Travelers' Tips & Services
Twenty-four hour medical care available at two convenient locations for any problems that may occur during your holiday. Stateside trained staff in emergency medicine and family practice. Walk in or call for appointment at (809) or (340) 775-2303 or 776-6789. Emergencies 772-8348.
Doctors and Dentists
Highly qualified doctors and dentists, who carry degrees from U.S. medical schools, can be found on all three islands. St. Croix and St. Thomas have hospitals; St. John has a clinic.
Travelers' Tips
Tipping
As on the U.S. mainland, tipping of 15% to 20% is customary for service well done. Some hotels automatically add a service charge.
Passports
U.S. citizens are not required to have passports when traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, but they must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship upon leaving. Some form of identification (driver's license, passport or birth certificate with a picture ID) should be carried. Citizens of any country other than the U.S. should follow U.S. travel regluations.
IMPORTANT PASSPORT REQUIREMENT UPDATE
AS OF JUNE 9, 2007
Joint Departments of State and Homeland Security Announcement: U.S. Citizens with Pending Passport Applications Allowed Temporary Travel Flexibility Within Western Hemisphere Through 9/30/07
The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced 6/9/07 that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can nevertheless temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007. The federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand.
Adults who have applied for but not yet received a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State. Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child's proof of application. Travelers who have not applied for a passport should not expect to be accommodated. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov.
This accommodation does not affect entry requirements to other countries. Americans traveling to a country that requires passports must still present those documents. For more information visit: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/jun/86206.htm
Electrical
Electric outlets on our island take standard North American current, with a 120 volt / 60 cycle.
Climate
The Virgin Islands enjoy beautiful weather year round. The difference in average temperature between our warmest and coolest months is 5-7 degrees F. Average temperatures range from 77 degrees in January to April, to 82 degrees in July to 78 degrees in November.
Clothing
Dress is casual, but please - not too casual. Bathing suits are for the beach, not for the streets. Not only is it frowned upon, but it's against the law. Nights here can be cool (those tropical breezes you know), so bring along a light sweater. And although jackets and ties are rare, they may be required for some of the fancier resorts and restaurants.
Driving
We drive on the left. A valid stateside drivers license is all you need.
Transportation
Visitors may choose from a variety of transportation options, from taxi vans to buses to car rentals. Full-service bus lines operate on St. Croix and St. Thomas. Taxi and jeep-rental services are available on all three islands. Taxi vans are the most widely used mode of transportation, and most taxi drivers are able to provide comprehensive tours of the islands. Taxi rates are based on destination rather than mileage.
United States Postal Service
We have the same rates and service. Use airmail outside the U.S.
Safety
Just like anywhere else, we have crime here too. So have fun but exercise caution. When touring on foot, stick to well-lighted streets at night. When going anywhere by car, leave valuables out of sight and locked inside. Better yet, leave them in the safe deposit box at your hotel or on board your ship. Never leave valuables unattended on the beach.
Suntanning
The tropical sun is hot - be careful when tanning especially around noontime.
Pets
Pets are welcome, as long as visitors bring health and inoculation certificates for their animals.
