|
The following listings and useful information will help you save precious holiday time while getting around the islands.
By Elise Donovan
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 the information provided at travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1079.html.
Or, go to travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html 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: Banco Popular, First Bank, FirstCaribbean International Bank, National Bank of the Virgin Islands (formerly Development Bank) and Scotiabank (British Virgin Islands). Hours vary, but most banks are open Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. They all have extended hours on Fridays. Banco Popular opens a teller drive-through window from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. First Bank's Road Town branch is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Learn about BVI international financial services and about buying real estate in BVI, here.
BUSINESS HOURS
Hours vary, but you'll find that most businesses open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Most merchant stores are closed on Sundays, but a few open if cruise ships are in port. Supermarkets open earlier, close later, and many are open on the weekend. Bobby's Supermarket in Road Town is open from 7 a.m. until midnight every day. Call a specific business for its hours of operation.
CREDIT CARDS AND ATMs
Many BVI establishments accept credit cards, generally MasterCard or Visa; some, but not all, take American Express. There is an American Express Office at Romney Associates in Road Town. There are several ATM machines on Tortola located in Road Town, Cane Garden Bay, Nanny Cay, West End and at the Airport in Beef Island, as well as in The Valley on Virgin Gorda. There are no banks or ATM machines on Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island or the other islands. 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 U.S. dollar is the only legal tender in the BVI. It's 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 travel passenger must pay a $20 departure tax in cash or by Visa or MasterCard (cheques are not accepted). Those leaving by sea pay $5, whilst 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 and cisterns. 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 need a recreational fishing permit to remove any marine organism from BVI waters. There are closed seasons for harvesting certain species of fish and other seafood. Call the Conservation and Fisheries Division at 494-5681 for information. A licence is required for every adult on the vessel that will be fishing.
INTERNET
There are several places throughout the islands that offer Internet access. Most have free wireless connections and can be found at the following locations: Saba Rock, Virgin Gorda Sound; Cybercafe, Trellis Bay; Loose Mongoose, Trellis Bay; Lambert Beach Resort, Tortola; Nanny Cay, Tortola; Village Cay Marina, Road Town; Myett's, Cane Garden Bay; Samarkand Jewellers, Soper's Hole; Foxy's, Jost Van Dyke; The Watersports Centre, Jost Van Dyke; Anegada Reef Hotel, Anegada.
The BVI Tourist Board's updated website (www.bvitourism.com) offers printable online information about each island, useful schedules and much more. The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA; www.bvihotels.org), BVI Government, BVI Welcome Magazine and three local newspapers also host helpful websites with links to others belonging to various individual hotels and organisations. You may also want to visit www.experiencethebvi.com for useful information about the islands.
LANGUAGE
English is the official language, and communication is fairly easy around the islands. Islanders speak a local dialect, which is easily understood. Spanish is also spoken by many members of the growing immigrant population, many of whom come from the Dominican Republic.
MARRIAGE
To get married in the British Virgin Islands, you will need original copies of divorce decrees (if applicable), original copy of spouse's death certificate (if applicable), stamps purchased for a marriage tax ($50 if you have been in the BVI for 15 days or more, or $110 if less) and two witnesses. You must be in the BVI for a minimum of three business days prior to the wedding service. Marriage licence applications are made at the Attorney General's Chambers in the Government Administration Complex.
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's also a government dental clinic in the Glacina George Building in Road Town.
Dr. Adamson, Crown Dental, Premier Dental, Dr. Rhymer and B&F Medical Centre provide experienced general dental services.
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 at Omar Hodge Building (with another location on Virgin Gorda); Reliance Pharmacy on Wickham's Cay 1; Vanterpool Enterprises on Wickham's Cay 1; and Qwomar Trading, Ltd., Blackburne Road.
MONEY TRANSFER
MoneyGram and Western Union provide services to receive and send money worldwide.
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.
NEWS, 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 informed with international and regional news. The BVI Welcome Magazine offers information for tourists, and Limin' Times offers a detailed Weekly Events Guide. All At Sea and Compass offer information for boaters, and the BVI Property Guide has combined with the Yacht Guide to provide information for both yachtsmen and those interested in real estate in the BVI. BusinessBVI, a business and investment magazine, is published annually. www.BVINews.com and www.BVIPlatinum.com are Internet services that provide daily news updates on 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 on Tortola, and on 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
| St. Ursula’s Day |
Mon. 19 October, 2009
(in lieu of 21 October) |
| Christmas Day |
Fri. 25 December 2009 |
| Boxing Day |
Sat. 26 December 2009 |
| New Year’s Day |
Fri. 1 January 2010 |
| H. Lavity Stoutt’s Birthday |
Mon. 1 March 2010 (in lieu of 7 March) |
| Commonwealth Day |
Mon. 8 March 2010 |
| Good Friday |
Fri. 2 April 2010 |
| Easter Monday |
Mon. 5 April 2010 |
| Whit Monday |
Mon. 24 May 2010 |
| Sovereign’s Birthday |
Sat. 12 June 2010 (to be confirmed) |
| Territory Day |
Fri. 2 July 2010 (in lieu of 1 July) ) |
| Festival Monday |
Mon. 2 August 2010 |
| Festival Tuesday |
Tues. 3 August 2010 |
| Festival Wednesday |
Wed. 4 August 2010 |
| St. Ursula’s Day |
Fri. 22 October 2010 (in lieu of 21 October) |
| Christmas Day |
Sat. 25 December 2010 |
| Boxing Day |
Mon. 27 December 2010 (in lieu of 26 December) |
Calendar of Events
| January |
Midwinter Regatta |
| February |
Annual Sweethearts of the Caribbean and Annual Classic Yacht Regatta |
| March |
BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival
Dark and Stormy Regatta |
| April |
Virgin Gorda Festival
Spanish Town Fisherman's Jamboree and Annual Wahoo Fishing Tournament |
| May |
BVI Music Festival
Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta |
| July/August |
BVI Emancipation Festival |
| December |
Christmas on Main Street
New Year’s Eve Party on Jost Van Dyke |
Please see our Events section for more events and festivals.
RADIO AND TELEVISION
Local radio stations include ZBVI (780 AM); ZKING (100.9 FM); GEM (90.9 FM); ZROD (103.7 FM); ZCCR (94.1 FM); and ZVCR (106.9 FM). Local cable channels include 1, 51, 52 and 55. Public service channels include 12 (WCJX, St. Thomas, USVI), 25 (BBC World) and 54 (C-SPAN). Broadcasts in Spanish are on Channel 4 (Puerto Rico). News and entertainment are also available 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, and there are churches on almost every corner throughout the islands. The Baha'i, 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.
SMOKING
Smoking in public places such as restaurants, bars, shopping malls, recreational facilities, offices, public transportation terminals, etc. in the BVI is forbidden, in accordance with the Tobacco Products Control Act. It is also forbidden to smoke within 50 feet of these public spaces. A person found smoking tobacco in a public place will be subject to a fine. In the BVI, it is illegal to sell cigarettes to persons who are under 18 years old.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The area code in the BVI is 284.
LIME (formerly Cable & Wireless [West Indies], Ltd.), which stands for Landline, Internet, Mobile and Entertainment, provides digital, national and international telecommunications services and broadband Internet access. 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 are also available. LIME also offers competitive wireless services, and you can purchase SIM cards, handsets and TopUp credits at locations throughout the BVI.
CCT Global Communications, the first provider of wireless communications in the BVI, offers 3G wireless broadband Internet service throughout the islands and offers CDMA and GSM roaming services, with over 140 roaming partners worldwide. CCT SIM cards are available from authorised resellers throughout the BVI.
Digicel, the newest provider of cellular phone service, also offers a range of wireless services throughout the BVI. Digicel SIM cards and TopUp credits are available at locations throughout the BVI.
There are public call boxes at various locations on the main islands, including marinas and ports of entry. In Tortola, you'll 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 the LIME offices, Road Town. Credit card calls may also be made from these public phones. Phone cards are available at the public offices on Wickham's Cay 1, Tortola and in The Valley, Virgin Gorda. Many phone card agencies have been established throughout the islands.
TIPPING
A 7 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. Most restaurants automatically include this on the bill as a service charge.
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 barbados.usembassy.gov/general_citizen_services.html.
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.
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 and St. Thomas, USVI. Charter planes are also available to the outer islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands from the airport on Beef Island.
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 hotels, 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. This is only necessary if your stay will be longer than three months. Driving is on the left hand side of the road.
Ferry Services
The main ferry boat docks on Tortola are in Road Town and at West End. 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). Ferry services to Anegada are provided on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 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 from the front desk. Taxi drivers usually provide running commentaries on local history and other useful information. The new government rates are now in effect but are subject to change because of the uncertain nature of gasoline prices. Check with your driver in advance.
Tortola
The minimum from the airport is $24 for up to three passengers. Extra passengers pay $12 each. A chartered taxi from town to any of the villages is $12, and the regular fare around town is $5. Farther out to the suburbs is $6, and the minimum fare from Road Town to West End is $24.
Tours
(two-and-a-half hours maximum) for up to three people are $60 (fixed rate) and $15 for each additional person. Waiting charges: first 10 minutes are free, and every 15 minutes, or part thereof, cost $4.
Virgin Gorda
Grand tours (one-and-a-half hours) for up to three people are $50 per tour. Each additional person is $15-20.
Jost Van Dyke
Sightseeing for complete island tour averages about $20 per person for a group of six. For smaller groups, the cost may vary.
For full details about inter-island and on island transportation, please visit Transportation section.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
| Ambulance |
999 or 911 |
| 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
| Air Sunshine |
284-495-8900 |
| American Airlines/>American Eagle |
284-495-2559 |
| Cape Air, Ltd. |
284-495-2100 |
| Caribbean Wings |
284-495-6000 |
| Fly BVI |
284-495-1747 |
| Island Birds |
284-495-2002 |
| LIAT |
284-494-1187 |
| Ocean Wings |
284-495-1059 |
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 www.bviports.org.
OTHER USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
| AA, Al-Anon |
284-494-3125 |
| BVI Red Cross |
284-494-6349 |
| BVI Tourist Board |
284-494-3134 |
| CADA (Drug Information) |
284-494-3125 |
| Chamber of Commerce/Hotel Association) |
284-494-3514 |
| 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 |
Cape Air
660 Barnstable Road, Hyannis, MA 02601
Tel: 800-352-0714; 495-2100
Fax: 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: 494-3825
Fax: 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.
Digicel BVI Ltd.
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 300-1000
Fax: 494-0111
Website: www.digicelbvi.com
Since its launch in Jamaica in 2001, Digicel has become the largest wireless telecommunications operator in the Caribbean with more than six million customers. Digicel is renowned for innovative wireless services, competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, superior customer care and community support. Digicel was launched in the BVI in November 2008 and is also a new entrant to the Central American market.
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.
Island Birds - Private Air Charter
Tortola, BVI and St. Thomas, USVI
Tel: 495-2002 (BVI); 877-515-5066 (U.S.)
Fax: 495-0143
E-mail: info@islandbirds
Website: www.islandbirds.com
Island Birds is the largest private charter airline flying on-demand throughout the Caribbean. Island Birds' fleet of luxury twin engine Pipers offer seamless jet connections, escort service through customs and immigration plus island tours and day trips. Owner-Captain Robert Lemire is a former U.S. Airways pilot who adheres to the highest FAA standards and is proud of Island Birds' perfect safety record.
LIME
P.O. Box 440, Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 494-4444
Website: www.time4lime.com
LIME (Landline, Internet, Mobile, Entertainment) is the Caribbean's leading telecommunications company, focused on building products and services that make Caribbean people's lives better. LIME's aim is to deliver the best service and the best communication services across the board, full stop. LIME is part of Cable & Wireless, one of the world's leading international communications companies.
Mahogany Car Rentals
Spanish Town, The Valley
Tel: 495-5469
Fax: 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.
Speedy's
The Valley
Tel: 495-5240
Fax: 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 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.
| 
