The following listings and useful information will help you save precious holiday time while getting around the islands.

By Verna Penn Moll

You must use the area code 284 before the seven-digit telephone number when calling from outside the local calling area.

PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS
The U.S. government may have changed the documentation requirements for international travel since you last traveled abroad. Americans planning travel to British Virgin Islands should be aware of this information.

Or, click here for information about how to apply for, or renew a U.S. passport.

BANKING SERVICES
There are several major banks in the British Virgin Islands: First Caribbean International Bank (originally Barclay's Bank PLC), First Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, and Banco Popular de Puerto Rico. Hours vary, but most banks are open Monday to Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Banco Popular closes at 2 p.m., but opens a teller window from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m. They all have extended hours on Fridays.

Learn about BVI international financial services and about buying real estate in BVI, here.

BUSINESS HOURS
Hours vary, but you will find that most businesses open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. All merchant stores are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets open earlier, close later, and many are open on the weekend. Bobby's, in Road Town, opens from 7 a.m. until midnight every day. Call a specific business for its hours of operation.

CREDIT CARDS
Many BVI establishments accept credit cards, generally Visa or MasterCard; some, but not all, take American Express. There are several ATM machines located on Tortola located in Road Town, Cane Garden Bay and West End as well as Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda. There is an American Express Office at Romney Associates in Road Town. Please note that there is a 10-cent stamp duty charged on all cheques, including traveller's cheques.

CRUISING PERMITS
A cruising permit is required for all boats cruising in the B.V.I.

The rates change depending on the season (subject to change):

From December through April
Recorded charter boats - $2.00 per day, per person
Non-recorded charter boats: $4.00 per day, per person

From May through November
Recorded charter boats - $0.75 per day, per person
Non-recorded boats - $4.00 per day, per person

All boat operators should contact the B.V.I. Customs Department for current Cruising Permit requirements.

CURRENCY
The United States dollar is the only legal tender in the BVI. It is advisable to travel with U.S. traveller's cheques.

CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION OFFICE LOCATIONS
    Tortola - Road Town and the West End
    Virgin Gorda - at the Virgin Gorda Airport, the St. Thomas Bay Terminal, and
    the Owen Harrigan Visitors Centre at Gun Creek
    Jost Van Dyke in Great Harbour

Contact the Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration Department, BVI Government at: Tel: 284-494-3471 or 284-494-3701 Ext. 4700.

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm and Saturday 8:30am to 12:30pm. Closed Sundays and on BVI public holidays. After-hours clearing may be arranged in advance; additional fees will apply. Call Customs at (284) 494-3475 and Immigration at (284) 494-3701 (ext. 2538) to make after-hours arrangements.

DEPARTURE TAX
After you have checked in at the airport or at any seaport, look for the departure tax window. Every air traveller passenger must pay a $20 tax fee in cash (cheques are not accepted). Those leaving by sea pay $5, while cruise ship passengers pay $7.

DRESS
Bathing suits and other beachwear are considered appropriate on the beaches, at the pool or on a boat. Topless bathing and nudity on the beach are frowned upon. In general, day and evening dress is casual.

DRINKING WATER
Tap water on Tortola and Virgin Gorda is generally desalinated. Some hotels have their own desalination plants. Other islands rely on private supplies from cisterns, but bottled water is available throughout the islands.

DRUGS
Recreational drugs are strictly forbidden. Their possession, sale, use, or distribution is a criminal offence punishable by law. Conviction can lead to heavy fines and jail sentences.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity is supplied by the BVI Electricity Corporation. The standard electric current is 110 volts on all the islands.

FISHING
Non-British Virgin Islanders require a recreational fishing permit for the removal of any marine organism from BVI waters. Call the Conservation and Fisheries Division at 494-5681 for information.

INTERNET
There are several Internet cafés offering e-mail access on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and at least one on Jost Van Dyke. The BVI Tourist Board’s updated website bvitouristboard.com offers printable online information about each island, useful schedules and much more. The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) bviccha.org also hosts a helpful website.

LANGUAGE
English is the official language and communication is fairly easy around the islands. Islanders speak a local dialect, but only amongst themselves. Spanish is also spoken by many of the increasing immigrant population, much of which comes from the Dominican Republic.

MEDICAL
Peebles Hospital, the main general hospital in Road Town, Tortola, also administers clinics at villages on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and other sister islands. There is also a government dental clinic on Russell Hill.

The B&F Medical Centre, the Pickering-Smith Medical Complex and Eureka Medical Clinic in Road Town and The Valley, Virgin Gorda, provide modern diagnostic and treatment facilities. All accept walk-in patients and provide X-ray and CT scan services.

The Bougainvillea Clinic, overlooking Road Town, specialises in aesthetic reconstruction and general surgery. Staffed by resident and visiting specialists from the United States and continental Europe, the clinic attracts patients from all over the world.

Several pharmacies offer prescription and over-the-counter services in Road Town. These include J.R. O'Neal, Ltd. (Drug Store) on Main Street; Medicure, Omar Hodge Building; Vanterpool Enterprises on Wickham's Cay 1; and Qwomar Trading, Ltd., Blackburne Road.

Island Helicopters International provides medical transfers. They operate from Beef Island Airport, Tortola. Call Tel: 284-495-2538, Cel: 284-499-2663 or for emergency medical transfers: 284-499-2663. Website: helicoptersbvi.com

NATURAL HAZARDS
There are no poisonous snakes or other dangerous animals in the BVI. The leaves of the oleander and elephant ears are poisonous. Be careful of the Manchioneel (or Poison Apple Tree), which grows near beaches. Its leaves, fruit and sap are dangerous to the eyes and poisonous when ingested. Underwater, the fire coral can cause a nasty sting and subsequent rash if touched. The spiny, black sea urchin is very painful if stepped on or brushed against.

NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES
Several weekly and monthly publications are available in the BVI and by subscription: The Island Sun, BVI Beacon and BVI StandPoint keep readers up-to-date on events and general news occurring locally and regionally. The Virgin Islands Daily News keeps both Tortola and Virgin Gorda up-to-date with international and regional news. The BVI Welcome Magazine offers information for tourists and The Limin' Times offers a detailed Weekly Events Guide. All At Sea and Compass offer information for boaters, and the BVI Property Guide provides information on buying property in the BVI.

PETS
Pets are allowed into the Territory only after an import permit is obtained from the Department of Agriculture. For regulations concerning animal importation, contact the Department of Agriculture, Paraquita Bay, Tortola. Tel: 495-2532 or Fax: 245-1269

POST OFFICES
The main Post Office in Road Town also has a philatelic counter. There are sub post offices on Beef Island (Airport), East End and West End in Tortola, and the larger sister islands. Most hotels and resorts offer daily mail pick-ups. Virgin Islands' stamps are worldwide collectors' items. The BVI Philatelic Society (494-7789) organises an annual stamp exhibition, usually held in the spring, that attracts a wide range of enthusiasts.

BVI PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2007
Please see our Events section for more events and festivals.

RADIO AND TELEVISION
Local radio stations include National Public Radio,WVGN (107.3 FM); ZBVI (780 AM); ZKING (101.7 FM); GEM (90.9 FM); ZROD (103.7 FM); ZCCR (94.1 FM) and ZVCR (106.9 FM). Local cable channels include 1, 2, 5 (with VI-, Caribbean- and Euro-news), 51 and 78. Public service channels include 12 (WCJX, St. Thomas, USVI), 25 (BBC World), and 26 (CSPAN). Broadcasts are in Spanish on Channel 4 (Puerto Rico). News and entertainment is also on cable channels beamed from numerous U.S. cities and satellite.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES
There are Methodist churches throughout the BVI. Other Christian denominations represented include the Anglicans (Episcopalians), Baptists, Roman Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, and various Pentecostal sects. Many of their churches are located in Road Town. The Bahai, Hindu and Muslim faiths also have their adherents.

SHIPPING
There are various shipping and courier facilities conveniently located throughout the Road Town area. Virgin Gorda also offers several options for your shipping needs.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Cable & Wireless (West Indies), Ltd., provides digital, national and international telecommunications services. Full IDD (international direct dialling), facsimile and data services including IDAS (international database access), and private leased circuits are available. Inbound 800 numbers accessible from the United States, Canada and the rest of the Caribbean, as well as Internet access, are also available. The area code in the BVI is 284.

There are also public call boxes at various locations throughout the main islands, including most marinas and Ports of Entry. In Tortola, you will find call boxes at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Beef Island; opposite the East End Jetty; at the East End Post Office; and at Cable and Wireless offices, Road Town.

Marine and cellular telephone communications are exclusively offered by CCT Boatphone, which offers roaming services to visitors (registered with many, but not all, network service providers) by means of SIM cards, on sale at Bobby's Supermarket in Road Town and a limited number of other outlets. Visitors from outside the United States are advised to bring handsets with triband capability. For further information, contact CCT Boatphone offices in the Mill Mall, Road Town (494-3825) or The Valley, Virgin Gorda (495-6424).

US EMBASSY - BVI
The nearest U.S. Embassy to the BVI is located in the Wildey Business Park in St. Michael, Barbados. The Consular Section can be reached by telephone at 1-246-431-0225, by fax at 1-246-431-0179, or by e-mail at ConsularBridge2@state.gov. The Embassy website is bridgetown.usembassy.gov.

The U.S. Consular Agent in Antigua, located at Jasmine Court, Friar's Hill Road, St. John's, tel. 1-268-463-6531, is closer to the BVI and can also assist in some limited non-emergency cases, by previous appointment only.

TIPPING
A seven percent government tax is usually added to your hotel bill, as well as a 10 percent hotel service charge. Additional tipping is optional. It is customary to include a 15 percent tip when dining out.

TRANSPORTATION
Air
Regional airlines connect Beef Island with international hubs (e.g. San Juan, Puerto Rico and Antigua) and other Caribbean islands. Small planes fly between Beef Island and Virgin Gorda, Anegada and St. Thomas, USVI.

Land
The British Virgin Islands have 150 roads, of which 118 are paved. The two main roads on Tortola are Blackburne Road, which runs along the seashore from the eastern to the western end of the island, and Ridge Road, which runs centrally over the hills. Both offer spectacular scenic views of the islands.

Buses
Mini and safari bus outings are usually arranged by the hotel and are also available for other long group trips and scenic sightseeing.

Car Rentals
Renting a car is both economical and convenient. There are several agencies offering reasonable rates, unlimited mileage, emergency services, and additional insurance. Credit card or cash deposit and a driver's licence are required. At a cost of $10 (and with a valid driver's licence from another country), a temporary licence can be obtained from the Traffic Licensing Office or car rental agencies. Driving is on the left hand side of the road. Please see car rental contacts below.

Ferry Services
The main ferry boat docks on Tortola are in Road Town and at West End (a new, larger dock is under construction at Soper's Hole). Inter-island boat services operate several times per day between Tortola and several other islands in the BVI (including Marina Cay, Virgin Gorda, Peter Island, and Jost Van Dyke) and the USVI (St. Thomas and St. John). Departure and arrival information can be obtained at the front desk of your hotel.

Taxis
Taxis are available at the airport, hotels, taxi stands, and other venues throughout the islands. Some hotels have a franchised taxi arrangement for guests or will quickly order a taxi at the front desk. Taxi drivers usually provide running commentaries on local history and other useful information. The new government rates are now in effect due to the uncertain nature of gasoline prices. Check with your driver in advance.

TORTOLA
The minimum charge from the airport to Road Town is $18 for up to three passengers. Extra passengers pay $6 each. A chartered taxi from town to any of the villages is $12, and the regular fare around town is $3. Farther out to the suburbs is $4.

Tours (two-and-a-half hours maximum) for up to three people are $50 (fixed rate) and $15 for each additional person. Waiting charges: first 10 minutes are free, and every 15 minutes, or part thereof, is $4.

VIRGIN GORDA
Grand tours (one-and-a-half hours) for up to three people are $45 per tour. Each additional person is $15.

JOST VAN DYKE
Sightseeing (up to two hours) for up to three people is $35. Each additional person is $12.

For full details about inter-island and on island transportation, please visit Transportation section.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Ambulance	999
Fire	999
Police	999
Hospital	284-494-3497
VISAR	284-494-4357; 284-494-6613 or 767 (S.O.S.) (Virgin Islands Search & Rescue)

AIRLINES

American Airlines/ American Eagle	495-2559
Cape Air, Ltd.	284-495-2100
Caribbean Star	284-494-2347
Caribbean Sun	284-494-2347
Caribbean Wings	284-495-6000
Island Helicopter	284-499-2663
LIAT	284-494-1187

THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS PORTS AUTHORITY
The BVI port facilities and main functions:
Port Purcell, Tortola - container cargo
Road Town - Jetty, Tortola passenger facility, cruise ship tenders and mini cruise ship use.
Cruise Pier, Tortola - the new cruise pier (230 meters long) with berthing space on both sides.
West End Terminal, Tortola - Main ferry terminal at Soper's Hole. Used for passenger arrival and departure, customs and immigration and ferry ticketing.
Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda - Accommodations for ferry, mini cruise ships and barges at St. Thomas Bay.
Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke - Two Jetties. The larger of the two #1, handles passengers and light cargo, while jetty #2 accommodates cruise ship passengers, inter island ferries and pleasure yacht dinghies.

For the cruise ship schedule, cargo information, contact info and ferry schedules please visit their website.

OTHER USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

AA Al Anon	284-494-3125
BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA)	284-494-3514
BVI Red Cross	284-494-6349
BVI Tourist Board	284-494-3134
CADA (Drug Information)	284-494-3125
Family Support Network (FSN)	284-494-7622
Humane Society of the BVI	284-494-2284
Main Post Office	284-468-3701
Old Government House Museum	284-494-4091
Virgin Islands Public Library	284-494-3428

Cable & Wireless
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 284-494-4444
Website: www.candw.vg
The Cable & Wireless vision is to build synergies across products and geographies so that we are the premiere value creators for customers through impeccable customer service and quality, competitive pricing, and efficient solutions.

Cape Air
660 Barnstable Road
Hyannis, MA 02601
Tel: 1-800-352-0714 or 284-495-1200
Fax: 1-508-775-8815
E-mail: lduda@flycapeair.com
Website: www.flycapeair.com
Flying with Cape Air is like a new experience. Start your trip in a vacation state of mind. Island-hop to and from San Juan and spend less time waiting. You can even earn Continental Airlines OnePass miles on flights connecting with Continental.

CCT Global Communications
333 Geneva Place, Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 284-494-3825
Fax: 284-494-4933
E-mail: info@cctwireless.com
Website: www.cctwireless.com
CCT Global Communications is the top provider of wireless communications in the BVI. If you are visiting, ensure your phone is roaming on the CCT network for the most reliable service and lowest rates.

Daysail Mystique
West End, Soper's Hole Marina
Tel: 284-494-0740 (Reservations, inquiries and private functions)
E-mail: bvi@voyagecharters.com
Website: www.multihillmarina.com
Bay View Inn is an elegant and comfortable hotel with waterfront views located in the West End at Soper's Hole Wharf & Marina. This is a beautiful and magical location offering full marina facilities and also the home of VOYAGE charters, winners of multiple boat awards. Join in the fun and live your dream. Experience Day & Sunset Cruises aboard MYSTIQUE, the Best of the Best...

Dohm's Water Taxi
Red Hook, St. Thomas
Tel: 340-775-6501
Fax: 340-715-1398
E-mail: vitaxi@viaccess.net
Website: www.watertaxi-vi.com
Operating like a land taxi, Dohm's Water Taxi leaves the dock of your choice at the time you choose and takes you exactly where you want to go — practically anywhere in the USVI and BVI.

Hertz Car Rental
West End, Road Town and Beef Island
Tel: 284-495-4405
Fax: 284-494-6060
E-mail: hertzbvi@hotmail.com
Website: www.hertzbvi.com
Discovering Tortola? Let Hertz be your driving force. Modern fleet of Jeeps and SUVs are available. Four convenient locations with free pick-up and drop-off service, plus 24-hour roadside assistance — exactly what you would expect from Hertz.

Mahogany Car Rentals
Spanish Town, The Valley
Tel: 284-495-5469
Fax: 284-495-5072
E-mail: mahoganycarrentals@surfbvi.com
Website: www.mahoganycarrentalsbvi.com
"Mahogany is especially helpful." —Fodor's Travel
Explore the crown jewel of the BVI with a dependable Jeep or car from Mahogany. Island-wide delivery is free in Spanish Town. Guided tours and open-air buses are available. Ask about year-round discounts and group rates.

Road Town Fast Ferry
Ferry Dock, Road Town
Tel: 284-494-2323
St. Thomas Tel: 340-777-2800
Red Hook Tel: 340-715-2800
E-mail: tortolafastferry@hotmail.com
Website: www.roadtownfastferry.com
Experience the difference… travel from Downtown Road Town to Downtown St. Thomas and enjoy the comfort of non-stop service between the BVI and the USVI on a high-speed catamaran that saves you time and money. Charters available.

Speedy's
The Valley
Tel: 284-495-5240
Fax: 284-249-5755
E-mail: speedysbvi@surfbvi.com
Website: www.speedysbvi.com
Providing inter-island travel for more than 30 years, Speedy's offers daily trips between Virgin Gorda and Tortola, with an evening schedule on Wednesdays and Saturdays so you can dine on a different island. Ferry service to St. Thomas is available three days a week. Jeep rentals, taxis and safari tours offered on Virgin Gorda. Transportation is the company's specialty.

Get the 2008 calendar of events for BVI festivals, sailing and sporting events, public holidays and not-to-be-missed, Bomba's Full Moon Party dates here.

Book your hotel direct and save! Get a complete list of BVI hotels, here.