We use cookies from third party services to offer you a better experience. The British Virgin Islands experienced severe devastating impacts of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. If you are visiting the BVI from Europe the easiest route is through Antigua as British Airways have direct connections from London Gatwick. However the UK government has extended the deadline for overseas territories to introduce public registers of company ownership from 2020 to 2023. Valley Trunk on Virgin Gorda, oh my. What are medical services in the British Virgin Islands like? said a person living in Brit. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. + PRO: Relaxed island living. I worked as a real estate agent so I should know. As with many other Caribbean islands, there is a friendly and excellent community spirit which exists among people on the island. In addition to the job opportunities available, the Virgin Islands also offer a unique lifestyle. 1. The road infrastructure could be further enhanced and there are areas where there are potholes. The Virgin Islands Department of Health is responsible for the oversight of the healthcare system in the territory. Or visit one of the luxury resorts on Cooper or Peter Island. Rainfall is abundant, and the average temperature hovers around 27C (80F). by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Brit. The cost of living in the Canary Islands is cheaper than in the UK, US or Northern Europe. Their government have strange laws regarding this for people who are not belonged. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Because of all these islands, the ocean swells are pretty much blocked, making it fairly smooth rides from one island to another. Nevertheless, USPS treats the island is as US territory. [4] 4. Main hospital: The Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center in Christiansted. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are fantastic spots with amazing views in St Thomas. Boat captains with a 100-ton captains license are easy hires. I wouldnt call it state of the art, but its very good, says Meyers. Victims were threatened at gunpoint and valuables such as cash, cellphones and vehicles were demanded. Mountain top is 1500 feet above sea level and provides a stunning view the other Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. They are relatively inexpensive and provide the freedom to explore the islands without relying on public transportation. 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. Therefore, if you are thinking about finding a job on the island, it is easy to adjust and make the island your home. Because alcohol is so cheap here you wont get a sissy cocktail. Thankfully, no major illness has befallen anyone in her family, but should that ever happen, Meyers says theyd travel back to the States, as she did when she gave birth to her twins. Required fields are marked *. Additionally, ferries are available for transportation between islands. Citizens of the British Virgin Islands since 2002 have full British Citizenship. The BVI is known as the sailing capital of the world. This location is next to Peebles Hospital. Ditto most other U.S.-based online retailers. The Baths, a popular attraction for both tourists and locals. 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. My dogs could run free without bothering anybody, meanwhile, I could go for a swim. Blog Post Author Credentials Louise Gaille is the author of this post. Work permits 11. Roads are narrow, traffic lights ill-timed, and the potholes are legendary. Because the island is so quiet you become one with nature. Make a short visit beforehand. 2020 prices. Additionally, the health care system is adequate for certain situations. 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. 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. Population of Christiansted, St. Croix: About 3,000. Pros of Living in the Cayman Islands 1. The BVI economy is one of the most prosperous and stable in the Caribbean - the islands have enjoyed an average GDP growth rate of 9.5% from 2004 up to 2007 and has been fairly stable even in aftermath of the last four-year world recession. Additionally, the Virgin Islands has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. After a while, some people might find island life a bit claustrophobic. Cons Costs - Costs are generally higher than in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive. The British Virgin Islands were heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma. Its the ultimate day to lime (which means as much as relaxing or partying). St John which persons can access from Red Hook to Cruz Bay via ferry also has its fair share of amazing beaches. Size: Area 59 sq mi/153 km2. Here are my pros and cons (in no particular order). Find flights to the British Virgin Islands from $317. There is an excellent ferry service between the islands and also to the British Virgin Islands. From there, Meyers manages the marketing for the day-sailing operation Aristocat Charters. Housing costs are generally high, though they vary depending on location. The capital is Charlotte Amalie which is located on the island of St Thomas. Costs - Costs are generally higher than in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive. Picture perfect beaches. Island hopping is possible by ferry service, seaplane and air service. Your feet in the sand every day while living the good life without a worry in the world. The beach life is perfect but you have to have this particular mindset. The last major hurricanes to affect the islands were hurricane Maria and Irma both in 2017 which hit the islands as category 5 storms. The airport is located in the capital city, Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas. The Virgin Islands are also known for their strong trade winds, which blow from the east and northeast. 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! The pros and cons of living in the Virgin Islands are vital to consider if this is where you want to call home one day. When I was young and dreaming of the Caribbean, I pictured a laid-back, friendly, easygoing, colorful place. 1. 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. A series of barrier islands that separate the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean. 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. 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. 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. 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. said one person in Brit. Maybe a few islanders and one or two tourists all the way on the other end of the beach. It's definitely a paradise, and yet there are times when paradise is lost on us. You are correct, it is in the BVI! While there is a great spirit of community among people in small islands, this comes with the cost of the loss of privacy. The islands cover an area of 477 sq.km. 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. 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. Living in the Virgin Islands is not a convenient lifestyle. Water Island is only 491 acres. There is beach bar available for eats and drinks. "Expats in the British Virgin Islands appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly locals. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. Moving the British Virgins Islands is not an easy decision. Speaking from personal experience, I found that the stresses in my everyday life have reduced significantly after moving to Wisconsin. 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. Can you guess where? The pros of living in British Virgin Islands are that the islands are safe, has friendly people, and amazing beaches. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in the US Virgin Islands. Below we have gone through just some of the main negative aspects of island life. It's not possible to just jump in your car and get away for a weekend like you can while living on the mainland. In 1917, the Danish West Indies was sold to the United States of America. Public schools are available for elementary and secondary education, while there are also a number of private schools and universities available. While there is a great sense of community which can be helpful, the drawback to this is that there is a loss of privacy. Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, St John (USVI), Cooper Island and Peter Island are all just about 30 minutes away from Tortola. At the moment, you should treat them only as a best guess. Usually, its 3/4 alcohol. Located between the Caribbean Sea and the north Atlantic Ocean east of Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands is a UK overseas territory that is known for its status as an offshore financial services centre. 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 quality of life in the Virgin Islands is generally high. Fly from Pittsburgh to the British Virgin Islands on United Airlines from $951. 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. Monthly rent in a normal area: CI$1,358/1,183/US$1,629. The Millennium monument was erected in the year 2000 as this is the first place that the American soil experiences the sunrise. This is a unique national park on the southwest coast of the island. It is small and safe. Alone. 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. There was a large damage to infrastructure which has significantly impacted the tourism sector on the island. There is an underwater trail that you can follow if snorkeling. Log in. 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. 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. Pricing If luxury living and yachting interest you, take a look at St Thomas and its high-end shopping and harbors. If as an example you are taller, you may not easily be able to get your size on the island. Here are our reasons why we loved it so much. That said, FedEx does deliver, albeit at somewhat exorbitant rates. Island life takes adjustment. The Virgin Islands also experiences a dry season between December and April. Feel free to check out the BVI Tourism for more helpful information on how to get to the island. Because of the differences between islands (nature wise, but also beach bars, tranquility, etc), there is always something new to discover. Already a member? Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! Turtle Beach located on Buck Island is well loved by locals and visitors alike. 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. There is no evidence backing up if this really happened here but it is still a neat story and a cool name for an island. Virgin Isl.. Feel free to review the video below for further information. 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. As an island in the Caribbean, the hurricane season starts on June 1st and ends November 30th annually. It relies on expats to help staff the banks, trust and insurance companies, funds and accompanying law firms which keep the economy moving. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. St John and Water Island only have local businesses. The turquoise bays around these islands are the promise of a new pleasant and authentic lifestyle. Avoid leaving trendy gadgets such as mobile phones and tablets unattended. So its definitely not for everybody. Despite its small size, the island is incredibly diverse and welcoming to all. 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? Nevertheless, according to, Nevertheless, individuals on the island can shop online and use a service such as. Fly from Pennsylvania on American Airlines, United Airlines and more. 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living in the british virgin islands pros and cons