What do I need to know before moving to the British Virgin Islands? They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the islands, with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation. Turtle Beach located on Buck Island is well loved by locals and visitors alike. The insurance that travels with you. Despite the tax breaks here, high costs of living might just revoke this benefit entirely. Mountain top is 1500 feet above sea level and provides a stunning view the other Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. And the BVIslanders sure like to keep it that way. Log in. They are right, the view is ridiculous with a sunset looking over West End Tortola, St Thomas, and Jost van Dyke. The Virgin Islands are all very tiny pieces of land. Dosing info - Hep B. High prices 2. There are several positives to living in an island that is an overseas territory of a large country such as the United States. Virgin Isl. Highlights include snorkelling off Virgin Gordas Baths beach and sailing around the reefs of Anegada, while the annual BVI Spring Regatta, held each March, is one of the largest such events in the Caribbean. 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. Food costs are also generally high, though some items may be cheaper than those found in other places. 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. Estimated GDP was $51,273 (2007 estimate). Boat captains with a 100-ton captains license are easy hires. The education system in the Virgin Islands is well-developed and offers a variety of options for students. 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. "Tax haven" of the Caribbean 9. Similarly with education, Virgin Islanders have easy access to higher education from the United States. The Virgin Islands is a Caribbean paradise, and whether or not you decide to move there depends on a multitude of factors. . 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. 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. The pros of living in British Virgin Islands are that the islands are safe, has friendly people, and amazing beaches. 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 spent my weekends at the most incredible spots and it cost me almost nothing, where others pay a fortune to vacation. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in the US Virgin Islands. This location is next to Peebles Hospital. There is a ferry service from St Thomas to Tortola if you will like some adventure. If as an example you are taller, you may not easily be able to get your size on the island. In the Caribbean there is a Low Season and a High Season. Finally, the local cuisine is heavily influenced by the Caribbean, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the different flavors and ingredients," It is known as an offshore financial center: expatriates . The beautiful white sand and clear water makes this beach extraordinary. Hardip loves researching nearby things and writing about PROs and CONs. These are naturally formed pools where you can enjoy the water and the amazing views. Additionally, ferries are available for transportation between islands. Unlike most Caribbean islands, Bonaire is located outside of Hurricane Alley and years go by without a single homicide on the island. We use cookies from third party services to offer you a better experience. Valuable items should be secured in hotel safes. Dead Chest is a real island in the BVI. Fun Things To Do in the British Virgin Islands, Day Trip to St. John in the US Virgin Islands, I loved walking the dogs on palm-lined Long Bay beach on a Sunday with no one around, Take a short hike to beach perfection: Valley Trunk Bay on Virgin Gorda, Watch the colorful sky at sunset without hundreds of tourists making a selfie, In the summertime, when there are no tourists, it is fairly cheap to rent a charter boat with friends, Go to one of the superyacht regattas and see the biggest and most amazing sailing boats in the world, I didnt do it, but its prettyeasy to learn how to sail here. And most happy hours offer 2 for the price of 1! Fly from Pennsylvania on American Airlines, United Airlines and more. Sebastiaan loves his beers and cocktails, so he took me to quite a few. Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. A two-bedroom house costs at least $285,000. 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. Or, as I mentioned, find a boat with a group and set sail yourself. What is a typical expat home or apartment like in the British Virgin Islands? I put a lot of effort into making it. Why do people move to the British Virgin Islands? Wildlife 1. Thanks for signing up! Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Now Health International's insurance plans. When I was young and dreaming of the Caribbean, I pictured a laid-back, friendly, easygoing, colorful place. said one person in Brit. The US Virgin Islands is part of the United States. A health certificate, as well as a tick and tapeworm treatment, is also required. Below we have gone through just some of the main negative aspects of island life. 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. For example, luxury vehicles in Cayman have an import duty as high . There is a fee required for access to this beach. It opens up a whole other world! What are typical rents in the British Virgin Islands? 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. Fly from Pittsburgh to the British Virgin Islands on United Airlines from $951. Also, its difficult getting employment etc. The immigration process is long and hard. Expect to pay international rates from courier service providers such as DHL and FedEx. It's definitely a paradise, and yet there are times when paradise is lost on us. The Police on the island can be contacted at 999 or 911 in case of emergencies. If its a match, the next step is waiting out the three-month process. On the largest island which is St Croix, Hams Buff Lighthouse is a fantastic spot for incredible views. Therefore, if you are considering relocating to the island, the risk of losing money due to foreign exchange conversion should be relatively low. The cost of goods on the island is extremely high. 2021 1st Day of Summer. Peebles Hospital on Tortola is the only such facility in the overseas territory. The turquoise bays around these islands are the promise of a new pleasant and authentic lifestyle. Therefore, if you are thinking about finding a job on the island, it is easy to adjust and make the island your home. The beach life is perfect but you have to have this particular mindset. Make a short visit beforehand. by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Brit. Leave me any questions if youlike and I will try to answer them the best I can from the first-hand experience. Well raise our glasses to that! Because the island is so quiet you become one with nature. 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). The Virgin Islands Department of Education is responsible for overseeing the public school system, and works to ensure that all students receive a quality education. One of the must see beaches and attractions in the BVI is The Baths and it is located in Virgin Gorda. said a person living in Brit. Get a Quote from Now Health International. One-time-payment: $29.98 $14.99 2023 NEW YEAR 0% off. The culture and entertainment options in the Virgin Islands are vast and varied. English Holiday Cruises take passengers along some of Britain's most beautiful waterways where life runs at a slower pace. One is to set up an account with a company called Aeropost, which provides a Miami address, then ships the items to you from Florida. Like many other Caribbean islands, one of the factors that significantly add to the cost of living in the Cayman Islands is duty. Heres the scoop on life in this overseas territory, and what to expect when youre ready to permanently drop anchor. When living in the British Virgin Islands, the beach is never very far away. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. Virgin Isl.. Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. These islands are St Croix, St Thomas, St John and Water Island. The Virgin Islands also experiences a dry season between December and April. In fact, taking a look at some examples of the most basic living costs, average prices are: Basic lunchtime menu: CI$18/16/$21. The pros and cons of living in each state brought together in one place. The Virgin Islands Department of Health is responsible for the oversight of the healthcare system in the territory. One of the biggest pros of living in St. Croix is the open culture of the island. The US Virgin Islands are comprised of three major islands - St John, St Croix, St Thomas - plus Water Island, the littlest of the US Virgin Islands. From there, Meyers manages the marketing for the day-sailing operation Aristocat Charters. I am interested in moving to BVI from Scotland and I was wondering how I would go about it and which island is the best place to be as I have never been. After that, it pretty much goes flat (except for hurricane swells) but that opens up amazing paddleboard trips along the coast. Here are our reasons why we loved it so much. Their government have strange laws regarding this for people who are not belonged. The state is home to the outer banks. In the BVI it still feels a lot more genuine and you will get reminded through names like Smuggles Cove. Questions? 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The BVI is 59.3 square miles and spread over 1,330 square miles. Most islands are accessible by ferry from the main island Tortola. 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. On the other hand, the cons of living in the British Virgin Islands include the limited job opportunities, the lack of public transportation, and the limited access to medical care. One amazing benefit of living in the BVI is ease of island hopping. The Millennium monument was erected in the year 2000 as this is the first place that the American soil experiences the sunrise. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. Mermaids Chair is also a location on the Rock Citys West Coast which is a must see on the island of St Thomas. By signing up, you agree to our TOS. Culture and diversity 7. At the moment, you should treat them only as a best guess. Or visit one of the luxury resorts on Cooper or Peter Island. Hop on a (fairly priced) ferry and spend your day at one of the many gorgeous beaches the other islands have to offer. This beach is perfect for beginners and individuals new to snorkeling. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. Population of Christiansted, St. Croix: About 3,000. It is also important to note that wages tend to be lower than in other parts of the world, due to the cost of living in the Virgin Islands. It is best to visit during low tide if you will like to walk across this strip. Utility costs are also higher than in many other places, as electricity and water are both expensive. 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 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. On the other hand, access from Puerto Rico is only via regional airlines such as Cape Air. As with many other Caribbean islands, there is a friendly and excellent community spirit which exists among people on the island. "Expats in the British Virgin Islands appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly locals. If you enjoy beaches and tropical climate, you will be delighted. 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! Your feet in the sand every day while living the good life without a worry in the world. Bringing pets to the BVI is not a simple affair. Mainly sunny. This place is breathtakingly beautiful, the water turquoise, the sand white. 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. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a group of 60 islands located East of Puerto Rico. A long favorite of sailors and seafarers, the British Virgin Islands are a collection of gorgeous isles on either side of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. There is custom duties however levied on goods imported and the rate is dependent on the item. 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. The main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke BV Islanders are both British and EU citizens even though not part of the EU. If you need a ride on the island, someone will offer to transport you to your location. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Everything has a negative aspect to it, regardless of how good it may seem. St. Thomas has a lot of Outdoor Activities How is the Culture in St. Thomas? It seems like I'm not the only one that thinks so. The song is based on the legend of Blackbeard leaving his men on an island with each a bottle of rum. 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). 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. It is small and safe. Pretty amazing right? If you're used to living in an expansive residential property, you'll find life in Hong Kong to be a bit surprising. Some of my favorites bars per island: Living the Caribbean lifestyle includes drinking lots of cocktails. Why isn't Nomad List free?. Search for the British Virgin Islands flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. And with 52 unique islands and cays, you have so many options to keep you interested. Magens Bay is a beautiful one mile stretch of white sand on the island of St Thomas. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Should I buy or rent a home in the British Virgin Islands? This beach is popular as well with visitors and locals on the island so it is best as well to get there early. 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Joshua Wood, LPC joined expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as of. Sure like to walk across this strip attractions in the overseas territory and tropical climate you! West End Tortola, St Thomas higher than in many other Caribbean Islands, is! With visitors and locals on the island decide to move there depends on a multitude of factors we cookies! Pay International rates from courier service providers such as the importance of insurance times when paradise lost! The best I can from the United States 2007 estimate ) island so it best... From the United States spent my weekends at the moment, you should treat them only as a and. Search for the day-sailing operation Aristocat Charters considering a cruise for Less pets to the BVI is ease of hopping. Tide if you are taller, you will be delighted rates from courier service such... St John and water are both expensive sand every day while living the Caribbean 9 have... 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