|
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: 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. Banco Popular closes at 2:00 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’ll find that most businesses open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Most merchant stores are closed on Sundays. 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
Many BVI establishments accept credit cards, generally MasterCard or Visa; some, but not all, take American Express. There are several ATM machines on Tortola located in Road Town, Cane Garden Bay, West End, Nanny Cay and at the Airport in Beef Island, as well as in The Valley 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 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 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 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.
INTERNET
There are several places throughout the islands that offer Internet access. Most have 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; Serendipity Internet Cafe and Bookstore on Main Street and 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 (bvitouristboard.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.
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); Vanterpool Enterprises on Wickham’s Cay 1; and Qwomar Trading, Ltd., Blackburne Road.
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. Business BVI, a business and investment magazine, is published annually. www.BVINews.com and www.BVIPlatinum.com are Internet services that provide daily news updates about 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, at 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 the larger sister islands. Most hotels and resorts offer daily mail pick-ups. British 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
| Festival Monday |
Mon. 4 August, 2008 |
| Festival Tuesday |
Tues. 5 August, 2008 |
| Festival Wednesday |
Wed. 6 August, 2008 |
| St. Ursula’s Day |
Mon. 20 October, 2008
(in lieu of 21 October) |
| Christmas Day |
Thurs. 25 December, 2008 |
| Boxing Day |
Fri. 26 December, 2008 |
| New Year’s Day |
Thurs. 1 January, 2009 |
| H. Lavity Stoutt’s Birthday |
Mon. 2 March, 2009
(in lieu of 7 March) |
| Commonwealth Day |
Mon. 9 March, 2009 |
| Good Friday |
Fri. 10 April, 2009 |
| Easter Monday |
Mon. 13 April 2009 |
| Whit Monday |
Mon. 1 June 2009 |
| Sovereign’s Birthday |
Sat. 13 June, 2009
(to be confirmed) |
| Territory Day |
Fri. 3 July, 2009
(in lieu of 1 July) |
| Festival Monday |
Mon. 3 August, 2009 |
| Festival Tuesday |
Tues. 4 August, 2009 |
| Festival Wednesday |
Wed. 5 August, 2009 |
| St. Ursula’s Day |
Mon. 19 October, 2009
(in lieu of 21 October) |
| Christmas Day |
Fri. 25 December, 2009 |
| Boxing Day |
Mon. 28 December, 2009
(in lieu of 26 December) |
Calendar of Events
| March |
BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival |
| April |
Virgin Gorda Festival |
| 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 (100.9FM); GEM (90.9 FM); ZROD (103.7 FM); ZCCR (94.1 FM); and ZVCR (106.9 FM). Local cable channels include 1, 2, 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.
MARRIAGE
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
Planning to get married in the British Virgin Islands requires original copies of divorce decrees, original copy of spouse’s death certificate (if applicable) and stamps purchased for marriage tax ($50 if you have been in the BVI for 15 days or more, or $110 if less). You must be in the BVI for a minimum of three days prior to the wedding service. Marriage licence applications are made at the Attorney General’s Office in the Government Administration Complex.
SMOKING
Smoking in public places such as restaurants, bars, shopping malls, recreational facilities, offices, public transportation terminals, etc. is forbidden in the BVI, 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
Cable & Wireless (West Indies), Ltd. 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. The area code in the BVI is 284. bMobile, a Cable and Wireless company, offers competitive wireless services, and you can purchase SIM cards, handsets and TopUp credit at locations throughout the BVI.
CCT Global Communications is the first provider of wireless communications in the BVI. It offers 3G wireless broadband Internet service throughout the islands, and provides CDMA and GSM roaming services, with over 140 roaming partners worldwide. CCT SIM cards are available from authorized resellers throughout the BVI.
Digicel has also been granted a licence to provide cellular phone service.
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 Cable and Wireless 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.
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.
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.
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 United States Virgin Islands from the Airport in 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 required if staying over one month). 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 $3. Farther out to the suburbs is $6, and the minimum fare from Road Town to West End is $15.
Tours
(Two-and-a-half hours maximum) For up to three people, $50 (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 $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 Wings |
284-495-6000 |
| Island Birds |
284-495-2002 |
| 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 284-495-2100
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.
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.
Voyage Escapes
Tel: 284-494-0740, 284-540-9000 (Day Sail Mobile)
VOYAGE Charters, BVI
E-mail: bvi@voyagecharters.com
Website: www.voyagecharters.com
Bay View Inn & Marina
E-mail: bvi@voyagecharters.com
Website: www.multihillmarina.com
Day Sail BVI Mystique
E-mail: daysailbvi@voyagecharters.com
Website: www.daysailbvi.com
Spectacular day trips and sunset cruises aboard the Mystique. Bay View Inn: Hotel rooms with charm, comfort and beautiful views. Magical Soper Hole's Marina, Frenchman's Cay West End: Home of VOYAGE Charters, luxury catamarans (crewed and bare boat).
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.
| 
