Caribbean
U.S. Virgin Islands
US territory with St Thomas, St John and St Croix: US dollar, US rules, Uber on St Thomas and beaches with national park hiking on St John. Costs are high and the islands are small.
- CurrencyUSDDollarDetails
- Price level89%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhere
- PlugsType A, B120 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledMost homes use cisterns that collect rain; drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityUS federal law allows same-sex marriage; the territory is more conservative than the mainland and protections vary, but resorts are welcoming and Pride events are held.Details
- DrivingOn the leftUS state licences are valid. Foreign licences are accepted for short visits; an IDP is recommended. Cars are left-hand drive and you drive on the left.
Where to go in U.S. Virgin Islands
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. ThomasIsland | 3/5 | $5,000–7,500 | Dec–Apr | 1/100 |
When to visit U.S. Virgin Islands
December–April is dry, cooler and busiest; May–November is hot with hurricane risk, peaking August–October.
Good to know
Entry
- US entry rules apply: visa-waiver nationals need an approved ESTA (US$40) and everyone needs a valid passport.
- US citizens flying from the mainland do not need a passport but should carry ID; boarding to the British Virgin Islands needs a passport.
- The US Virgin Islands are outside the US customs area for some goods, so allowances differ.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drive on the left, but cars are left-hand drive.
- US federal laws apply, including on drugs; cannabis is legal for adults in the territory but not at federal sites.
Etiquette
- Greet people with 'good morning' or 'good afternoon'
- Drive on the left and watch for chickens and goats
- Dress modestly in towns
Tipping
Follow US norms of 15–20%; some restaurants add a service charge.
Sources
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.