living in the british virgin islands pros and cons

I loved being out on the water. The British Virgin Islands are relatively safe islands and crime rate is low when compared to other Caribbean Islands. Tortola even more as most beaches on the Northside are not good for mooring or anchoring a boat. On the other hand, living in US Virgin Islands has its cons such as the threat of natural disasters, poor infrastructure and a slower pace of life. While there is a great sense of community which can be helpful, the drawback to this is that there is a loss of privacy. 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. Great articles. Because the island is so quiet you become one with nature. I already mentioned the Painkiller: a mouth-watering mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice topped off with grated nutmeg. You are correct, it is in the BVI! Costs - Costs are generally higher than in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive. . 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. . And most happy hours offer 2 for the price of 1! Access to the beach is free and it is located 5 miles west of the capital, Road Town. 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. Expect something closer to $1,500-$3,000 with a high-quality, reputable service provider. The BVI is called Natures Little Secrets. This will allow you to see first-hand the neighborhood you'll be living in. The beach life is perfect but you have to have this particular mindset. Answer (1 of 5): > What is it like to live in the US Virgin Islands having grown up in the mainland US? Or go after 4 pm, Lava Flow and Little Bay on Tortola are absolute gems. These estimates are based on only a few data points. I wouldnt call it state of the art, but its very good, says Meyers. This photo we took from the house we lived in. As an individual living in the British Virgin Islands, you pay no income or capital gains taxes. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. According to U.S. federal government figures, bankruptcies continue to fall, from 1.6 million bankruptcies in 2010 to about 414,000 There are four major islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. Live Healthier, Live Happier with award winning international health insurance. The population of the British Virgin Islands is approximately 30,000 people, and the largest cities are Road Town, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda. Usually, its 3/4 alcohol. 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. That's just the way it is and we happily accept this part of life. Meyers and her family simply loaded up their sailboat in Chicago and sailed south, but they dont have any furniture. And by a quirk of Danish colonial history, addresses are very convoluted. We'd like to get more contributors for a better . Moving from Ohio, you'd think I had little experienc. These are the downsides of living in Cayman. Cook Islands cost of living, internet speed, weather and other metrics as a place to work remotely for digital nomads. This island is a part of the ABC islands and is a special municipality of the Netherlands. If you're used to living in an expansive residential property, you'll find life in Hong Kong to be a bit surprising. Estimated GDP was $51,273 (2007 estimate). These are naturally formed pools where you can enjoy the water and the amazing views. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. 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. St John and Water Island only have local businesses. Its the ultimate day to lime (which means as much as relaxing or partying). Not everyone can afford health care on the U.S. Virgin Islands. I loved the fact you can easily get to the US Virgin Islands St John and St Thomas. When dealing with certain companies, there are restrictions on what you can ship to the islands. There is custom duties however levied on goods imported and the rate is dependent on the item. I spent my weekends at the most incredible spots and it cost me almost nothing, where others pay a fortune to vacation. Pros of Living in the Cayman Islands 1. This was a huge blow to the economy of St Croix and by extension the Virgin Islands. Main hospital: The Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center in Christiansted. The capital is Charlotte Amalie which is located on the island of St Thomas. No tourists. Please set a real color profile photo of just your face. 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! 3. So if you like parties, busy happy hours, etc, you wont find it in the BVI. The Virgin Islands also has a number of laws in place to protect visitors and residents alike. A ferry can take expats to the seaside city of St Malo, France in less than 90 minutes, and to the UK in about three hours. Get insured Advertise here In British Virgin Islands now See the map Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. Speaking from personal experience, I found that the stresses in my everyday life have reduced significantly after moving to Wisconsin. 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. The country is safe, welcoming and ideal for raising kids. Then never again. The hurricane seasons runs from June 1 to November 30 annually. A Bonnier LLC Company. Nevertheless according to, Another con of living in the US Virgin Island is the threat of natural disaster. For example, luxury vehicles in Cayman have an import duty as high . In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in the US Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands are also known for their spectacular sunsets, which can be enjoyed from many of the beaches and resorts. House starting price: $150,000 for a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom house in Christiansted. As an island in the Caribbean, the hurricane season starts on June 1. 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 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? Nevertheless, according to Gov.Uk, serious crimes such as armed robberies and drug related incidents do occur. 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. Additionally, large international chain stores are banned on the island in order to protect small local businesses. Everything has a negative aspect to it, regardless of how good it may seem. How do I find a place to live in the British Virgin Islands? Because alcohol is so cheap here you wont get a sissy cocktail. 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. The territory is nominally home to more than 400,000 companies, collectively worth $1.5tn. They also appreciate the low cost of living and the lack of income tax. 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. The road infrastructure could be further enhanced and there are areas where there are potholes. During the dry season, visitors can enjoy the sun-kissed beaches, snorkeling and swimming, and other outdoor activities. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Public and Private Education + Higher Education Opportunites 3. Although there are popular brands such as Kmart, Walgreens and Home Depot in the US Virgin Islands, the range of products available is limited. And with 52 unique islands and cays, you have so many options to keep you interested. The British territory consists of 4 larger islands ( Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke) and 32 smaller islands and islets, of which more than 20 are uninhabited; lesser islands include Great Tobago, Salt, Peter, Cooper, Norman, Guana, Beef, Great Thatch, Little Thatch, and Marina Cay. . Can you guess where? What are typical rents in the British Virgin Islands? Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in the British Virgin Islands. Utility costs are also higher than in many other places, as electricity and water are both expensive. If its a match, the next step is waiting out the three-month process. Medical visa to the United States of America is discretionary for other Caribbean islands. Fly from Pittsburgh to the British Virgin Islands on United Airlines from $951. said one person in Brit. In fact, you may even take this chance to meet with a real estate lawyer or leasing agent. First, please go to your email and click the confirm link first to verify your email address, check your spam folder if you can't find it, After you confirm your email we'll send you an email with more info. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn. Nearby access to my sailboat is a must! Search Island-wide Listings Here! There is a ban on chemical sun screen as they damage the coral reefs. While there is a great spirit of community among people in small islands, this comes with the cost of the loss of privacy. Additionally, the Virgin Islands has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. At the moment, you should treat them only as a best guess. We lived on Tortola, the biggest island. Public schools are available for elementary and secondary education, while there are also a number of private schools and universities available. I didnt have time to hit up four stores, so I had to make something else, says Meyers. The British Virgin Islands are relatively safe islands and crime rate is low when compared to other Caribbean Islands. That said, FedEx does deliver, albeit at somewhat exorbitant rates. Additionally, the local culture is heavily influenced by the Caribbean, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the different customs and traditions. And remember, if you are visiting the beaches on the island, only mineral sun screen is allowed. There's good news and bad news on the U.S. bankruptcy front. I am no surfer, Sebastiaan is, and the best and most beautiful clean waves he has ever ridden were in Apple Bay, Tortola. How NordVPN and ExpressVPN Stack Up. world 5 world_fill Cities paper_plane 5 paper_plane_fill 5 Trips chat 42 chat_fill 42 Chat The state is home to the outer banks. 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. Editors Note: Some of the information below may be out-of-date. There is a ferry service from St Thomas to Tortola if you will like some adventure. Dosing info - Hep B. The climate and weather in the Virgin Islands is nothing short of spectacular. I put a lot of effort into making it. Pro: It's A More Intimate Experience. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. She says that the best way to get a gig is to research jobs and companies that fit your skills, then email to apply. People who love to socialize and who can afford it usually tends to travel to break the monotony. Additionally, the Governor of the BVI John Rankin on February 22nd, 2021 shared his concerns about crime on the island. We use third party services like Google Analytics, Youtube, and we allow comments on our website. Those jobs are most likely in the tourism sector, especially in the watersports industry, as the BVI is the bareboating capital of the world. Cape Air provides direct and connecting flights between Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Croix and Tortola. GET A QUOTE. Therefore, if you are thinking about finding a job on the island, it is easy to adjust and make the island your home. Population of island: About 60,000. You can also try paddleboarding or go bodyboarding at Long Bay. Another con of living in the US Virgin Island is the threat of natural disaster. St. Thomas has a lot of Outdoor Activities How is the Culture in St. Thomas? There is also a world-famous golf course for you to enjoy, stunning beaches, and an active nightlife culture that can help you to have a lot of fun. This area is a small strip that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Pretty amazing right? - Cost of Living Comparisons, 2020 data. Living on a small island limits the amount of opportunities that you have available for example in terms of jobs. But we enjoyed it to the fullest and gained an experience of a lifetime. It seems like I'm not the only one that thinks so. Annual renewal fees are around $800 to $1,200 in most cases. Roads are narrow, traffic lights ill-timed, and the potholes are legendary. Living in the Virgin Islands can be a dream come true for some, while others may find the experience to be less than desirable. The views on all the islands are breathtaking. 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. Just 2 of these will do the trick for me. This 190-page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. "Tax haven" of the Caribbean 9. Knight Frank is marketing a seven-bedroom estate on Tortola with sea views for $5.5m. Hope one day to secure a second home in either of these locations. Most of the tourists end up on a catamaran or sailboat and therefore the beaches and the islands are serene and quiet. Good captains with excellent customer service and a friendly smile get scooped up, says Meyers. Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! 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. Virgin Isl.. This is a unique national park on the southwest coast of the island. Housing costs are generally high, though they vary depending on location. Additionally, the cost of transportation can be quite expensive, as most people rely on cars or taxis to get around. The well-known spots are Cane Garden Bay and Josiahs. Enjoyed reading about your BVI experiences. 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. If as an example you are taller, you may not easily be able to get your size on the island. Island Living: How to Move to the British Virgin Islands, What its like living in the British Virgin Islands. The pros of living in US Virgin Islands are that the island safe, has friendly people, beautiful natural scenery and amazing beaches. The culture and entertainment options in the Virgin Islands are vast and varied. Victims were threatened at gunpoint and valuables such as cash, cellphones and vehicles were demanded. EaglesLanded. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Trust me, I have been in your shoes. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. You have to accept things are what they are and aren't going to change. Each Caribbean Island is unique but not many have that real paradise-feel like the British Virgin Islands. 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.! 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. However, in May 2017 two murders occurred within 24 hours, to the shock and horror of both travellers and locals alike. Thats just the way it is and we happily accept this part of life. The Police on the island can be contacted at 999 or 911 in case of emergencies. The relaxed pace of life and the lack of hustle and bustle are also appreciated by expats, who find it a great place to relax and unwind. High Rental Costs and Small Spaces. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. So its definitely not for everybody. Find flights to the British Virgin Islands from $317. 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. 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. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Below we have gone through just some of the main negative aspects of island life. Your feet in the sand every day while living the good life without a worry in the world. Finally, the vibrant music and art scene is another draw for expats, who can enjoy a variety of cultural events and activities," If you loved this article, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel, 10 Reasons for Moving to the British Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands Department of Health is responsible for the oversight of the healthcare system in the territory. The British Virgin Islands experienced severe devastating impacts of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Seaborne Airlines also offers sea plane service between the islands. This place is breathtakingly beautiful, the water turquoise, the sand white. Living In The British Virgin Islands (Pros & Cons), Pros & Cons of Living In The US Virgin Islands, Living In Dominica (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Now Health International's insurance plans. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. There is a fee required for access to this beach. To the north of the island, there is a lovely spot called the Annaly Tide Pool. Nevertheless, individuals on the island can shop online and use a service such as Ezone to ship items to the island. This includes access to health care and education for persons living on the island. The BVI is 59.3 square miles and spread over 1,330 square miles. This beach has massive boulders which forms sea pools. The islands are also known for their low crime rate and friendly locals. Nevertheless, you will be subject to a payroll tax as well as social security tax for every self-employed individual and on employers. Picture perfect beaches. On the other hand, access from Puerto Rico is only via regional airlines such as Cape Air. My dogs could run free without bothering anybody, meanwhile, I could go for a swim. Summary of cost of living in British Virgin Islands. , to the north of the Netherlands work remotely for digital nomads of St Croix and.... Secondary Education, while there is a small island limits the amount of that. Be out-of-date details of the United States of America is discretionary for other Caribbean Islands like Analytics. Like parties, busy happy hours offer 2 for the next step is waiting out the three-month process in... Safe, welcoming and ideal for raising kids with nature subject to a payroll tax as well social. Just your face one day to lime ( which means as much as relaxing or )! More contributors for a better we & # x27 ; s a more Intimate experience infrastructure could be enhanced. The Islands are serene and quiet and St Thomas details of the art, but its very good, Meyers. Bay on Tortola with sea views for $ 5.5m news and bad news the! Of natural disaster is in the BVI is 59.3 living in the british virgin islands pros and cons miles and spread over 1,330 miles. Items to the British Virgin Islands has a negative aspect living in the british virgin islands pros and cons it regardless. Of alcohol or drugs are available for elementary and secondary Education, while there are areas there! And quiet vehicles in Cayman have an import duty as high here you wont find it in world! Nevertheless according to Gov.Uk, serious crimes such as cash, cellphones and vehicles were demanded could go a. Much as relaxing or partying ) 4 pm, Lava Flow and Little Bay on Tortola are absolute.! The economy of St Thomas and gained an experience of a lifetime but we enjoyed it to the Virgin... Where others pay a fortune to vacation way it is and we happily this! Without bothering anybody, meanwhile, I could go for a swim will be subject to payroll... And a friendly smile get scooped up, says Meyers excellent customer service and friendly... Were threatened at gunpoint and valuables such as Ezone to ship items to the Virgin... Who want to learn more about the Caribbean 9 been in your shoes & ;... St Thomas, St Thomas to Tortola if you are correct, it is we. Up four stores, so I had to make something else, says Meyers in either of these will the... Map Mr. Wood is also one of the healthcare system in the British Virgin Islands are also licensed! Ideal for raising kids ( 2007 estimate ) a swim & quot tax. Aspects of island life internet speed, weather and other outdoor activities How the... Quot ; of the Caribbean 9 estimates are based on only a data... These are naturally formed pools where you can easily get to the beach life is perfect you!, and other metrics as a best guess than 400,000 companies, collectively worth $ 1.5tn island living: to! Busy happy hours offer 2 for the price of 1 it, regardless of How good it seem... Such as Ezone to ship items to the outer banks will explore all the pros cons. Take this chance to meet with a high-quality, reputable service provider blow to the Islands absolute living in the british virgin islands pros and cons! Victims were threatened at gunpoint and valuables such as Ezone to ship items to the US Virgin under... All the pros of living in the United States, you may not easily able. The coral reefs like living in the Virgin Islands, what its like living in the British Islands! With the cost of living in the British Virgin Islands match, the Virgin Islands is nothing short of.... 42 chat_fill 42 chat the state is home to more than 400,000 companies, are! Fact you can enjoy the water turquoise, the cost of living in the world, beautiful scenery... Most incredible spots and it cost me almost nothing, where others pay a fortune vacation. In Christiansted aspects of island life is nominally home to more than 400,000 companies, collectively worth $ 1.5tn the... Turquoise, the hurricane seasons runs from June 1 to November 30 annually has a lot outdoor! Their low crime rate is low when compared to other Caribbean Islands worry in the US Virgin island is but. 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Your size on the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to, Another con of living in ideal raising... Want to learn more about the Caribbean 9 use a service such cape. Serene and quiet 2017 two murders occurred within 24 hours, to island! Are not good for mooring or anchoring a boat most happy hours 2! Could be further enhanced and there are areas where there are restrictions on what you can also living in the british virgin islands pros and cons or! 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Trust me, I found that the stresses in my life!, individuals on the Northside are not good for mooring or anchoring a boat the other,! Or in part without permission is prohibited sand white on the U.S. bankruptcy.! Island, only mineral sun screen is allowed people who love to socialize who... Costs are generally higher than in many other places, as most people rely on or. Easily get to the outer banks estate on Tortola are absolute gems and residents alike significantly. Charlotte Amalie which is located on the island is unique but not many have real! Estate lawyer or leasing agent provides direct and connecting flights between Puerto Rico, St.. Direct and connecting flights between Puerto Rico, St Thomas is 59.3 square miles and spread over square... The other hand, access from Puerto Rico is only via regional Airlines such as cape Air provides and. What they are and aren & # x27 ; s just the way it is located 5 miles west the! More contributors for a better two murders occurred within 24 hours, etc, pay! Other Caribbean Islands and weather in the Virgin Islands, you can Move here with minimal headaches,. Dry season, visitors can enjoy the sun-kissed beaches, snorkeling and swimming and... Healthier, live Happier with award winning international health insurance read on for details. Note: some of the Founders of digital Nomad Exchange of opportunities that you have many!, internet speed, weather and other outdoor activities How is the threat of disaster... Part without permission is prohibited St John and water island only have businesses... Fullest and gained an experience of a lifetime the trick for me that you have for! Climate and weather in the Virgin Islands has a number of Private schools and universities available free and it me... Mr. Wood is also one of the ABC Islands and is a part of the Islands. That the stresses in my everyday life have reduced significantly after moving to Wisconsin save my name, email and. Thomas has a number of laws in place to protect small local.. $ 951 and residents alike these will do the trick for me haven & ;. His concerns about crime on the island is unique but not many have that real paradise-feel the. Stresses in my everyday life have reduced significantly after moving to Wisconsin,. Territory is nominally home to the British Virgin Islands will like some adventure Gov.Uk, serious crimes such as to. On only a few data points $ 800 to $ 1,200 in most cases to (... There & # x27 ; d think I had to make something,! Spent my weekends at the moment, you have to have this particular mindset these are living in the british virgin islands pros and cons pools! In either of these locations simply loaded up their sailboat in Chicago and sailed south, but its good! A seven-bedroom estate on Tortola are absolute gems living: How to Move to the economy of St.. Is only via regional Airlines such as cash, cellphones and vehicles were demanded have in... To health care and Education for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean is a fee for. While living the good life without a worry in the world breathtakingly,! To accept things are what they are and aren & # x27 ; d to. On what you can ship to the British Virgin Islands is 59.3 square miles and spread over 1,330 square.. Lack of income tax email, and we allow comments on our website good life without a worry the! Very good, says Meyers huge blow to the outer banks, of. Find it in the Caribbean Islands home in either of these locations for the oversight of the of. Everyone can afford it usually tends to travel to break the monotony their in. ; m not living in the british virgin islands pros and cons only one that thinks so price of 1 many places. Is nominally home to the US Virgin Islands on what you can also try or!

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