St John and Water Island only have local businesses. The BVI is 59.3 square miles and spread over 1,330 square miles. Food costs are also generally high, though some items may be cheaper than those found in other places. 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. Anegada is a flat atol. The scenery is beautiful and there is always an island on the horizon. Valley Trunk on Virgin Gorda, oh my. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean. Saint Joseph, MO (64501) Today. Additionally, many visitors opt for private health insurance to cover potential medical costs while living in the Virgin Islands. Cost of Living in British Virgin Islands. Select city in British Virgin Islands: There are no much data for British Virgin Islands. Get a Quote from Now Health International. Actually I do have a rough idea on the cost of living at BVI like for example: Rents $800-$1,200, one month deposit, 6 to 12 months Utilities initial deposits: $300 telephone, $100 electricity, Utilities monthly bills $20 telephone, $50 electricity 4x4, cost $5,000 to $8,000 for good car, $50 a week for food Meanwhile, British and European efforts to increase the transparency of offshore territories have prompted the UK to step up financial regulation. Just a few steps led to -in my opinion- the most beautiful beach of Tortola: Smugglers Cove. We lived on Tortola, the biggest island. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. 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. One of the must see beaches and attractions in the BVI is The Baths and it is located in Virgin Gorda. As with many other Caribbean islands, there is a friendly and excellent community spirit which exists among people on the island. Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to the British Virgin Islands. Scuba instructors and servers in the restaurant industry are also valuable. It is known as an offshore financial center: expatriates . We use cookies from third party services to offer you a better experience. Anegada has some spectacular beaches, it is about an hour and 30 minutes away from Road Town. Read about how we use cookies and how you control them by clicking "Privacy Preferences". What do I need to know before moving to the British Virgin Islands? Additionally, there are no gift or wealth estate taxes on the island. Their government have strange laws regarding this for people who are not belonged. Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, St John (USVI), Cooper Island and Peter Island are all just about 30 minutes away from Tortola. No tourists. 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. You can start using Nomad List's member-only features now! It is important to always remain aware of your surroundings and take caution when it comes to personal belongings. Hardip loves researching nearby things and writing about PROs and CONs. Due to the small size of the islands, there is a limited selection of goods and services available. All rights reserved. Find flights to the British Virgin Islands from $317. Just got this question, after rushing in to avoid being arrested for curfew violation. 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. If its a match, the next step is waiting out the three-month process. And by a quirk of Danish colonial history, addresses are very convoluted. It's rare to find BVI incorporation fees under $1,000. It makes you feel like you are in a tv commercial with them promoting boardshorts, Charter a boat with friends, drinking aboard and dancing the day away, Paddleboarding and if lucky, surfing the waves! Most of these businesses are based in the capital, Road Town, on Tortola, the territorys largest island, with a population of 24,045. We decide to take a leap of faith! Moving from Ohio, you'd think I had little experienc. Priced at just $16.95. In 2017, the country was hit by Hurricane Irma, with the major island of . The territory is nominally home to more than 400,000 companies, collectively worth $1.5tn. 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. 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. Magens Bay is a beautiful one mile stretch of white sand on the island of St Thomas. Sebastiaan loves his beers and cocktails, so he took me to quite a few. Excellent Caribbean community spirit exists on the Virgin Islands. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. Jost Van Dyke (permanent population 300) is known as the territorys party island. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a group of 60 islands located East of Puerto Rico. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Culture and diversity 7. 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. Valuable items should be secured in hotel safes. Virgin Gorda has the magnificent boulders at Spring Bay. The Virgin Islands is a Caribbean paradise, and whether or not you decide to move there depends on a multitude of factors. There is custom duties however levied on goods imported and the rate is dependent on the item. "I am of the view that same-sex marriage is a subject to be interpreted by those who are more competent to do so like the courts . If you enjoy beaches and tropical climate, you will be delighted. The last discovery of pirate gold actually wasnt that long ago. It is actually almost impossible to find a place without a stunning ocean view. Thanks for signing up! According to the BVI Tourism Authority, international flights must connect to other Caribbean islands such as Puerto Rico, St Thomas, Antigua or St Maarten. Safety 2. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. I already mentioned the Painkiller: a mouth-watering mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice topped off with grated nutmeg. Both VPNs are . This depends on your country of origin. The pros of living in US Virgin Islands are its low crime rate, stable currency, beautiful natural scenery and amazing beaches. Dead Chest is a real island in the BVI. Furthermore, the local language is English, but the dialect is unique to the British Virgin Islands, and expats may find it difficult to understand the local accent. Climate and Weather in the Virgin Islands, Employment Opportunities in the Virgin Islands, Healthcare and Medical Facilities in the Virgin Islands, Transportation Options in the Virgin Islands, Safety and Security in the Virgin Islands, Culture and Entertainment Options in the Virgin Islands, Quality of Life Considerations in the Virgin Islands, Advantages and Disadvantages of Harp Loan. Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Now Health International's insurance plans. While there is a great sense of community which can be helpful, the drawback to this is that there is a loss of privacy. There is a ban on chemical sun screen as they damage the coral reefs. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the islands, with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation. On the largest island which is St Croix, Hams Buff Lighthouse is a fantastic spot for incredible views. One massive disadvantage of living in the British Virgin Islands is the absence of international flights from major international cities such as North America, Canada, Europe or South America. And, if coming from the U.S., your pet may be subjected to another round of rabies shots, even if rabies shots have been administered to the animal previously. 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. Also, its difficult getting employment etc. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in the British Virgin Islands. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living in the Virgin Islands in detail, so you can make an informed decision about your future. A series of barrier islands that separate the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean. The BVI is known as the sailing capital of the world. 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. Additionally, it is easy to draw on the resources and expertise of a large country. Alternatively Drakes seat offers an amazing view of Magens Bay, the other Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands to the East. The immigration process is long and hard. This lighthouse was designed and built by the Danish sometime between 1913 and 1915. On the other hand, they may find the limited infrastructure and lack of public transportation to be a challenge. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. 1. The cost of living for an expat in the British Virgin Islands is relatively high, with the average cost of living estimated to be around $3,000 per month. Nevertheless, according to, Nevertheless, individuals on the island can shop online and use a service such as. To visit Water Island from St Thomas you can catch the ferry from Crown Bay Marina. In terms of snorkeling, Coki beach is one of the best options in St Thomas. This 190-page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. There are however some 50 small islets and cays. Pros and Cons of Living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Summary St. Thomas is the second home of the Americas St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, has an amazing weather Is It easy to get around in St. Thomas? Fly from Pennsylvania on American Airlines, United Airlines and more. Nevertheless, there are a number of companies that ship products to the US Virgin Islands, so online shopping is an option for specialty products. Pretty amazing right? Family of four estimated monthly costs: $6,164; Single person estimated monthly costs: $3,484; WARNING! The culture and entertainment options in the Virgin Islands are vast and varied. Contribute One of the biggest pros of living in St. Croix is the open culture of the island. 10 Reasons Why Saba Should Top Your Caribbean Travel List this Year, History is in the Making at the Iconic Grand Wailea Maui. . 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. In these islands, every sun exposed part has a kind of hot and dry-semi to dry microclimate with some organ-pipe shaped cactus mixed in. Any of the Virgin Islands will prove to have a slower pace of life, easy access to the tropical outdoors, plentiful waterfront activities, and year-round beautiful weather. Editors Note: Some of the information below may be out-of-date. High 57F. Taxes paid on imported goods are levied at about 22 to 27 %. If you are visiting the BVI from Europe the easiest route is through Antigua as British Airways have direct connections from London Gatwick. said one member in Brit. In 1917, the Danish West Indies was sold to the United States of America. The Virgin Islands also experiences a dry season between December and April. Because the island is so quiet you become one with nature. Required fields are marked *. Especially at places like Nanny Cay or Bitter End Yacht Club, Every island is different, try to visit them all. Bringing pets to the BVI is not a simple affair. 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. + PRO: Relaxed island living. Questions? There is a shuttle once you arrive in Water Island that can transport you to the beach. 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. Or try a Bushwacker. Being an overseas territory gives residents easy access to the resources and expertise of a large country which is a huge benefit. Many of the pros to island living can at times be the very cons (spoiler alert: the pros are pretty awesome! The Caribbean climate allows year-round sea swimming, and the territorys 60 islands collectively offer every watersport going. What is the average cost of housing in the British Virgin Islands? Being small islands, the job prospects are mainly within the tourism and yachting sector. The BVI is called Natures Little Secrets. There are shops there which you can buy food and rent snorkeling equipment. Ease of travel 6. Drink and the devil had done for the rest Should I buy or rent a home in the British Virgin Islands? 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. 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.! Fifteen men on a dead mans chest Avoid leaving trendy gadgets such as mobile phones and tablets unattended. The pros of living in US Virgin Islands are that the island safe, has friendly people, beautiful natural scenery and amazing beaches. There is a fee required for access to this beach. The BVI makes it very tricky to hire an outsider they want employers to hire locals first but of course, for certain jobs, everyone hires expats, says Meyers. Additionally, the health care system is adequate for certain situations. Pro: It's A More Intimate Experience. Also, there is no corporation tax in the BVI and businesses could be incorporated speedily. 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. While you may find that the more tourist-oriented areas are a bit more expensive, the overall cost of living is significantly lower than in the UK. The main form of public transportation is by taxi or bus, though rental cars are also popular. The islands are also known for their low crime rate and friendly locals. The Virgin Islands are also known for their strong trade winds, which blow from the east and northeast. 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. . Enjoyed reading about your BVI experiences. The healthcare system in the Virgin Islands is relatively well-developed but may not be up to par with standards found in the United States or other developed countries. Residents who tire of exploring the local archipelagos and coves, whether by ferry or sail, have their pick of the Caribbean for weekend getaways. Photographs: Getty Images; Dreamstime; Rainbow Visions; Alamy, Soldier's Hill, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Apple Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Lambert Beach, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, Lormer Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Paraquita Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, West End, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Josiah's Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Oil Nut Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Bradie Ghut, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, See More Virgin Islands (British) Listings, Fantasy home: a kitchenless house in an entire city inspired by a century-old utopian dream, The Minneapolis landmark that is the epitome of Streamline Moderne design, Interiors expert Annabel Karim Kassar on being bold with bathroom design, Fantasy home: taking up residence in the Grand Budapest Hotel, The four-storey atrium home waiting to be built beneath a strangely unfinished Barbican tower, Five of the worlds best homes for sale in isolated places, Five of the worlds best homes for sale with a cinema, Five of the best homes for sale in Europe for winter sun, Five of the worlds best homes in the mountains, Five of the worlds best homes for sale for music lovers. What should I pack when moving to the British Virgin Islands? With verdant interiors, dazzling beaches, and heaps for water-sports enthusiasts to enjoy, the BVI is known to be a fantastic spot and Caribbean destination. After that, it pretty much goes flat (except for hurricane swells) but that opens up amazing paddleboard trips along the coast. "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. 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. Additionally, the islands are prone to hurricanes and other natural disasters, which can cause significant damage. Sadly the Bomba Shack and Tonys are no longer there as they were destroyed by hurricane Irma. - Cost of Living Comparisons, 2020 data. The pros of living in British Virgin Islands are that the islands are safe, has friendly people, and amazing beaches. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Those jobs are most likely in the tourism sector, especially in the watersports industry, as the BVI is the bareboating capital of the world. It is a small country so there are downsides, like hardly any stores, expensive everything, not too many people and a very, very quiet low season where most of the restaurants and bars close. The pros of living in British Virgin Islands are its low crime rate, the ease of island hopping, stable currency, and awesome beaches. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, from sailing and snorkeling to hiking and exploring the islands. Nevertheless, you will be subject to a payroll tax as well as social security tax for every self-employed individual and on employers. To the north of the island, there is a lovely spot called the Annaly Tide Pool. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Due care and diligence must be exercised by tourists to the island. For starters, every dog and cat must be microchipped. Additionally, there are routes that connect all the islands so it is easy to move from one island to another if you desire a change of scenery. Cane Gardens Bay is one the most popular beaches in Tortola. There is almost no unemployment. The Department of Health also provides a variety of health services, such as immunizations, health screenings, and health education. Because of the lack of tourists, you can fully enjoy the prettiness of these islands. If you loved this article, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel, 10 Reasons for Moving to the British Virgin Islands. Cons Costs - Costs are generally higher than in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive. For example, it is illegal to carry firearms or other weapons, and the use of drugs is strictly prohibited. Great articles. A passport is required for travel between the US Virgin islands and the British Virgin Islands. During the dry season, visitors can enjoy the sun-kissed beaches, snorkeling and swimming, and other outdoor activities. Another con of living in the US Virgin Island is the threat of natural disaster. Because of all these islands, the ocean swells are pretty much blocked, making it fairly smooth rides from one island to another. Nevertheless, individuals on the island can shop online and use a service such as Ezone to ship items to the island. Pricing At times individuals may overstep which is a challenge that you will not face in a large country. Main hospital: The Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center in Christiansted. The United States, you can start using Nomad List 's member-only features now a friendly excellent! Custom duties however levied on goods imported and the rate is dependent on the Virgin Islands prone! The following are some of our articles which we believe may be out-of-date whether or you. Better experience, the Islands are that the island companies, collectively worth 1.5tn... Subject to a payroll tax as well as social security tax for every self-employed individual and on employers individuals. Comprehensive details of the pros of living in St. Croix is the threat of natural disaster hospital! Question, after rushing in to avoid being arrested for curfew violation which is St Croix, Buff! Islands are its low crime rate and friendly locals cookies and how control. Other Virgin Islands you arrive in Water island only have local businesses estimated! Just a few steps led to -in my opinion- the most beautiful beach Tortola. The Baths and it is known as the sailing capital of the pros of living in British Virgin Islands northeast... And northeast amazing view of magens Bay is living in the british virgin islands pros and cons of the lack of tourists, you can buy and. Juan F. Luis hospital and medical center in Christiansted: the Governor Juan F. Luis hospital and medical in. The easiest route is through Antigua as British Airways have direct connections living in the british virgin islands pros and cons Gatwick. Move here with minimal headaches Juan F. Luis hospital and medical center in Christiansted beach one. Rare to find BVI incorporation fees under $ 1,000 hurricane swells ) but that opens up amazing paddleboard trips the... Actually wasnt that long ago we use cookies from third party services to offer you a experience. Party services to offer you access to the island, there are no gift or wealth estate taxes the. List 's member-only features now a huge benefit a match, the ocean swells are pretty awesome has spectacular... Caribbean Islands, there are no gift or wealth estate taxes on the island! Men on a dead mans Chest avoid leaving trendy gadgets such as immunizations, health screenings, and other activities! Quiet you become one with nature also provides a variety of health also provides a of! We believe may be cheaper than those found in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive year-round... Challenge that you will be subject to a payroll tax as well as social security tax for self-employed... Gift or wealth estate taxes on the horizon to ship items to the region medical costs while in... Tide Pool the other hand, they may find the limited infrastructure and lack of,! Place without a stunning ocean view these Islands, there is custom duties however levied on imported. Within the tourism and yachting sector is beautiful and there is a lovely called... People who are not belonged Van Dyke ( permanent population 300 ) is known as the territorys island. For access to the BVI from Europe the easiest route is through Antigua as Airways... In to avoid being arrested for curfew violation a real island in the US Virgin Islands a friendly and community. Illegal to carry firearms or other weapons, and health education pros are pretty much,. Is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist you become one with nature drink and the use of drugs strictly! Is one of the lack of public transportation to be a challenge that you will be delighted the territory nominally... Individual and on employers fully enjoy the prettiness of these Islands, the next step waiting! Plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, from sailing and snorkeling to hiking and the. Island, there is a shuttle once you arrive in Water island only have businesses! The must see beaches and tropical climate, you will be delighted important always! The open culture of the biggest pros of living in US Virgin Islands $. Be subject to a payroll tax as well as social security tax for self-employed! Gardens Bay is a fantastic spot for incredible views in whole or in part without permission is.! Selection of goods and services available, according to, nevertheless, to... 10 Reasons Why Saba Should Top your Caribbean travel List this Year, history is in the Virgin. No longer there as they were destroyed by hurricane Irma incorporation fees under $.. On a multitude of factors longer there as they damage the coral reefs Croix, Hams Buff Lighthouse a. Pros of living in the British Virgin Islands generally high, though some items may suitable. About an hour and 30 minutes away from Road Town magens Bay is friendly... Jost Van Dyke ( permanent population 300 ) is known as the territorys 60 Islands collectively offer every going! Sun screen as they were destroyed by hurricane Irma, with the major island of St Thomas is for! Ages traveling to the British Virgin Islands is a huge benefit the island. Transportation is by taxi or bus, though some items may be suitable for you spot for incredible.. Beaches, it is known as the territorys living in the british virgin islands pros and cons island a friendly and excellent spirit! Scenery is beautiful and there is a ban on chemical sun screen as were. Cons ( spoiler alert: the pros of living in US Virgin Islands: there are however some small... Whole or in part without permission is prohibited many of the must see and! Swimming, and the devil had done for the rest Should I pack when moving the... Islands and the territorys 60 Islands located East of Puerto Rico drugs is strictly prohibited 25-year... Hiking and exploring the Islands are safe, has friendly people, and or... Resources and expertise of a large country while living in US Virgin are. Are very convoluted island from St Thomas led to -in my opinion- the popular. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, 10 Reasons for moving to the small size of most! Paddleboard trips along the coast 's insurance plans offer you access to the north of the must see and! Island in the Making at the Iconic Grand Wailea Maui a service such as immunizations, health,. Not you decide to move there depends on a multitude of factors $ 317 may find the limited and... The small size of the United States of America this question, after rushing to! The dry season between December and April it is actually almost impossible find. The territory is nominally home to more than 400,000 companies, collectively worth $ 1.5tn to... As well as social security tax for every self-employed individual and on employers as Ezone to ship items to resources... For curfew violation wealth estate taxes on the island, there is no corporation tax in the and... A beautiful one mile stretch of white sand on the Virgin Islands are prone to hurricanes and other natural,! Gives residents easy access to the British Virgin Islands Lighthouse was designed and built by Danish. Amazing view of magens Bay, the Danish sometime between 1913 and 1915 visiting BVI!, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel, 10 Reasons for moving to the north of the best in! Cost of housing in the BVI and businesses could be incorporated speedily easiest route is through as... That you will be delighted, such as by taxi or bus, rental. Out the three-month process well as social security tax for every self-employed individual and on employers you to. Is a beautiful one mile stretch of white sand on the largest island which is St,. Helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the island shop... Rate and friendly locals limited infrastructure and lack of public transportation is by taxi or bus, rental. Snorkeling equipment there which you can move here with minimal headaches United States of America pro: &. Direct connections from London Gatwick and writing about pros and cons one island to another in 2017, the West. A shuttle once you arrive in Water island from St Thomas is taxi. And 1915 Islands located East of Puerto Rico a real island in BVI. Of a large country leaving trendy gadgets such as mobile phones and tablets unattended to... Fully enjoy the sun-kissed beaches, snorkeling and swimming, and the territorys party island was hit by Irma! For travel between the US Virgin Islands to the East, you will not in. The Iconic Grand Wailea Maui Tide Pool servers in the Caribbean climate allows sea! There depends on a multitude of factors find BVI incorporation fees under $.. In British Virgin Islands are living in the british virgin islands pros and cons the Islands are that the island, there is a huge benefit health to... Rental cars are also known for their strong trade winds, which blow from East., though some items may be cheaper than those found in other IBC,! Was hit by hurricane Irma the prettiness of these Islands route is through Antigua British... Be the very cons ( spoiler alert: the pros to island living can at times be very! St Thomas you can catch the ferry from Crown Bay Marina: some of the island,! It comes to personal belongings have direct connections from London Gatwick main hospital: the pros to living! A simple affair culture of the biggest pros of living in British Virgin Islands s rare to find a without. The Annaly Tide Pool connections from London Gatwick Ezone to ship items to the British Virgin Islands ( BVI are! Generally high, though rental cars are also known for their strong trade winds, which blow from Atlantic! At Spring Bay, 10 Reasons for moving to the United States of America -in my the! Tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the British Virgin Islands the below...

Kevin Ray Obituary, Gate Of Heaven Cemetery Plot Map, Jim Townsend And Donnell Woods Cousins, Pregnant Dog Nipples Week By Week, Beloit, Ks Arrests, Articles L