On the other hand, access from Puerto Rico is only via regional airlines such as Cape Air. 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. Through SincereProsCons, he tries to help people make better decision by writing good and bad things of any place, products, services, and more. Slow pace of life. A passport is required for travel between the US Virgin islands and the British Virgin Islands. The cost of living is relatively low, and the people are friendly and welcoming. Access to the beach is free and it is located 5 miles west of the capital, Road Town. The pros of living in British Virgin Islands are its low crime rate, the ease of island hopping, stable currency, and awesome beaches. This drink, which looks and tastes like a milkshake surprisingly contains a lot of liquor. The Police on the island can be contacted at 999 or 911 in case of emergencies. The last discovery of pirate gold actually wasnt that long ago. Then never again. According to the data given by the Economic Research Institute, the gross annual salary of a CFO in Bermuda can range from $91,000 (at the low end) to $233,000 (at the high end) with an average being $145,000 (which includes monthly allowances and annual bonus, if any). Last updated on Feb 17, 2023 Summary: The pros of living in the British Virgin Islands include the beautiful scenery, the warm climate, and the low cost of living. At the moment, you should treat them only as a best guess. I didnt have time to hit up four stores, so I had to make something else, says Meyers. 2. 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. To speak to one of our agents contact us today. On St John, the Ram Head hiking trail provides several glorious views of the island. What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in the British Virgin Islands? 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. Safety 2. Or visit one of the luxury resorts on Cooper or Peter Island. 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. It's not possible to just jump in your car and get away for a weekend like you can while living on the mainland. An SUV may be suitable if you are living in certain areas of the islands due to the road network. If as an example you are taller, you may not easily be able to get your size on the island. House starting price: $150,000 for a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom house in Christiansted. We lived on Tortola, the biggest island. Expect something closer to $1,500-$3,000 with a high-quality, reputable service provider. Incredible Weather and Beaches 4. Saint Joseph, MO (64501) Today. #5 Company Street, Christiansted, VI 00820. info@remax-stcroix.com | 340.773.1048 | 855.909.9152 | Fax: 340.773.1917. Average prices of more than 40 products and services in British Virgin Islands. 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. Most of these businesses are based in the capital, Road Town, on Tortola, the territorys largest island, with a population of 24,045. It is small and safe. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. 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. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Work permits 11. You can also try paddleboarding or go bodyboarding at Long Bay. Well raise our glasses to that! The quality of life in the Virgin Islands is generally high. Virgin Gorda has the magnificent boulders at Spring Bay. These are the downsides of living in Cayman. Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Now Health International's insurance plans. Their government have strange laws regarding this for people who are not belonged. The British Virgin Islands are made of about 60 islands but only a few are inhabited. 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. Individuals in the US Virgin Islands also have the benefit to relocate to a bigger country if they are looking for greater opportunities. The well-known spots are Cane Garden Bay and Josiahs. You can charter boats of many sizes, with or without a captain, chef, or staff. There are times when the delivery boat is held up in Miami, and we have an empty grocery store for days, says Meyers. Living on "island time" 5. For example, it is illegal to carry firearms or other weapons, and the use of drugs is strictly prohibited. The insurance that travels with you. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in the British Virgin Islands. Your email address will not be published. I loved the fact you can easily get to the US Virgin Islands St John and St Thomas. said one person in Brit. Therefore, if you are considering relocating to the island, the risk of losing money due to foreign exchange conversion should be relatively low. No tourists. I am no surfer, Sebastiaan is, and the best and most beautiful clean waves he has ever ridden were in Apple Bay, Tortola. Sure, there are supermarkets, but a Tortola grocery store run doesnt much resemble one in the States. However the UK government has extended the deadline for overseas territories to introduce public registers of company ownership from 2020 to 2023. How are healthcare services the British Virgin Islands? Cost of Living on the British Virgin Islands Interestingly, tourism is Unlike most Caribbean islands, Bonaire is located outside of Hurricane Alley and years go by without a single homicide on the island. I love the place just wish it was more affordable. Ezone in the British Virgin Islands is located in Romasco Harbour House Building in RoadTown, Tortola. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean. 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. Luckily, still few people know about it. Food costs are also generally high, though some items may be cheaper than those found in other places. One of the biggest pros of living in St. Croix is the open culture of the island. Mountain top is 1500 feet above sea level and provides a stunning view the other Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. The BVI is the bareboating capital of the world. Nevertheless according to, Another con of living in the US Virgin Island is the threat of natural disaster. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in the US Virgin Islands. While there is a great spirit of community among people in small islands, this comes with the cost of the loss of privacy. 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. Finally, the vibrant music and art scene is another draw for expats, who can enjoy a variety of cultural events and activities," Recent years have proved challenging, however: though last years Hurricane Dorian left the islands relatively unscathed, in 2017 they were hit by hurricanes Irma and Maria, which damaged 80 per cent of the territorys housing stock. People are willing to share with each other. Its an ordeal, says Meyers, so much so that a lot of folks in the sailing community avoid coming into the BVI because their animals get denied entry. If your pets dont meet the requirements, they can be quarantined, which doesnt make sense for short-term stays. All this peace and quiet actually also has its downsides. "Expats in the British Virgin Islands appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly locals. And by a quirk of Danish colonial history, addresses are very convoluted. I live on St. Croix, and Irma just passed yesterday. Cape Air provides direct and connecting flights between Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Croix and Tortola. For example, the total area in a typical three-bedroom apartment in a newer . Each Caribbean Island is unique but not many have that real paradise-feel like the British Virgin Islands. The cheaper option is to have visitors bring your online purchases with them when they fly down. As an island in the Caribbean, the hurricane season starts on June 1st and ends November 30th annually. 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. What appliances are typically included in a rental. Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. Your username is used across the site, for example in your profile URL: https://nomadlist.com/@username. During the dry season, visitors can enjoy the sun-kissed beaches, snorkeling and swimming, and other outdoor activities. There's good news and bad news on the U.S. bankruptcy front. 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.! Due to the small size of the islands, there is a limited selection of goods and services available. See the FAQ. 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. Feel free to review the video below for further information. Hop on a (fairly priced) ferry and spend your day at one of the many gorgeous beaches the other islands have to offer. 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. This was our backyard and we even ended up having our beach wedding there!! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I hope you like my site. There is almost no unemployment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Find flights to the British Virgin Islands from $317. The Virgin Islands are also known for their strong trade winds, which blow from the east and northeast. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. The cost of living in the U.S. Virgin Islands is higher than on the U.S. mainland. Fast food meal: CI$9/8/US$11. So its definitely not for everybody. 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. Culture and diversity 7. Additionally, the local cuisine is a highlight, with its mix of Caribbean and British influences. Just a few steps led to -in my opinion- the most beautiful beach of Tortola: Smugglers Cove. On average, apartments cost $2,000 per month. The locals are known for their warm and friendly dispositions, and they often go out of their way to make new residents feel at home. Not only will you not get everything from one market, sometimes you may get nothing at all. Live Healthier, Live Happier with award winning international health insurance. This depends on your country of origin. 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. Just 2 of these will do the trick for me. 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