Money:
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. Travellers cheques are widely accepted in hotels,
shops and restaurants provided they are in US Dollars. 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.
Time:
GMT -4.
Electricity:
120 volts, 60Hz. Two-flat-pin plugs are
standard.
Language:
English is the official language. Spanish, Creole and
some French are also spoken.
Health:
Health risks include hepatitis A and dengue fever. Only bottled
water should be drunk outside the major towns. Medical facilities
are of a high standard, but health insurance is vital as medical
care is very expensive.
Tipping:
Tipping of 15 to 20% percent is customary for good service. Some
hotels and restaurants automatically add a service charge and room
tax.
Safety:
Normal precautions apply, especially in the back streets of
towns at night. Don't leave valuables lying on the beach when
snorkelling or swimming.
Customs:
In the US Virgin Islands, politeness is important. Greet people
before asking questions or requesting assistance. Greetings depend
on the time of day, with good morning, good afternoon, and good
evening being common. You may hear locals thanking 'jumbi'
(spirits) for good luck, or blaming them for misfortune.
Business:
Industry in the US Virgin Islands is based 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 not considered necessary as the climate
makes this quite uncomfortable. The people are friendly and polite
and shaking hands is common with introductions for men and women;
business cards are handed out at introductions. Business hours are
typically 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with lunch breaks around
12pm.
Duty Free:
Travellers to the Virgin Islands who are residents of the USA
follow the same regulations that apply to the United States.
Travellers over 21 years are allowed 1 US quart of alcoholic
beverages; and perfumes, lotions and other goods for personal use.
Travellers who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the
following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes or 2kg tobacco, or a
proportionate mix of these. Gifts and alcohol brought into the
Virgin Islands by non-residents are not exempt from duty.
Communications:
The international country code for the US Virgin Islands is +1
340 and the code for dialling out internationally is 011 (followed
by the relevant country code, for example 01144 for the United
Kingdom). City/area codes are not required. The AT & T Wireless
GSM mobile network covers the islands. Internet cafes are available
in the main resorts.