Find flights to the British Virgin Islands from $284. We use third party services like Google Analytics, Youtube, and we allow comments on our website. Work permits 11. Sincere Pros Cons is a daily online publication dedicated to "the good, and the bad" of modern life, from fashion to food and technology to travel, health, parenting, and much more. 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 you are planning on traveling to the BVI and other Caribbean islands during the hurricane season, it is wise to consider travel insurance. He keeps writing along with his co-founders. Answer (1 of 5): > What is it like to live in the US Virgin Islands having grown up in the mainland US? The pros of living in the British Virgin Islands include the beautiful scenery, the warm climate, and the low cost of living. Not everyone can afford health care on the U.S. Virgin Islands. Citizens of the British Virgin Islands since 2002 have full British Citizenship. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. High 57F. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. Expect something closer to $1,500-$3,000 with a high-quality, reputable service provider. Because alcohol is so cheap here you wont get a sissy cocktail. Slow pace of life. 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. 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. Safety 2. Living on "island time" 5. Healthcare 8. The Virgin Islands is a Caribbean paradise, and whether or not you decide to move there depends on a multitude of factors. Utility costs are also higher than in many other places, as electricity and water are both expensive. It features chapters on each of the three Virgin Islands, including island culture, history, relocation, housing, and local services such as: real estate, government offices, physicians, civic groups to join. Nevertheless, USPS treats the island is as US territory. Despite its small size, the island is incredibly diverse and welcoming to all. Drink and the devil had done for the rest In addition to the job opportunities available, the Virgin Islands also offer a unique lifestyle. Moving to the British Virgin Islands is one of the best decisions you can ever make IF you like the ocean, the beach, to swim, to sail, to surf, and feel like you are on a vacation every single day. The higher you get the better the view. 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. Nevertheless, according to, Nevertheless, individuals on the island can shop online and use a service such as. Live Healthier, Live Happier with award winning international health insurance. Most of the tourists end up on a catamaran or sailboat and therefore the beaches and the islands are serene and quiet. The department also provides resources and support for students and families, including after-school programs, tutoring, and other services. We lived on Tortola, the biggest island. 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. 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. Ultimately, whether or not you decide to move to the Virgin Islands depends on your individual needs and preferences. 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. High Quality of Life. 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. Just a few steps led to -in my opinion- the most beautiful beach of Tortola: Smugglers Cove. Feel free to check out the BVI Tourism for more helpful information on how to get to the island. Peebles Hospital on Tortola is the only such facility in the overseas territory. 2021 1st Day of Summer. 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 British Virgin Islands are relatively safe islands and crime rate is low when compared to other Caribbean Islands. If you want to settle down here, you should know that . Additionally, there are no gift or wealth estate taxes on the island. 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. Main hospital: The Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center in Christiansted. While there is a great spirit of community among people in small islands, this comes with the cost of the loss of privacy. The cost of living in the Virgin Islands is higher than many other locations around the world. In my opinion, the BVI has it all. There is a shuttle once you arrive in Water Island that can transport you to the beach. We ended up staying in the BVI for over a year. Price of a local beer: $3 for a Blackbeard Ale at Fort Christian Brew Pub. The Millennium monument was erected in the year 2000 as this is the first place that the American soil experiences the sunrise. It is actually almost impossible to find a place without a stunning ocean view. Living in the Canary Islands is inexpensive. Through SincereProsCons, he tries to help people make better decision by writing good and bad things of any place, products, services, and more. It might seem obvious, but living on an island does take some adjustment. Cyril E King is one of the busiest airports in the Eastern Caribbean. Virgin Gorda has the magnificent boulders at Spring Bay. One of the must see beaches and attractions in the BVI is The Baths and it is located in Virgin Gorda. 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. 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. Anegada is a flat atol. Fly from Pennsylvania on American Airlines, United Airlines and more. 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. Another less obvious, in-demand occupation is a lawyer: these islands are also home to a bustling financial market. Due to the islands robust financial sector, there is a thriving expat community which is welcoming. Meyers and her family simply loaded up their sailboat in Chicago and sailed south, but they dont have any furniture. Covid-19 coverage. There are four major islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. 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. Valuable items should be secured in hotel safes. This area is a small strip that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Then you can enjoy the snorkeling, sailing, and diving that is part of life here. Fast food meal: CI$9/8/US$11. 10 Reasons Why Saba Should Top Your Caribbean Travel List this Year, History is in the Making at the Iconic Grand Wailea Maui. But because the BVI is pretty expensive to travel to, it is still uncrowded. 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. Search Island-wide Listings Here! Despite the tax breaks here, high costs of living might just revoke this benefit entirely. Sebastiaan and I always dreamed about living near the ocean. Thanks for signing up! 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. Another con of living in the US Virgin Island is the threat of natural disaster. The islands are also known for their low crime rate and friendly locals. "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 . Annual renewal fees are around $800 to $1,200 in most cases. - Cost of Living Comparisons, 2020 data. The airport is located in the capital city, Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas. These are the downsides of living in Cayman. Residents who tire of exploring the local archipelagos and coves, whether by ferry or sail, have their pick of the Caribbean for weekend getaways. Imagine this: you are walking on a beach. Alone. One of the biggest pros of living in St. Croix is the open culture of the island. 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. There's good news and bad news on the U.S. bankruptcy front. Perks of Living in Wisconsin. The area has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and low levels of humidity. Food costs are also generally high, though some items may be cheaper than those found in other places. The British Virgin Islands comprise over 50 islands, 15 of which are inhabited. Read about how we use cookies and how you control them by clicking "Privacy Preferences". The capital is Charlotte Amalie which is located on the island of St Thomas. Hi I lived on Tortola for 7 months ,great place loveeeeee it. Thats just the way it is and we happily accept this part of life. 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. Generally, the pace on the islands is slow. Most islands are accessible by ferry from the main island Tortola. In 2017, the country was hit by Hurricane Irma, with the major island of . 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. The archipelago is located approximately equal distance from Hawaii, the Philippines and Japan, which makes it quite remote and isolated place geographically.. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC We use your birth date to better match you with other nomads and personalize destination recommendations to you. It seems like I'm not the only one that thinks so. How do I find a place to live in the British Virgin Islands? She says that the best way to get a gig is to research jobs and companies that fit your skills, then email to apply. Because the island is so quiet you become one with nature. But the beach life is ridiculous and makes up for all that. 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. Average prices of more than 40 products and services in British Virgin Islands. 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