I love the place just wish it was more affordable. Thanks for signing up! Expect to pay international rates from courier service providers such as DHL and FedEx. 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. 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. Another con of living in the US Virgin Island is the threat of natural disaster. People who love to socialize and who can afford it usually tends to travel to break the monotony. Get a Quote from Now Health International. Their government have strange laws regarding this for people who are not belonged. Digital issues 3. 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. It is small and safe. Live Healthier, Live Happier with award winning international health insurance. Select city in British Virgin Islands: There are no much data for British Virgin Islands. But we enjoyed it to the fullest and gained an experience of a lifetime. Stay tuned, interesting articles coming up daily. 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. 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). Its also a beautiful dive location by the way. Already a member? The main form of public transportation is by taxi or bus, though rental cars are also popular. Driving a jeep on the USVI with a picnic to a different beach each day is going to far more relaxing than being home with 3 children! A passport is required for travel between the US Virgin islands and the British Virgin Islands. 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. Hi I lived on Tortola for 7 months ,great place loveeeeee it. Maybe a few islanders and one or two tourists all the way on the other end of the beach. The country is safe, welcoming and ideal for raising kids. Additionally, many visitors opt for private health insurance to cover potential medical costs while living in the Virgin Islands. Finally, the local cuisine is heavily influenced by the Caribbean, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the different flavors and ingredients," Green lush jungly-hillsides leaning towards the beautiful clear oceans. When living in the British Virgin Islands, the beach is never very far away. The bars and the cocktails of the BVI are know all around the world. You are correct, it is in the BVI! 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. 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. English Holiday Cruises take passengers along some of Britain's most beautiful waterways where life runs at a slower pace. Additionally, the University of the Virgin Islands offers several online programs for those seeking further education. There are shops there which you can buy food and rent snorkeling equipment. 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. Island hopping is possible by ferry service, seaplane and air service. 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. We use cookies from third party services to offer you a better experience. The US Virgin Islands is part of the United States. Search for the British Virgin Islands flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. If it wasnt for my bad health at the time. What is the average cost of housing in the British Virgin Islands? Tortola attracts surfers from around the world. Access to the beach is free and it is located 5 miles west of the capital, Road Town. As an example, if you live in the Caribbean island of Grenada and you have a medical emergency, you cannot just go to the United States seamlessly for medical without considering visa requirements. Population of island: About 60,000. Unlike most Caribbean islands, Bonaire is located outside of Hurricane Alley and years go by without a single homicide on the island. However the UK government has extended the deadline for overseas territories to introduce public registers of company ownership from 2020 to 2023. Blog Post Author Credentials Louise Gaille is the author of this post. 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 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. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn. On the largest island which is St Croix, Hams Buff Lighthouse is a fantastic spot for incredible views. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. One of the must see beaches and attractions in the BVI is The Baths and it is located in Virgin Gorda. This photo we took from the house we lived in. 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. Get up to 40% discount on new plans.GET A QUOTE. The BVI is 59.3 square miles and spread over 1,330 square miles. There is a ferry service from St Thomas to Tortola if you will like some adventure. Below we have gone through just some of the main negative aspects of island life. The beautiful white sand and clear water makes this beach extraordinary. The cost of living is relatively low, and the people are friendly and welcoming. The scenery is beautiful and there is always an island on the horizon. The last major hurricanes to affect the islands were hurricane Maria and Irma both in 2017 which hit the islands as category 5 storms. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. GET A QUOTE. A Boomer and Millennial Board a Virgin Voyages CruiseWill They Both Enjoy It? As part of the Caribbean, the BVI are susceptible to natural disasters such as hurricanes. Knight Frank is marketing a seven-bedroom estate on Tortola with sea views for $5.5m. In the shady areas (they have hills, mountains and some valleys) they have a cooler and damper almost rainforest-like microclimate with orchids, bananas and other lush tropical plants. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. You can also try paddleboarding or go bodyboarding at Long Bay. It is important to always remain aware of your surroundings and take caution when it comes to personal belongings. 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. If you are contemplating traveling to the US Virgin Islands or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. 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. It's definitely a paradise, and yet there are times when paradise is lost on us. That's just the way it is and we happily accept this part of life. Being small islands, the job prospects are mainly within the tourism and yachting sector. 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. If you're used to living in an expansive residential property, you'll find life in Hong Kong to be a bit surprising. The US Virgin islands are extremely safe. #1. From world-class resorts and beaches to museums, galleries, and cultural centers, visitors will find something to suit their interests. 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. Get insured Advertise here In British Virgin Islands now See the map The state is home to the outer banks. The Virgin Islands is a Caribbean paradise, and whether or not you decide to move there depends on a multitude of factors. There are a variety of employment opportunities available in the Virgin Islands, from tourism to finance to hospitality. If you are planning on traveling to the BVI and other Caribbean islands during the hurricane season, it is wise to consider travel insurance. The road infrastructure could be further enhanced and there are areas where there are potholes. Additionally, the islands are prone to hurricanes and other natural disasters, which can cause significant damage. Food costs are also generally high, though some items may be cheaper than those found in other places. 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. Ease of travel 6. The area has a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of natural beauty to enjoy. ). My favorite thing to do was to go on a mini-vacation or a day trip to one of the other islands. 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 US Virgin Islands and the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. Feel free to check out the BVI Tourism for more helpful information on how to get to the island. Does St. Thomas offer a Tax-free shopping experience? 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. Speaking from personal experience, I found that the stresses in my everyday life have reduced significantly after moving to Wisconsin. Surf season is from November until April. Public schools are available for elementary and secondary education, while there are also a number of private schools and universities available. From British rule. The cost of living in the Virgin Islands is higher than many other locations around the world. 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. After a while, some people might find island life a bit claustrophobic. Good captains with excellent customer service and a friendly smile get scooped up, says Meyers. While US Virgin Islands is part of the United States, it is treated as an international destination by many companies when it comes to shipping. These are the downsides of living in Cayman. Hardip loves researching nearby things and writing about PROs and CONs. Usually, its 3/4 alcohol. Priced at just $16.95. The Virgin Islands also experiences a dry season between December and April. To speak to one of our agents contact us today. And with 52 unique islands and cays, you have so many options to keep you interested. If you like a slower pace of life and don't mind the added expenses, then it can be a paradise. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are fantastic spots with amazing views in St Thomas. Place just wish it was more affordable which can cause significant damage category 5 storms snorkeling.... 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