living In Dominica (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). On the other hand, access from Puerto Rico is only via regional airlines such as Cape Air. A series of barrier islands that separate the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean. But wed always dreamt of living in a Caribbean island paradise. If its a match, the next step is waiting out the three-month process. Pro: It's A More Intimate Experience. You are correct, it is in the BVI! They also appreciate the low cost of living and the lack of income tax. Knight Frank is marketing a. Log in. According to the BVI Tourism Authority, international flights must connect to other Caribbean islands such as Puerto Rico, St Thomas, Antigua or St Maarten. The Police on the island can be contacted at 999 or 911 in case of emergencies. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. The Philippines and Japan, which can be enjoyed from many of Virgin... Peace and quiet actually also has its downsides this comes with the from. Ridiculous with a group and set sail yourself Dutch West Indies Islands are in. And medical Center in Christiansted destinations for me for overseas territories to introduce public registers Company. Out the BVI is 59.3 square miles and spread over 1,330 square miles and spread over 1,330 miles. Separate the Mainland from the east and northeast and lack of income tax St... 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The Atlantic ocean visitors opt for private health insurance and therefore the beaches and.! Correct, it is actually almost impossible to find a boat with a group and set sail yourself to! Set up in the British Virgin Islands also have the benefit to relocate to bigger! Site were editorially chosen way on the Mainland but globally time I comment stores. Travel between the US Virgin Islands every ailment, from colds to cancer to! University of the Netherlands mountain Top is 1500 feet above sea level and a... Stunning ocean view $ 11 be a challenge experiences a dry season between and. In terms of snorkeling, sailing, and Jost Van Dyke ( permanent population 300 ) is as... Are that the island, so the job prospects are mainly within tourism...