St John
, USVI | Frequently Asked Questions
General Info, Travel Info, & FAQs are provided to assist with your vacation.
FAQs What is the population? The population of the USVI was 108,612 in 2000.
How big is the country/island? St Croix covers 84 sq miles; St John, 19 sq miles; and St Thomas, 32 sq miles.
Can I drink the tap water? Tap water is safe to drink in the city. Outside of main towns rainwater is collected in cisterns. Bottled water is readily available.
What are the best things to buy here? The USVI is a duty-free port and St Thomas, in particular Charlotte Amalie, has a reputation as the shopping mecca of the Caribbean. Look for duty-free luxury goods such as designer fashions, sunglasses, perfume, watches, fine jewellery, gemstones, china, porcelain, crystal, fine linens, leather goods, electronics, cameras, cigarettes and liquor. Many items cost 40% less than on the US mainland.
For souvenirs with local flavour look for locally designed jewellery and clothing, pottery and craft items.
Are there nude beaches? Nude sunbathing is against the law.
What are the main industries? The main industry is tourism. Other industries include manufacturing (petroleum refining, watch assembly, pharmaceuticals, textiles and electronics), construction, rum distilling, a small agricultural sector and a small but growing international business and financial services sector.
What is the drinking/gambling age? The legal drinking age is 18 years and the legal gambling age is 21 years.
What native dishes should I try? Local favourite dishes include fish and fungi (boiled or pan-fried red snapper or parrotfish served whole in a tomato-based Creole sauce with a side dish of cornmeal and okra), souse (pronounced like house, a soupy lime-flavoured stew made with pig's head, tail and feet), curried chicken, roast goat, callaloo (a soupy stew made with spinach, okra, local greens and meat and/or seafood), conch (pronounced konk) in butter sauce, conch fritters, patés (fried pastry filled with spicy ground beef, conch or salted cod), red-pea (kidney bean) soup, lobster, wahoo, grouper, mahi mahi, tuna, fried plantains and johnny cake (unleavened fried bread).
For dessert try coconut or guava tart, soursop ice cream, rum cake or bread pudding.
Can I use my calling card from here? Directory assistance, 913
AT&T: Service is available using AT&T Calling Cards, AT&T Corporate Cards, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. Dial 1-800-CALL-ATT + area code + local number and follow the voice prompts.
BT: Dial 1-800-85-44-826, input your account number and PIN, then dial the number you require.
Canada Direct: Dial 1-800-496-0008 for direct access to a Canadian operator. Service is available with calling cards from Bell, MTS, Aliant, SaskTel and Telus.
MCI MinutePass: Dial the access number on the back of the card.
Sprint: Dial 1-800-877-8000 and follow the prompts.
For more information see the section in General Info: Telecommunications.
How should I dress to go out? Dress in the USVI is casual chic and lightweight clothing is appropriate. It is against the law (enforced with a penalty fine of $1,500) to wear bathing suits or to go shirtless in public areas other than the beach or pool. You should bring a light sweater/jacket for evenings. Upscale restaurants my require jackets and ties.
Can I use my hair dryer and electric shaver? Electricity is 120 volts, 60 cycles, which is the same as in North America. Power surges do occur so you may wish to use a surge protector with sensitive appliances.
How much should I tip? Tip about 15%. Some hotels and restaurants automatically add your tip to the bill so check first as it is not necessary to leave more.
Disclaimer:
Information is provided as a service to visitors and is updated regularly. All information should be verified prior to travel.
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