Enjoyed reading about your BVI experiences. Due care and diligence must be exercised by tourists to the island. Watersports and cocktails offer a break from the territorys main business of offshore finance. If you like a slower pace of life and don't mind the added expenses, then it can be a paradise. 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. 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. Living in the Virgin Islands can be a dream come true for some, while others may find the experience to be less than desirable. It is also important to note that wages tend to be lower than in other parts of the world, due to the cost of living in the Virgin Islands. Food costs are also generally high, though some items may be cheaper than those found in other places. 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. Additionally, there are several car rental companies located on the islands, making it easy to find a car that fits your needs. The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) or the Virgin Islands of the United States are a group of four Caribbean islands that are overseas dependencies of the United States of America. ). This photo we took from the house we lived in. Magens Bay is a beautiful one mile stretch of white sand on the island of St Thomas. One of the must see beaches and attractions in the BVI is The Baths and it is located in Virgin Gorda. 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. 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 BVI are a prosperous country. 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. Here are our reasons why we loved it so much. Nevertheless, USPS treats the island is as US territory. Log in. The British Virgin Islands were heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma. We use cookies from third party services to offer you a better experience. The turquoise bays around these islands are the promise of a new pleasant and authentic lifestyle. Cons Costs - Costs are generally higher than in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive. 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. High 57F. 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. Costs - Costs are generally higher than in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive. The views on all the islands are breathtaking. The immigration process is long and hard. This location is next to Peebles Hospital. According to the BVI Tourism Authority, international flights must connect to other Caribbean islands such as Puerto Rico, St Thomas, Antigua or St Maarten. It is easier not only to do business with the Mainland but globally. Summary: If as an example you are taller, you may not easily be able to get your size on the island. Knight Frank is marketing a seven-bedroom estate on Tortola with sea views for $5.5m. There is a ferry service from St Thomas to Tortola if you will like some adventure. Culture and diversity 7. Because the island is so quiet you become one with nature. One of the best things about living in Wisconsin is the great quality of life. Or visit one of the luxury resorts on Cooper or Peter Island. Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Now Health International's insurance plans. Bringing pets to the BVI is not a simple affair. When dealing with certain companies, there are restrictions on what you can ship to the islands. All rights reserved. At times individuals may overstep which is a challenge that you will not face in a large country. The cost of living in the Virgin Islands is higher than many other locations around the world. She says that the best way to get a gig is to research jobs and companies that fit your skills, then email to apply. It is important to factor in these costs when budgeting for a trip to the Virgin Islands, as they can add up quickly. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. There are direct flights to destinations such as Saint Kitts (45 minutes), Puerto Ricos capital San Juan (45 minutes) and Antigua (90 minutes). Blog Post Author Credentials Louise Gaille is the author of this post. - Cost of Living Comparisons, 2020 data. Cost of Living in 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. How NordVPN and ExpressVPN Stack Up. 3. Another con of living in the US Virgin Island is the threat of natural disaster. "Expats in the British Virgin Islands appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly locals. 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. Plus, what each state is known for. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. It's definitely a paradise, and yet there are times when paradise is lost on us. world 5 world_fill Cities paper_plane 5 paper_plane_fill 5 Trips chat 42 chat_fill 42 Chat They are responsible for the regulation of healthcare facilities, the licensing of healthcare professionals, and the enforcement of public health laws. If you are planning on traveling to the BVI and other Caribbean islands during the hurricane season, it is wise to consider travel insurance. 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. In my opinion, the BVI has it all. Can you guess where? The country is safe, welcoming and ideal for raising kids. Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. The police have asked citizens to be vigilant and to safeguard their valuables. The Virgin Islands are also known for their spectacular sunsets, which can be enjoyed from many of the beaches and resorts. 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. An expat answers questions about day-to-day island living in the BVI. Editors Note: Some of the information below may be out-of-date. We were recently invited out by a couple who are seriously considering moving here and they wanted to know the same things. Pretty amazing right? . The main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke BV Islanders are both British and EU citizens even though not part of the EU. When I was young and dreaming of the Caribbean, I pictured a laid-back, friendly, easygoing, colorful place. See the FAQ. Help others in Brit. 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. Unlike most Caribbean islands, Bonaire is located outside of Hurricane Alley and years go by without a single homicide on the island. 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. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. It is best to visit during low tide if you will like to walk across this strip. 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 . Questions? Luckily, still few people know about it. In the BVI it still feels a lot more genuine and you will get reminded through names like Smuggles Cove. Victims were threatened at gunpoint and valuables such as cash, cellphones and vehicles were demanded. I already mentioned the Painkiller: a mouth-watering mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice topped off with grated nutmeg. By following these laws and taking the necessary precautions, visitors and residents can enjoy a safe and secure experience in the Virgin Islands. While there is a great sense of community which can be helpful, the drawback to this is that there is a loss of privacy. 2021 1st Day of Summer. House starting price: $150,000 for a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom house in Christiansted. Make a short visit beforehand. Average prices of more than 40 products and services in British Virgin Islands. In the US Virgin Islands you are never far away from the beach. The Caribbean climate allows year-round sea swimming, and the territorys 60 islands collectively offer every watersport going. These are the downsides of living in Cayman. Avoid leaving trendy gadgets such as mobile phones and tablets unattended. 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. There are times when the delivery boat is held up in Miami, and we have an empty grocery store for days, says Meyers. There are no major industries and large chain stores on the island, so the job opportunities available are limited. The airport is located in the capital city, Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas. Virgin Isl.. I didnt have time to hit up four stores, so I had to make something else, says Meyers. It is important if you are visiting the BVI to plan your travel plans carefully as you may have to overnight due to the lack of direct flights. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are fantastic spots with amazing views in St Thomas. If you want the best cocktail drinking location on Tortola, go to the Banakeet Restaurant in Carrot Bay at sunset. 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. Peebles Hospital on Tortola is the only such facility in the overseas territory. This is a unique national park on the southwest coast of the island. Virgin Isl. Overall, The British Virgin Islands have a larger number of museums than is common in the Caribbean, and they are well worth exploring, as are the numerous distilleries that the local population takes great pride in. Healthcare 8. From mountain top you can see a total of 20 islands. Don't worry, we don't do anything weird with your personal information. Despite being a British Overseas Territory, the official currency of the Islands is the United States Dollar (USD). Feel free to browse our website for more content on the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. The British Virgin Islands experienced severe devastating impacts of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Mermaids Chair is also a location on the Rock Citys West Coast which is a must see on the island of St Thomas. 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. Nevertheless according to, Another con of living in the US Virgin Island is the threat of natural disaster. The Channel Islands are situated in the English Channel between Britain and France. I live on St. Croix, and Irma just passed yesterday. Granted, there are ways to still get your online-shopping fix. The hurricane seasons runs from June 1 to November 30 annually. So if you like parties, busy happy hours, etc, you wont find it in the BVI. Another less obvious, in-demand occupation is a lawyer: these islands are also home to a bustling financial market. Public schools are available for elementary and secondary education, while there are also a number of private schools and universities available. We lived on Tortola, the biggest island. These islands are St Croix, St Thomas, St John and Water Island. The Virgin Islands is a Caribbean paradise, and whether or not you decide to move there depends on a multitude of factors. + PRO: Relaxed island living. These are naturally formed pools where you can enjoy the water and the amazing views. Cook Islands costs $4,777 per month to live and work remotely. 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. Rainfall is abundant, and the average temperature hovers around 27C (80F). The BVI ticks most of the boxes. From there, Meyers manages the marketing for the day-sailing operation Aristocat Charters. The four main islands are Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. In terms of snorkeling, Coki beach is one of the best options in St Thomas. Living on a small island limits the amount of opportunities that you have available for example in terms of jobs. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the trail. start here I loved Sundays. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. 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. Cane Gardens Bay is one the most popular beaches in Tortola. Primetime). Then you can enjoy the snorkeling, sailing, and diving that is part of life here. If it wasnt for my bad health at the time. Cook Islands cost of living, internet speed, weather and other metrics as a place to work remotely for digital nomads. 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