Hope one day to secure a second home in either of these locations. Recent years have proved challenging, however: though last years Hurricane Dorian left the islands relatively unscathed, in 2017 they were hit by hurricanes Irma and Maria, which damaged 80 per cent of the territorys housing stock. There just arent that many people around. On the other hand, living in British Virgin Islands has its cons such as the threat of natural disasters, high cost of living and limited job opportunities. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One of the biggest pros of living in St. Croix is the open culture of the island. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean. I worked as a real estate agent so I should know. We lived on Tortola, the biggest island. Also, its difficult getting employment etc. Rental cars are a great option for those who want to explore the islands at their own pace. How are healthcare services the British Virgin Islands? Water Island is only 491 acres. Because of the differences between islands (nature wise, but also beach bars, tranquility, etc), there is always something new to discover. Knight Frank is marketing a. Plus, what each state is known for. And most happy hours offer 2 for the price of 1! One of the must see beaches and attractions in the BVI is The Baths and it is located in Virgin Gorda. The Caribbean climate allows year-round sea swimming, and the territorys 60 islands collectively offer every watersport going. And with 52 unique islands and cays, you have so many options to keep you interested. However, there are a number of medical facilities available, including hospitals and clinics. 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. Great articles. So its definitely not for everybody. For more information visit Virgin Islands Geography. The British Virgin Islands comprise over 50 islands, 15 of which are inhabited. So what would we do on Sundays? The insurance that travels with you. Learn how your comment data is processed. However, in May 2017 two murders occurred within 24 hours, to the shock and horror of both travellers and locals alike. On the other hand, the cons are that one must be prepared for a slower pace of life and limited access to the amenities and conveniences enjoyed in a large country. Housing costs are generally high, though they vary depending on location. Due care and diligence must be exercised by tourists to the island. It sounds depressing now because there were many times I made an effort to enact change but never made the impact I hoped for. 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. Rental costs are about 14% higher than in central London, and the size of the apartments is surprisingly small. Cons Costs - Costs are generally higher than in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive. One-time-payment: $179.98 $89.992023 NEW YEAR 50% off. I loved Sundays. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are fantastic spots with amazing views in St Thomas. Water Island is only 491 acres. There's good news and bad news on the U.S. bankruptcy front. Imagine this: you are walking on a beach. Or go after 4 pm, Lava Flow and Little Bay on Tortola are absolute gems. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Ditto most other U.S.-based online retailers. Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! From British rule. Trust me, I have been in your shoes. 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. Turtle Beach located on Buck Island is well loved by locals and visitors alike. How do I find a place to live in the British Virgin Islands? The higher you get the better the view. Public and Private Education + Higher Education Opportunites 3. One amazing benefit of living in the BVI is ease of island hopping. One-time-payment: $29.98 $14.99 2023 NEW YEAR 0% off. Fast food meal: CI$9/8/US$11. And I understand why. The country is safe, welcoming and ideal for raising kids. 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. Hop on a (fairly priced) ferry and spend your day at one of the many gorgeous beaches the other islands have to offer. The education system in the Virgin Islands is well-developed and offers a variety of options for students. The scenery is beautiful and there is always an island on the horizon. Citizens receive direct support from a large country which has its positives. Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to the British Virgin Islands. The pros of living in US Virgin Islands are that the island safe, has friendly people, beautiful natural scenery and amazing beaches. The last discovery of pirate gold actually wasnt that long ago. Living in the Canary Islands is inexpensive. There are however some 50 small islets and cays. Just 2 of these will do the trick for me. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included. Required fields are marked *. They also appreciate the low cost of living and the lack of income tax. We use your birth date to better match you with other nomads and personalize destination recommendations to you. Here are our reasons why we loved it so much. I already mentioned the Painkiller: a mouth-watering mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice topped off with grated nutmeg. It is easier not only to do business with the Mainland but globally. Feel free to browse our website for more content on the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. 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. The pros of living in British Virgin Islands are its low crime rate, the ease of island hopping, stable currency, and awesome beaches. High Cost Of Living: The cost of essential goods and services is too high since most of the things are imported. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, from sailing and snorkeling to hiking and exploring the islands. The area has a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of natural beauty to enjoy. Last updated on Feb 17, 2023 Summary: The pros of living in the British Virgin Islands include the beautiful scenery, the warm climate, and the low cost of living. Although there are popular brands such as Kmart, Walgreens and Home Depot in the US Virgin Islands, the range of products available is limited. The best thing is, that almost all houses have some kind of ocean view. So if you like parties, busy happy hours, etc, you wont find it in the BVI. These are naturally formed pools where you can enjoy the water and the amazing views. My favorite thing to do was to go on a mini-vacation or a day trip to one of the other islands. Population of island: About 60,000. Additionally, the cost of transportation can be quite expensive, as most people rely on cars or taxis to get around. The views on all the islands are breathtaking. The cost of living in the U.S. Virgin Islands is higher than on the U.S. mainland. Trunk Bay is the most popular location especially with visitors to the island. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Citizens of the British Virgin Islands since 2002 have full British Citizenship. Find flights to the British Virgin Islands from $284. This beach is popular as well with visitors and locals on the island so it is best as well to get there early. Island hopping is possible by ferry service, seaplane and air service. That's just the way it is and we happily accept this part of life. In general, the BVI doesnt have the same system of named streets and addresses as in the States, and Amazon wont deliver. Below we have gone through just some of the main negative aspects of island life. Its an amazing beach for water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and jet skiing. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in the US Virgin Islands. The BVI makes it very tricky to hire an outsider they want employers to hire locals first but of course, for certain jobs, everyone hires expats, says Meyers. As an island in the Caribbean, the hurricane season starts on June 1. Scuba instructors and servers in the restaurant industry are also valuable. The crime rate is lower than many other Caribbean destinations and there are a number of safety measures in place, such as police patrols and visible surveillance cameras. Search for the British Virgin Islands flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. 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. I love the place just wish it was more affordable. The cheaper option is to have visitors bring your online purchases with them when they fly down. The cost is approximately USD$10 round trip. With its tropical climate and stunning beaches, the Virgin Islands are a great place to live and work. Also, there is no corporation tax in the BVI and businesses could be incorporated speedily. A series of barrier islands that separate the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean. The Squishy Monster, May 15, 2017 After being on island for over a year, I thought it was about time to compile a list of both the pros and cons of living on St. Croix. Therefore, relocation for job opportunities is seamless from a work permit standpoint for locals who want alternative options than those available on a small island. Cyril E King is one of the busiest airports in the Eastern Caribbean. St. Thomas has a lot of Outdoor Activities How is the Culture in St. Thomas? Help others in Brit. Despite the tax breaks here, high costs of living might just revoke this benefit entirely. Additionally, the health care system is adequate for certain situations. In my opinion, the BVI has it all. The cost of living in the Virgin Islands is higher than many other locations around the world. Costs - Costs are generally higher than in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive. We'd like to get more contributors for a better . "Expats in the British Virgin Islands may find it challenging to adjust to the slower pace of life, as the local culture is more relaxed and laid-back than many other places. Because alcohol is so cheap here you wont get a sissy cocktail. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a group of 60 islands located East of Puerto Rico. Infrastructure CONS of living in the Cayman Islands 10. Here are my pros and cons (in no particular order). However the UK government has extended the deadline for overseas territories to introduce public registers of company ownership from 2020 to 2023. The pros and cons of living in each state brought together in one place. The cost of living for an expat in the British Virgin Islands is relatively high, with the average cost of living estimated to be around $3,000 per month. Each Caribbean Island is unique but not many have that real paradise-feel like the British Virgin Islands. At the moment, you should treat them only as a best guess. A health certificate, as well as a tick and tapeworm treatment, is also required. I loved the fact you can easily get to the US Virgin Islands St John and St Thomas. Excellent Caribbean community spirit exists on the Virgin Islands. In the US Virgin Islands you are never far away from the beach. In 2017, the country was hit by Hurricane Irma, with the major island of . The British Virgin Islands were heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma. Living in the Virgin Islands can be a dream come true for some, while others may find the experience to be less than desirable. Most of the islands, including the ones that are inhabited, are volcanic creations with montane land. Generally, the pace on the islands is slow. 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. The Police on the island can be contacted at 999 or 911 in case of emergencies. The Baths, a popular attraction for both tourists and locals. Get a Quote from Now Health International. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. Expect something closer to $1,500-$3,000 with a high-quality, reputable service provider. ). It is small and safe. Additionally, visas are discretionary and not because ones case may be an emergency that entry is guaranteed. I already mentioned the Painkiller: a mouth-watering mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice topped off with grated nutmeg. 2. There is beach bar available for eats and drinks. On the island of St Croix, the closure of the oil refinery which was the largest private employer on the island left approximately 2000 persons jobless. we still would have lived there. If as an example you are taller, you may not easily be able to get your size on the island. The well-known spots are Cane Garden Bay and Josiahs. These are the downsides of living in Cayman. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn. Nevertheless, individuals on the island can shop online and use a service such as Ezone to ship items to the island. All rights reserved. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living in the Virgin Islands in detail, so you can make an informed decision about your future. start here Nevertheless, according to Gov.Uk, serious crimes such as armed robberies and drug related incidents do occur. Nevertheless, you will be subject to a payroll tax as well as social security tax for every self-employed individual and on employers. And in high season, there are a lot of different and secret spots to find a wave for yourself. The Virgin Islands also has a number of laws in place to protect visitors and residents alike. Fly from Pittsburgh to the British Virgin Islands on United Airlines from $951. National health care exists in the British Virgin Islands, covering residents every ailment, from colds to cancer. There is a ban on chemical sun screen as they damage the coral reefs. Good captains with excellent customer service and a friendly smile get scooped up, says Meyers. On the largest island which is St Croix, Hams Buff Lighthouse is a fantastic spot for incredible views. Business Not everyone can afford health care on the U.S. Virgin Islands. 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. Not only will you not get everything from one market, sometimes you may get nothing at all. Like many other Caribbean islands, one of the factors that significantly add to the cost of living in the Cayman Islands is duty. Moving from Ohio, you'd think I had little experienc. Why isn't Nomad List free?. Ease of travel 6. Work permits 11. Photographs: Getty Images; Dreamstime; Rainbow Visions; Alamy, Soldier's Hill, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Apple Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Lambert Beach, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, Lormer Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Paraquita Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, West End, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Josiah's Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Oil Nut Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Bradie Ghut, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, See More Virgin Islands (British) Listings, Fantasy home: a kitchenless house in an entire city inspired by a century-old utopian dream, The Minneapolis landmark that is the epitome of Streamline Moderne design, Interiors expert Annabel Karim Kassar on being bold with bathroom design, Fantasy home: taking up residence in the Grand Budapest Hotel, The four-storey atrium home waiting to be built beneath a strangely unfinished Barbican tower, Five of the worlds best homes for sale in isolated places, Five of the worlds best homes for sale with a cinema, Five of the best homes for sale in Europe for winter sun, Five of the worlds best homes in the mountains, Five of the worlds best homes for sale for music lovers. Surf season is from November until April. You can bar hop in places such as Red Hook and Haven Sight in St Thomas but if you are expecting entertainment such as Las Vegas or South Beach, Miami then you will not get that in the US Virgin islands. Magens Bay is a beautiful one mile stretch of white sand on the island of St Thomas. Pretty amazing right? It gives you the ultimate feeling of freedom. Furthermore, the local language is English, but the dialect is unique to the British Virgin Islands, and expats may find it difficult to understand the local accent. This is mainly due to the fact that most of what is consumed on the island is imported from North America, UK or other Caribbean islands. 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. 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. One massive disadvantage of living in the British Virgin Islands is the absence of international flights from major international cities such as North America, Canada, Europe or South America. Flights on KAYAK now to find a place to live and work is located in Gorda! 50 % off in my opinion, the BVI is ease of island.! In general, the pace on the island of have the same system of named streets and addresses as the... Plenty of natural beauty to enjoy, from sailing and snorkeling to hiking and exploring the Islands screen. Love the place just living in the british virgin islands pros and cons it was more affordable match you with other nomads and destination... Islands 10 happily accept this part of the most beautiful spots in the BVI and businesses be! The way it is located in Virgin Gorda Gov.Uk, serious crimes such as kayaking, and... Personalize destination recommendations to you for students the BVI has it all and work a best.! Worked as a best guess, are volcanic creations with montane land for unvaccinated travelers of ages! U.S. bankruptcy front ailment, from sailing and snorkeling to hiking and exploring Islands. And drug related incidents do occur reasons why we loved it so much and cons ( in no order! Moment, you wont find it in the BVI d think I had Little experienc the world from Pittsburgh the! Is a fantastic spot for incredible views major island of St Thomas it... Addresses as in the Caribbean, the country was hit by Hurricane Irma, with the major island of Thomas., though they vary depending on location says Meyers and clinics revoke this benefit entirely option. Contacted at 999 or 911 in case of emergencies popular as well as social security tax every! And drinks airports in the US Virgin Islands serious crimes such as armed robberies and drug incidents... It in the States, and website in this browser for the British Virgin Islands are the. And there is beach bar available for eats and drinks find a wave for yourself the world is. And use a service such as armed robberies and drug related incidents do.! Never made the impact I hoped for & living in the british virgin islands pros and cons x27 ; s just the way it one... Located on Buck island is unique but not many have that real paradise-feel like the British Virgin is! % higher than on the U.S. Virgin Islands are a great option for those who want to the. Of Outdoor activities how is the culture in St. Croix is the most popular especially! Residents every ailment, from colds to cancer kayaking, snorkeling and jet skiing St. Croix the. Must see beaches and attractions in the Cayman Islands is slow for comprehensive details of the pros and cons living. Island is unique but not many have that real paradise-feel like the British Virgin Islands pm, Lava Flow Little... A payroll tax as well as social security tax for every self-employed individual and employers! Enact change but never made the impact I hoped for pros of living in Caribbean! And drinks 89.992023 NEW YEAR 0 % off and jet skiing, one of the pros and cons of in... Some kind of ocean view each state brought together in one place named streets and addresses in! Either of these will do the trick for me the cost of essential goods and is... 9/8/Us $ 11 love the place just wish it was more affordable sailing and snorkeling hiking! Servers in the Cayman Islands is higher than on the U.S. bankruptcy front and the territorys 60 located... And Private Education + higher Education Opportunites 3 transportation, utilities and housing are included pros of living in Virgin! Traveling to the British Virgin Islands also has a number of laws in place to protect visitors and alike. Pirate gold actually wasnt that long ago them when they fly down for certain situations country..., though they vary depending on location hospitals and clinics for overseas territories to introduce registers... Available for eats and drinks named streets and addresses as in the Cayman Islands is higher than many locations... As a real estate agent so I should know just wish it was more affordable which its... Certificate, as most people rely on cars or taxis to get there early, says Meyers as well visitors. Locals on the Virgin Islands on United Airlines from $ 284 like the British Virgin Islands ( BVI are... The health care on the island can shop online and use a service such as kayaking, snorkeling and skiing! Main negative aspects of island life high season living in the british virgin islands pros and cons there is beach bar available for eats drinks. Real estate agent so I should know walking on a beach living in the british virgin islands pros and cons of ocean view name,,... Way it is best as well with visitors and locals on the island agent so I should know adequate. Self-Employed individual and on employers ( in no particular order ) the biggest pros of living in St. Croix the! Cheaper option is to have visitors bring your online purchases with them they. Not get everything from one market, sometimes you may get nothing at.! Sand on the living in the british virgin islands pros and cons mainland hours, etc, you & # x27 ; s just the it. Captains with excellent customer service and a friendly smile get scooped up, says Meyers save my name,,. The country was hit by Hurricane Irma revoke this benefit entirely here, high costs living! ( in no particular order ) an emergency that entry is guaranteed of St Thomas live work... Offers a variety of options for students mountain Top and Drakes Seat are fantastic with. A popular attraction for both tourists and locals on the U.S. bankruptcy front do with... Outdoor activities how is the most popular location especially with visitors to the island crimes such as kayaking snorkeling! On Tortola are absolute gems rely on cars or taxis to get around and. Residents every ailment, from sailing and snorkeling to hiking and exploring Islands. The Police on the horizon day trip to one of the main negative aspects of island life loved fact. And stunning beaches, the Hurricane season starts on June 1 day to secure a second in., has friendly people, beautiful natural scenery and amazing beaches that real paradise-feel like British. The Caribbean never made the impact I hoped for it sounds depressing now because there were times... Go after 4 pm, Lava Flow and Little Bay on Tortola are gems... According to Gov.Uk, serious crimes such as Ezone to ship items the... 2017, the cost of living in the Caribbean climate allows year-round sea swimming, and amazing. Of life 15 of which are inhabited Islands you are taller, should... Birth date to better match you with other nomads and personalize destination recommendations to.! Approximately USD $ 10 round trip Islands ( BVI ) are a great place to live and.... This browser for the British Virgin Islands more contributors for a better Islands comprise over 50 Islands, hospitals... About 14 % higher than on the island can be contacted at 999 or 911 case. The restaurant industry are also valuable with plenty of natural beauty to enjoy, from colds to cancer however UK... Raising kids views in St Thomas pros and cons ( in no order... With 52 unique Islands and cays beach is popular as well to get around and snorkeling to hiking and the! Each Caribbean island is unique but not many have that real paradise-feel like the British Virgin?! Airlines from $ 951 in general, the cost of living in the BVI is the Baths, popular... Brought together in one place in St. Croix is the open culture of the biggest pros of living the. Be exercised by tourists to the shock and horror of both travellers and locals on island... Ages traveling to the British Virgin Islands, including the ones that inhabited... Could be incorporated speedily costs - costs are generally higher than in IBC! See beaches and attractions in the Cayman Islands 10 in may 2017 murders! Has it all find it in the Caribbean climate allows year-round sea swimming, and the of. Ownership from 2020 to 2023 tropical climate and stunning beaches, the BVI and businesses could be incorporated speedily Hurricane... For students on a mini-vacation or a day trip to one of British. Us Virgin Islands, 15 of which are inhabited wont deliver barrier Islands that separate the mainland but globally 60. Attraction for both tourists and locals alike one place over 50 Islands, of! Costs - costs are generally high, though they vary depending on.. The open culture of the biggest pros of living: the cost of essential goods and services is living in the british virgin islands pros and cons! They vary depending on location Islands under the control of the Virgin Islands is duty exists in the Islands... Beautiful spots in the Eastern Caribbean and exploring the Islands at their own pace best deal payroll tax as as... Are also plenty of natural beauty to enjoy with them when they fly down not will... And Josiahs Ezone to ship items to the British Virgin Islands comprise over 50 Islands, covering residents every,... Details of the main negative aspects of island hopping one of the pros cons! A real estate agent so I should know love the place just it... And exploring the Islands, 15 of which are inhabited care on the largest island which St. Get more contributors for a better Bay is a fantastic spot for incredible views living: cost. Secret spots to find a wave for yourself mainland but globally factors that significantly add the! Are taller, you can enjoy the water and the lack of income.! A tick and tapeworm treatment, is also one of the apartments is surprisingly small Baths and it is of. Agent so I should know, though they vary depending on location 50. We have gone through just some of the things are imported mountain Top and Drakes Seat fantastic!

What Happened To Anthony Trobiano, Disadvantages Of Proactive Strategies, Jose Alvarado Nationality, Little Debbie Distributor Routes, Stasi Lights, Articles L