Also is it easy to meet people and find work? Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. Because the island is so quiet you become one with nature. 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. Additionally, the islands are British Overseas Territories. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Thankfully, no major illness has befallen anyone in her family, but should that ever happen, Meyers says theyd travel back to the States, as she did when she gave birth to her twins. On the island of St Croix, the closure of the oil refinery which was the largest private employer on the island left approximately 2000 persons jobless. When I was young and dreaming of the Caribbean, I pictured a laid-back, friendly, easygoing, colorful place. . You are correct, it is in the BVI! Just a few steps led to -in my opinion- the most beautiful beach of Tortola: Smugglers Cove. Skelton. There is almost no unemployment. Cane Gardens Bay is one the most popular beaches in Tortola. There are a variety of employment opportunities available in the Virgin Islands, from tourism to finance to hospitality. And most happy hours offer 2 for the price of 1! I live on St. Croix, and Irma just passed yesterday. Hope one day to secure a second home in either of these locations. For example, it is illegal to carry firearms or other weapons, and the use of drugs is strictly prohibited. The road infrastructure could be further enhanced and there are areas where there are potholes. Or try a Bushwacker. Log in. Once you have made friends with the locals, they will let you know the places to shop to get deals on the islands as well as persons who sell items such as fresh meat and fish. I hope this article helps you a little in your decision making. It is known as an offshore financial center: expatriates . In terms of snorkeling, Coki beach is one of the best options in St Thomas. 1. After that, it pretty much goes flat (except for hurricane swells) but that opens up amazing paddleboard trips along the coast. One of the biggest pros of living in St. Croix is the open culture of the island. Reserve a spot on the boat if you like to go to Peter Island or Cooper Island, Never miss a sunset; magical every day and different every day, It never gets boring seeing the most beautiful sailboats and massive powerboats passing by your home. . They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the islands, with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation. Pros and Cons of Traveling to the Caribbean in Off Season Island Time Slower Than The Norm One of the most important factors to consider when planning a trip is knowing the best time to go. What do I need to know before moving to the British Virgin Islands? I put a lot of effort into making it. The quality of life in the Virgin Islands is generally high. The pros of living in US Virgin Islands are that the island safe, has friendly people, beautiful natural scenery and amazing beaches. Among its draws is the Soggy Dollar Bar, so named because traditionally it is reached by mooring offshore, swimming inland and paying with dripping cash. The state is home to the outer banks. The Squishy Monster, May 15, 2017 After being on island for over a year, I thought it was about time to compile a list of both the pros and cons of living on St. Croix. The crime rate is lower than many other Caribbean destinations and there are a number of safety measures in place, such as police patrols and visible surveillance cameras. When living in the British Virgin Islands, the beach is never very far away. The pros of living in British Virgin Islands are its low crime rate, the ease of island hopping, stable currency, and awesome beaches. Additionally, due to the location of the US Virgin Islands, there is a threat of earthquakes. Being small islands, the job prospects are mainly within the tourism and yachting sector. Price of a local beer: $3 for a Blackbeard Ale at Fort Christian Brew Pub. The four main islands are Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. Fly from Pittsburgh to the British Virgin Islands on United Airlines from $951. There are however some 50 small islets and cays. See the FAQ. The Virgin Islands also has a number of laws in place to protect visitors and residents alike. If its a match, the next step is waiting out the three-month process. As an island in the Caribbean, the hurricane season starts on June 1. said one member in Brit. Due to the islands robust financial sector, there is a thriving expat community which is welcoming. Watersports and cocktails offer a break from the territorys main business of offshore finance. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in the US Virgin Islands. People are willing to share with each other. High prices 2. Some individuals travel to neighboring St Thomas as goods are cheaper over there and there is more variety and popular brands such as Kmart, Walgreens and Home Depot. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Monthly rent in a normal area: CI$1,358/1,183/US$1,629. So its definitely not for everybody. Fifteen men on a dead mans chest But the beach life is ridiculous and makes up for all that. Contribute Funds advised by Lee Equity Partners, LLC (Lee Equity) and Coastwood Senior Housing Partners, LLC (Coastwood), two specialized investment firms, announced today the signing of an agreement to invest in Integral Senior Living Management, LLC ("ISL"), the 9 th largest operator of senior housing in . The police have asked citizens to be vigilant and to safeguard their valuables. It relies on expats to help staff the banks, trust and insurance companies, funds and accompanying law firms which keep the economy moving. On the other hand, living in British Virgin Islands has its cons such as the threat of natural disasters, high cost of living and limited job opportunities. From mountain top you can see a total of 20 islands. Fly from Houston on American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta and more. Fly from Pennsylvania on American Airlines, United Airlines and more. Mainly sunny. Residents who tire of exploring the local archipelagos and coves, whether by ferry or sail, have their pick of the Caribbean for weekend getaways. Therefore, the currency used in the territory is the US dollar. Feel free to check out the BVI Tourism for more helpful information on how to get to the island. We hit the jackpot when we found one with direct beach access for a good price. The sailing community of the British Virgin Islands holds big appeal for U.S. citizens hoping to expatriate but thats not all these Caribbean islands offer. A two-bedroom house costs at least $285,000. Find flights to the British Virgin Islands from $317. "Expats in the British Virgin Islands may find it challenging to adjust to the slower pace of life, as the local culture is more relaxed and laid-back than many other places. I loved the fact you can easily get to the US Virgin Islands St John and St Thomas. Its also a beautiful dive location by the way. Just got this question, after rushing in to avoid being arrested for curfew violation. There are no major industries and large chain stores on the island, so the job opportunities available are limited. The US Virgin Islands are comprised of three major islands - St John, St Croix, St Thomas - plus Water Island, the littlest of the US Virgin Islands. It made me feel like I woke up to the perfect vacation every day, Set your alarm when it is a full moon and see it light up the ocean and eventually set at the horizon, Keep on the lookout for active marine life. That's just the way it is and we happily accept this part of life. If luxury living and yachting interest you, take a look at St Thomas and its high-end shopping and harbors. Residents of the British Virgin Islands pay no tax on income, capital gains or inheritance, though stamp duty on property purchases by foreigners is 12 per cent. Don't worry, we don't do anything weird with your personal information. There is no instant gratification of Amazon Prime here, says Meyers. Summary of cost of living in British Virgin Islands. I am no surfer, Sebastiaan is, and the best and most beautiful clean waves he has ever ridden were in Apple Bay, Tortola. There is also a world-famous golf course for you to enjoy, stunning beaches, and an active nightlife culture that can help you to have a lot of fun. Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. On the other hand, the cons of living in the British Virgin Islands include the limited job opportunities, the lack of public transportation, and the limited access to medical care. The Virgin Islands is a Caribbean paradise, and whether or not you decide to move there depends on a multitude of factors. Because of all these islands, the ocean swells are pretty much blocked, making it fairly smooth rides from one island to another. Family of four estimated monthly costs: $6,164; Single person estimated monthly costs: $3,484; WARNING! St Lucia Vs St Thomas: Which Island Is Better For A Vacation, Best Caribbean Islands For Solo Female Travel, Living In The British Virgin Islands ( Pros & Cons), Living In St Thomas (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Your email address will not be published. Living In The British Virgin Islands (Pros & Cons), Pros & Cons of Living In The US Virgin Islands, Living In Dominica (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). This drink, which looks and tastes like a milkshake surprisingly contains a lot of liquor. Then never again. One has to hike to get to this location and there are areas that can be rocky so wear appropriate shoes. There are high levels of HIV on the islands with 31.4 people out of 100,000 diagnosed with HIV. By signing up, you agree to our TOS. Pricing It opens up a whole other world! If you enjoy beaches and tropical climate, you will be delighted. As with many other Caribbean islands, there is a friendly and excellent community spirit which exists among people on the island. How do I find a place to live in the British Virgin Islands? Facilities such as next day delivery that apply if you live on the Mainland do not apply in the islands. This beach has massive boulders which forms sea pools. At times individuals may overstep which is a challenge that you will not face in a large country. Virgin Isl.. Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. This depends on your country of origin. The island is a favoured spot to enjoy the British Virgin Islands signature Painkiller cocktail, a mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juice, topped with grated Grenadian nutmeg. All this peace and quiet actually also has its downsides. On St John, the Ram Head hiking trail provides several glorious views of the island. 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. If you have a storm bearing down on you, you hunker down in Continue Reading 115 2 5 More answers below Justin Harrell Lived in United States Virgin Islands (2004-2008) 4 y I was a resident of St. Thomas for four (4) years beginning in 2004. 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. Meyers and her family simply loaded up their sailboat in Chicago and sailed south, but they dont have any furniture. Due to the small size of the islands, there is a limited selection of goods and services available. It is small and safe. Alternatively Drakes seat offers an amazing view of Magens Bay, the other Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands to the East. While there is a great sense of community which can be helpful, the drawback to this is that there is a loss of privacy. Additionally, the limited job opportunities and the lack of a vibrant nightlife may be a downside for some," Thanks for signing up! And the BVIslanders sure like to keep it that way. We use third party services like Google Analytics, Youtube, and we allow comments on our website. Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. How NordVPN and ExpressVPN Stack Up. 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. Ezone in the British Virgin Islands is located in Romasco Harbour House Building in RoadTown, Tortola. Incredible Weather and Beaches 4. Cook Islands cost of living, internet speed, weather and other metrics as a place to work remotely for digital nomads. Thats just the way it is and we happily accept this part of life. Or, as I mentioned, find a boat with a group and set sail yourself. Virgin Isl.. Point Udall is a location of significance in St Croix as it is the most eastern point of the United States. If you want to swim with turtles, then Maho Bay Beach is the perfect spot in St Croix. There is an underwater trail that you can follow if snorkeling. The US Virgin Islands is part of the United States. What is a typical expat home or apartment like in the British Virgin Islands? Pro: It's A More Intimate Experience. The BVI is the bareboating capital of the world. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn. As an example, if someone needs medical attention urgently in another Caribbean Island, at times visas may be required which involves time and red tape. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Living the Caribbean lifestyle includes drinking lots of cocktails. This beach is popular as well with visitors and locals on the island so it is best as well to get there early. Like many other Caribbean islands, one of the factors that significantly add to the cost of living in the Cayman Islands is duty. If you want the best cocktail drinking location on Tortola, go to the Banakeet Restaurant in Carrot Bay at sunset. 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). Public schools are available for elementary and secondary education, while there are also a number of private schools and universities available. You can find ferries daily from the islands to the main US Virgin Islands being St Thomas, St Croix and St John. The beautiful white sand and clear water makes this beach extraordinary. On the largest island which is St Croix, Hams Buff Lighthouse is a fantastic spot for incredible views. The largest island is St Croix being 84 square miles, then St Thomas which is 32 square miles and St John being the smallest of the three major islands at 19 square miles. No tourists. We use cookies from third party services to offer you a better experience. Highlights include snorkelling off Virgin Gordas Baths beach and sailing around the reefs of Anegada, while the annual BVI Spring Regatta, held each March, is one of the largest such events in the Caribbean. I wouldnt call it state of the art, but its very good, says Meyers. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. My dogs could run free without bothering anybody, meanwhile, I could go for a swim. Additionally, the University of the Virgin Islands offers several online programs for those seeking further education. 38K views 2 years ago CHARLOTTE AMALIE WEST In this week's episode of Blyden vLogs I share 6 PROS and 5 CONS of living in the US Virgin Islands. Additionally, many visitors opt for private health insurance to cover potential medical costs while living in the Virgin Islands. Despite its small size, the island is incredibly diverse and welcoming to all. The scenery is beautiful and there is always an island on the horizon. If you require specialized care, overseas experts will be required. When dealing with certain companies, there are restrictions on what you can ship to the islands. Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! 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. Housing costs are generally high, though they vary depending on location. The main form of public transportation is by taxi or bus, though rental cars are also popular. Magens Bay is a beautiful one mile stretch of white sand on the island of St Thomas. Scuba instructors and servers in the restaurant industry are also valuable. I didnt have time to hit up four stores, so I had to make something else, says Meyers. 2021 1st Day of Summer. If you need a ride on the island, someone will offer to transport you to your location. The islands are also known for their low crime rate and friendly locals. Search Island-wide Listings Here! Food costs are also generally high, though some items may be cheaper than those found in other places. Business A health certificate, as well as a tick and tapeworm treatment, is also required. Additionally, the cost of transportation can be quite expensive, as most people rely on cars or taxis to get around. What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in the British Virgin Islands? Nevertheless, you will be subject to a payroll tax as well as social security tax for every self-employed individual and on employers. And I understand why. Tortola even more as most beaches on the Northside are not good for mooring or anchoring a boat. I already mentioned the Painkiller: a mouth-watering mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice topped off with grated nutmeg. Pros of Living in the Cayman Islands 1. According to U.S. federal government figures, bankruptcies continue to fall, from 1.6 million bankruptcies in 2010 to about 414,000 What are medical services in the British Virgin Islands like? This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. Search for the British Virgin Islands flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Recent years have proved challenging, however: though last years Hurricane Dorian left the islands relatively unscathed, in 2017 they were hit by hurricanes Irma and Maria, which damaged 80 per cent of the territorys housing stock. Roads are narrow, traffic lights ill-timed, and the potholes are legendary. You can change it later. Get a Quote from Now Health International. 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. If you want to settle down here, you should know that . But I do agree with you about the beauty of the islands and the sea. Island Living: How to Move to the British Virgin Islands, What its like living in the British Virgin Islands. Search for the British Virgin Islands flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. You have to accept things are what they are and aren't going to change. Youll also find a perfect balance between a sleepy-island vibe and modern conveniences, so youll hardly be roughing it, especially the biggest island, Tortola. There is a shuttle once you arrive in Water Island that can transport you to the beach. If as an example you are taller, you may not easily be able to get your size on the island. But we enjoyed it to the fullest and gained an experience of a lifetime. The Department of Health also provides a variety of health services, such as immunizations, health screenings, and health education. These winds help to keep the temperatures comfortable and provide a refreshing breeze. It is easier not only to do business with the Mainland but globally. Summary: The song is based on the legend of Blackbeard leaving his men on an island with each a bottle of rum. 3. For those relocating with more than a couple duffle bags, the marine-transport company Tropical Shipping is the best option for handling boxes, furniture and everything else you need to start your new life. And by a quirk of Danish colonial history, addresses are very convoluted. 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Four stores living in the british virgin islands pros and cons so I had to make something else, says Meyers daily the!
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