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U.S. Virgin Islands Facts
- Safety:: top
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
- On-Island Transportation:: top
Taxis are available everywhere, anytime, on all three islands. Rates are based on destination instead of mileage. Car and four-wheel drive rentals are a popular way to see the sights of each island. Most major rental companies and several local rental companies rent automobiles on the islands. If you do rent a vehicle, please remember to drive on the left! The U.S. Virgin Islands also offers convenient bus service.
- Island to Island Transportation:: top
Another option available to travelers to the USVI is V.I. Fast Ferry which offers seasonal ferry service (November - May) between downtown Charlotte Amalie and Gallows Bay, St. Croix. The V.I. Fast Ferry's "Salacia" is a 600-passenger ferry with a ride time of about one hour and fifteen minutes.
- Tipping:: top
Tipping of 15 percent to 20 percent is customary for good service. Some hotels automatically add a service charge.
- Telecommunications:: top
The international dialling code for the US Virgin Islands is +1 340 followed by seven digits. On the islands, use only the seven digits. To dial the UK from the US Virgin Islands, the international access code is +44 followed by the area code, omitting 0, and then the number.
- Medical Care:: top
Medial Care - Red Hook Family Practice, St. Thomas
Cruz Bay Family Practice, St. John.
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.
- Religion:: top
Catholic and Protestant with some Jewish representation.
- Business:: top
Banks are open Monday-Thursday, 9am-2.30pm, and Friday, 9am-2pm and 3.30-5pm. The main banks are Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays, Chase Manhattan Bank, Citibank, First Federal, First VI Federal Savings Bank and the VI Community Bank. Shops are open 9am-5pm every day except Sunday but will open at other times when cruise ships arrive. Payment cards very widely accepted.
- Clothing:: top
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.
- Suntanning:: top
The tropical sun is hot - be careful when tanning especially around noontime.
- Pets:: top
Pets are welcome, as long as visitors bring health and inoculation certificates for their animals
- Passports:: top
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.
- Driving:: top
We drive on the left. A valid stateside drivers license is all you need.
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