You can start using Nomad List's member-only features now! Major airlines such as Continental Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines provide both connecting and non-stop flights to the island. The Virgin Islands are all very tiny pieces of land. BVI and Dutch West Indies islands are all dream destinations for me and my family for all the reasons you state. 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. People are willing to share with each other. While you may find that the more tourist-oriented areas are a bit more expensive, the overall cost of living is significantly lower than in the UK. Fly from Pittsburgh to the British Virgin Islands on United Airlines from $951. 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. If you are contemplating traveling to the US Virgin Islands or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. What is the average cost of housing in the British Virgin Islands? 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. EaglesLanded. I love the place just wish it was more affordable. GET A QUOTE. Cons Costs - Costs are generally higher than in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive. There is an underwater trail that you can follow if snorkeling. 3. A passport is required for travel between the US Virgin islands and the British Virgin Islands. Public and Private Education + Higher Education Opportunites 3. 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. Cape Air provides direct and connecting flights between Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Croix and Tortola. But I do agree with you about the beauty of the islands and the sea. And in high season, there are a lot of different and secret spots to find a wave for yourself. The British Virgin Islands were heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma. Or try a Bushwacker. Safety 2. This lighthouse was designed and built by the Danish sometime between 1913 and 1915. Additionally, the local culture is heavily influenced by the Caribbean, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the different customs and traditions. Residents who tire of exploring the local archipelagos and coves, whether by ferry or sail, have their pick of the Caribbean for weekend getaways. It's rare to find BVI incorporation fees under $1,000. We'd like to get more contributors for a better . Not everyone can afford health care on the U.S. Virgin Islands. RE/MAX can help! It is actually almost impossible to find a place without a stunning ocean view. As an island in the Caribbean, the hurricane season starts on June 1. 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. Your email address will not be published. The last major earthquake that affected the island was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the islands of St Thomas and St Croix predominantly. Due to the islands robust financial sector, there is a thriving expat community which is welcoming. Good captains with excellent customer service and a friendly smile get scooped up, says Meyers. Here are my pros and cons (in no particular order). Nevertheless, according to, Nevertheless, individuals on the island can shop online and use a service such as. Search for the British Virgin Islands flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. The BVI ticks most of the boxes. The well-known spots are Cane Garden Bay and Josiahs. The BVI is known as the sailing capital of the world. This was our backyard and we even ended up having our beach wedding there!! Cruise ships traveling around the British Isles and river cruise boats in particular, are smaller than regular cruise ships, so cruising feels more intimate. One amazing benefit of living in the BVI is ease of island hopping. Similarly with education, Virgin Islanders have easy access to higher education from the United States. Neighbouring St Thomas adopted the pirate theme a lot more where its a real tourist thing. On the other hand, the cons are there are no direct flights from major international cities and limited access to the amenities and conveniences enjoyed in a large country. High Cost Of Living: The cost of essential goods and services is too high since most of the things are imported. On St John, the Ram Head hiking trail provides several glorious views of the island. Both Guernsey and Jersey are small islands, so a beach is never far away. These islands are St Croix, St Thomas, St John and Water Island. 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. If you have a storm bearing down on you, you hunker down in Continue Reading 115 2 5 More answers below Justin Harrell Lived in United States Virgin Islands (2004-2008) 4 y I was a resident of St. Thomas for four (4) years beginning in 2004. 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. Below we have gone through just some of the main negative aspects of island life. In addition to the job opportunities available, the Virgin Islands also offer a unique lifestyle. Or, as I mentioned, find a boat with a group and set sail yourself. 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. 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. Nevertheless, there are a number of companies that ship products to the US Virgin Islands, so online shopping is an option for specialty products. Just got this question, after rushing in to avoid being arrested for curfew violation. 3. From British rule. Despite being a British Overseas Territory, the official currency of the Islands is the United States Dollar (USD). Tortola attracts surfers from around the world. 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. It is best to visit during low tide if you will like to walk across this strip. Once you have made friends with the locals, they will let you know the places to shop to get deals on the islands as well as persons who sell items such as fresh meat and fish. What are medical services in the British Virgin Islands like? 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. You Tuber, Sheek Flare Official has a video on cost of living in the British Virgin Islands and breaks down the costs of items on the island in great detail. Living In The British Virgin Islands (Pros & Cons), Pros & Cons of Living In The US Virgin Islands, Living In Dominica (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). The Virgin Islands are also known for their spectacular sunsets, which can be enjoyed from many of the beaches and resorts. It might seem obvious, but living on an island does take some adjustment. Each Caribbean Island is unique but not many have that real paradise-feel like the British Virgin Islands. Because the pros and cons of each of the 50 states must go on So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Hardip loves researching nearby things and writing about PROs and CONs. You are correct, it is in the BVI! What is a typical expat home or apartment like in the British Virgin Islands? And the BVIslanders sure like to keep it that way. The main form of public transportation is by taxi or bus, though rental cars are also popular. Price of a local beer: $3 for a Blackbeard Ale at Fort Christian Brew Pub. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean. Police presence was increased on the streets both day and night. The state is home to the outer banks. The British Virgin Islands are relatively safe islands and crime rate is low when compared to other Caribbean Islands. Additionally, visas are discretionary and not because ones case may be an emergency that entry is guaranteed. It's rare to find BVI incorporation fees under $1,000 USD. There is a shuttle once you arrive in Water Island that can transport you to the beach. Culture and diversity 7. On the largest island which is St Croix, Hams Buff Lighthouse is a fantastic spot for incredible views. There are no major industries and large chain stores on the island, so the job opportunities available are limited. Parking is limited so if you will like to explore, it is best to arrive there early. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC 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). We hope you enjoy our website. High 57F. This will allow you to see first-hand the neighborhood you'll be living in. Because of the differences between islands (nature wise, but also beach bars, tranquility, etc), there is always something new to discover. Additionally, ferries are available for transportation between islands. Contribute The cost of living is relatively low, and the people are friendly and welcoming. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the islands, with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation. Perks of Living in Wisconsin. For example, it is illegal to carry firearms or other weapons, and the use of drugs is strictly prohibited. Virgin Isl. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in the US Virgin Islands. Please visit caribbeantravelupdate.com for updates. Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! Additionally, the islands are prone to hurricanes and other natural disasters, which can cause significant damage. When it comes to price, NordVPN is considerably cheaper than ExpressVPN, at $59.88 (49.84) per year compared to $80.04 (66.92) per year. 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. Please set a real color profile photo of just your face. Your feet in the sand every day while living the good life without a worry in the world. Why isn't Nomad List free?. 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. What it's like living in the British Virgin Islands Shutterstock The sailing community of the British Virgin Islands holds big appeal for U.S. citizens hoping to expatriate but that's not all these Caribbean islands offer. Get insured Advertise here In British Virgin Islands now See the map It relies on expats to help staff the banks, trust and insurance companies, funds and accompanying law firms which keep the economy moving. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a group of 60 islands located East of Puerto Rico. Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, St John (USVI), Cooper Island and Peter Island are all just about 30 minutes away from Tortola. The capital is Charlotte Amalie which is located on the island of St Thomas. We use cookies from third party services to offer you a better experience. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Nevertheless, individuals on the island can shop online and use a service such as Ezone to ship items to the island. 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. Should I buy or rent a home in the British Virgin Islands? Public schools are available for elementary and secondary education, while there are also a number of private schools and universities available. The climate and weather in the Virgin Islands is nothing short of spectacular. Persons from other Caribbean island who may have a desire to relocate have tough barriers to contend with as you have to consider things such as work permits. And by a quirk of Danish colonial history, addresses are very convoluted. At times individuals may overstep which is a challenge that you will not face in a large country. We use your birth date to better match you with other nomads and personalize destination recommendations to you. + PRO: Relaxed island living. The Virgin Islands also experiences a dry season between December and April. St. Thomas has a lot of Outdoor Activities How is the Culture in St. Thomas? Valuable items should be secured in hotel safes. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included. Business Roads are narrow, traffic lights ill-timed, and the potholes are legendary. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Heres the scoop on life in this overseas territory, and what to expect when youre ready to permanently drop anchor. Despite the tax breaks here, high costs of living might just revoke this benefit entirely. What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in the British Virgin Islands? National health care exists in the British Virgin Islands, covering residents every ailment, from colds to cancer. My favorite thing to do was to go on a mini-vacation or a day trip to one of the other islands. Facilities such as next day delivery that apply if you live on the Mainland do not apply in the islands. Pros Cons in British Virgin Islands Latin America Photo Larisa Birta via Unsplash Pros Cons Continents Latin America Countries British Virgin Islands Filters British Virgin Islands Clear 1 results Global travel medical insurance for $1.34/day! I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. Search for the British Virgin Islands flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Because of the lack of tourists, you can fully enjoy the prettiness of these islands. There was a large damage to infrastructure which has significantly impacted the tourism sector on the island. It was just my twins birthday and I wanted to make them cookies, and the store was out of chocolate chips. 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. The insurance that travels with you. If you are contemplating traveling to the British Virgin Islands or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. Stay tuned, interesting articles coming up daily. Excellent Caribbean community spirit exists on the Virgin Islands. . I spent my weekends at the most incredible spots and it cost me almost nothing, where others pay a fortune to vacation. We hit the jackpot when we found one with direct beach access for a good price. There is no restriction on where in the world a business that is set up in the BVI can operate. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in the British Virgin Islands. I absolutely loved to walk the dogs on Long Bay beach. So if you like parties, busy happy hours, etc, you wont find it in the BVI. 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. Billed once. If you've never visited the islands before, try to schedule a quick trip well in advance of your move date. Blog Post Author Credentials Louise Gaille is the author of this post. I already mentioned the Painkiller: a mouth-watering mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice topped off with grated nutmeg. I loved being out on the water. One of the best things about living in Wisconsin is the great quality of life. 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. On average, apartments cost $2,000 per month. Through SincereProsCons, he tries to help people make better decision by writing good and bad things of any place, products, services, and more. Virgin Isl.. . If luxury living and yachting interest you, take a look at St Thomas and its high-end shopping and harbors. and are part of the United States of America.. 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. These estimates are based on only a few data points. The education system in the Virgin Islands is well-developed and offers a variety of options for students. 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. If you require specialized care, overseas experts will be required. Due to the small size of the islands, the businesses on the islands are limited and hence many individuals tend to work a combination of jobs to earn a living. 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. Their government have strange laws regarding this for people who are not belonged. As part of the Caribbean, the BVI are susceptible to natural disasters such as hurricanes. Sure, there are supermarkets, but a Tortola grocery store run doesnt much resemble one in the States. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. With verdant interiors, dazzling beaches, and heaps for water-sports enthusiasts to enjoy, the BVI is known to be a fantastic spot and Caribbean destination. Jost Van Dyke (permanent population 300) is known as the territorys party island. Editors Note: Some of the information below may be out-of-date. Valley Trunk on Virgin Gorda, oh my. Pros And Cons Of Moving To Northern Portugal - Viv Europe . The Northern Mariana Islands are an archipelago of 15 islands located in the western Pacific. Its the ultimate day to lime (which means as much as relaxing or partying). Pricing For starters, every dog and cat must be microchipped. Why do people move to the British Virgin Islands? But because the BVI is pretty expensive to travel to, it is still uncrowded. 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. Wildlife 1. Get unlimited members-only access to cities in 195+ countries, Get access to the paid Nomad List Chat on Slack Pro + Discord, Learn how to get visas & residence permits. You can charter boats of many sizes, with or without a captain, chef, or staff. Boat captains with a 100-ton captains license are easy hires. Living in the Canary Islands is inexpensive. 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. From world-class resorts and beaches to museums, galleries, and cultural centers, visitors will find something to suit their interests. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Required fields are marked *. As an example, if you live in the Caribbean island of, In the US Virgin Islands you are never far away from the beach, The US Virgin islands are extremely safe. Alone. Additionally, the local cuisine is a highlight, with its mix of Caribbean and British influences. It sounds depressing now because there were many times I made an effort to enact change but never made the impact I hoped for. Dosing info - Hep B. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. I worked as a real estate agent so I should know. Fifteen men on a dead mans chest Funds advised by Lee Equity Partners, LLC (Lee Equity) and Coastwood Senior Housing Partners, LLC (Coastwood), two specialized investment firms, announced today the signing of an agreement to invest in Integral Senior Living Management, LLC ("ISL"), the 9 th largest operator of senior housing in . Your email address will not be published. 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. There are however some 50 small islets and cays. Due to the small size of the islands, there is a limited selection of goods and services available. Nevertheless, according to Gov.Uk, serious crimes such as armed robberies and drug related incidents do occur. I am no surfer, Sebastiaan is, and the best and most beautiful clean waves he has ever ridden were in Apple Bay, Tortola. 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