Citizens of the British Virgin Islands since 2002 have full British Citizenship. Seaborne Airlines also offers sea plane service between the islands. Digital issues 3. "Expats in the British Virgin Islands appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly locals. Below we have gone through just some of the main negative aspects of island life. The islands are also known for their low crime rate and friendly locals. Boat captains with a 100-ton captains license are easy hires. 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St. Thomas has a lot of Outdoor Activities How is the Culture in St. Thomas? 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. 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. Due to the small size of the islands, there is a limited selection of goods and services available. Required fields are marked *. In the US Virgin Islands you are never far away from the beach. You can start using Nomad List's member-only features now! There's good news and bad news on the U.S. bankruptcy front. It was just my twins birthday and I wanted to make them cookies, and the store was out of chocolate chips. #5 Company Street, Christiansted, VI 00820. info@remax-stcroix.com | 340.773.1048 | 855.909.9152 | Fax: 340.773.1917. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in the US Virgin Islands. The main form of public transportation is by taxi or bus, though rental cars are also popular. Already a member? The Virgin Islands are also known for their strong trade winds, which blow from the east and northeast. High prices 2. Pros of Living in the Cayman Islands 1. Additionally, visas are discretionary and not because ones case may be an emergency that entry is guaranteed. The cost of living in the U.S. Virgin Islands is higher than on the U.S. mainland. I didnt have time to hit up four stores, so I had to make something else, says Meyers. Generally, the pace on the islands is slow. There are four major islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. An expat answers questions about day-to-day island living in the BVI. Here are my pros and cons (in no particular order). On the other hand, the cons are there are no direct flights from major international cities and limited access to the amenities and conveniences enjoyed in a large country. Moving from Ohio, you'd think I had little experienc. Finally, the vibrant music and art scene is another draw for expats, who can enjoy a variety of cultural events and activities," They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the islands, with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation. The Cons of Living on an Island Now that we've gone over some of the main pros of living that island lifestyle, what are the cons? Ultimately, whether or not you decide to move to the Virgin Islands depends on your individual needs and preferences. Jost Van Dyke (permanent population 300) is known as the territorys party island. Your feet in the sand every day while living the good life without a worry in the world. Living on "island time" 5. Perks of Living in Wisconsin. Slow pace of life. Valuable items should be secured in hotel safes. It's not possible to just jump in your car and get away for a weekend like you can while living on the mainland. He surfed the left side of Apple Bay and he was never alone, his turtle friend would regularly pop up giving him the thumbs up when he scored a great wave, There are various spots to learn how to surf. Summary of cost of living in British Virgin Islands. Find flights to the British Virgin Islands from $284. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mainly sunny. I love the place just wish it was more affordable. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Kittitian RumMaster? Taxis are generally more expensive than buses, but they are more convenient and also provide door-to-door service. Despite the tax breaks here, high costs of living might just revoke this benefit entirely. 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. That's just the way it is and we happily accept this part of life. Tortola attracts surfers from around the world. As an island in the Caribbean, the hurricane season starts on June 1. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC 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. One has to hike to get to this location and there are areas that can be rocky so wear appropriate shoes. What is the average cost of housing in the British Virgin Islands? GET A QUOTE. If you want to settle down here, you should know that . The immigration process is long and hard. From there, Meyers manages the marketing for the day-sailing operation Aristocat Charters. Healthcare 8. by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Brit. 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. Help others in Brit. and are part of the United States of America.. Turtle Beach located on Buck Island is well loved by locals and visitors alike. Living in the Virgin Islands can be a dream come true for some, while others may find the experience to be less than desirable. She and her family have been well taken care of; however, they tend to frequent the urgent-care clinics when in need of antibiotics or other meds to keep the kids healthy. Rental costs are about 14% higher than in central London, and the size of the apartments is surprisingly small. Luckily, still few people know about it. Because of the lack of tourists, you can fully enjoy the prettiness of these islands. In fact, you may even take this chance to meet with a real estate lawyer or leasing agent. Additionally, due to the location of the US Virgin Islands, there is a threat of earthquakes. Locals do not therefore have to worry about currency fluctuations and devaluations as other islands in the Caribbean that have their own currencies. 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. Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in the British Virgin Islands responded: "Expats and digital nomads living in the British Virgin Islands enjoy the laid-back lifestyle, the stunning beaches, and the warm climate. The British Virgin Islands experienced severe devastating impacts of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. You can bar hop in places such as Red Hook and Haven Sight in St Thomas but if you are expecting entertainment such as Las Vegas or South Beach, Miami then you will not get that in the US Virgin islands. General Information Government: British Overseas Territory. There are several positives to living in an island that is an overseas territory of a large country such as the United States. Mountain top is 1500 feet above sea level and provides a stunning view the other Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Therefore, relocation for job opportunities is seamless from a work permit standpoint for locals who want alternative options than those available on a small island. When living in the British Virgin Islands, the beach is never very far away. Because of all these islands, the ocean swells are pretty much blocked, making it fairly smooth rides from one island to another. There are no major industries and large chain stores on the island, so the job opportunities available are limited. Moving the British Virgins Islands is not an easy decision. One amazing benefit of living in the BVI is ease of island hopping. They are right, the view is ridiculous with a sunset looking over West End Tortola, St Thomas, and Jost van Dyke. 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. There are beach breaks, reef breaks, and point breaks so something for every level, Every year, pro surfers will hop over to the BVI and ride the waves with you. A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? Similarly with education, Virgin Islanders have easy access to higher education from the United States. Or go after 4 pm, Lava Flow and Little Bay on Tortola are absolute gems. . Excellent Caribbean community spirit exists on the Virgin Islands. The climate and weather in the Virgin Islands is nothing short of spectacular. Due to the small size of the islands, the businesses on the islands are limited and hence many individuals tend to work a combination of jobs to earn a living. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. How are healthcare services the British Virgin Islands? Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. 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. Job seekers should expect to face competition for limited openings, as there are often more applicants than jobs available. In 2017, the country was hit by Hurricane Irma, with the major island of . Being small islands, the job prospects are mainly within the tourism and yachting sector. 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. In fact, taking a look at some examples of the most basic living costs, average prices are: Basic lunchtime menu: CI$18/16/$21. Or try a Bushwacker. When you are a resident of the Virgin Islands, then you are under the status of a U.S. protected territory - unless you are moving to the British or Spanish Virgin Islands, that is. These estimates are based on only a few data points. This beach has massive boulders which forms sea pools. Average prices of more than 40 products and services in British Virgin Islands. Plus, what each state is known for. There is beach bar available for eats and drinks. Should I buy or rent a home in the British Virgin Islands? It is small and safe. There is a ferry service from St Thomas to Tortola if you will like some adventure. Granted, there are ways to still get your online-shopping fix. Facilities such as next day delivery that apply if you live on the Mainland do not apply in the islands. There is a fee required for access to this beach. Pros Cons in British Virgin Islands Latin America Photo Larisa Birta via Unsplash Pros Cons Continents Latin America Countries British Virgin Islands Filters British Virgin Islands Clear 1 results Global travel medical insurance for $1.34/day! But wed always dreamt of living in a Caribbean island paradise. The Northern Mariana Islands are an archipelago of 15 islands located in the western Pacific. Great articles. Cons Costs - Costs are generally higher than in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive. I hope you like my site. If you want the best cocktail drinking location on Tortola, go to the Banakeet Restaurant in Carrot Bay at sunset. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In small villages and communities where everyone knows everyone and at times this makes it tough to create and maintain boundaries. Living in the Virgin Islands is not a convenient lifestyle. Transportation in the Virgin Islands can be tricky due to its small size. 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. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Additionally, the islands are British Overseas Territories. 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. This depends on your country of origin. And I understand why. You can find ferries daily from the islands to the main US Virgin Islands being St Thomas, St Croix and St John. Rule of thumb: If you end up using a taxi more than 2 days..it's more economical to rent a vehicle for a few days. Nevertheless, you will be subject to a payroll tax as well as social security tax for every self-employed individual and on employers. It might seem obvious, but living on an island does take some adjustment. Please set a real color profile photo of just your face. But we enjoyed it to the fullest and gained an experience of a lifetime. The area has a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of natural beauty to enjoy. Especially at places like Nanny Cay or Bitter End Yacht Club, Every island is different, try to visit them all. The Baths, a popular attraction for both tourists and locals. Or visit one of the luxury resorts on Cooper or Peter Island. It relies on expats to help staff the banks, trust and insurance companies, funds and accompanying law firms which keep the economy moving. Annual renewal fees are around $800 to $1,200 in most cases. Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Now Health International's insurance plans. Utility costs are also higher than in many other places, as electricity and water are both expensive. The turquoise bays around these islands are the promise of a new pleasant and authentic lifestyle. Roads are narrow, traffic lights ill-timed, and the potholes are legendary. Additionally, the islands are prone to hurricanes and other natural disasters, which can cause significant damage. Work permits 11. In the Caribbean there is a Low Season and a High Season. That said, FedEx does deliver, albeit at somewhat exorbitant rates. Primetime). Select city in British Virgin Islands: There are no much data for British Virgin Islands. Hop on a (fairly priced) ferry and spend your day at one of the many gorgeous beaches the other islands have to offer. From British rule. Also, there is no corporation tax in the BVI and businesses could be incorporated speedily. Meanwhile, British and European efforts to increase the transparency of offshore territories have prompted the UK to step up financial regulation. Club Med 2 is Back with New Elevated Amenities and Exciting Destinations, For Beachy Bajan Beauty, Level Up with a Stay at this Spectacular Barbados Rental, Cas en Bas Offers a Realistic Opportunity to Enjoy a Personal Slice of St. Lucia, Shellona Abaco Beach House Provides an Ideal Setting for a Family Spring Break Getaway. Public and Private Education + Higher Education Opportunites 3. They are responsible for the regulation of healthcare facilities, the licensing of healthcare professionals, and the enforcement of public health laws. Pretty amazing right? 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