British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) consist of about 50 islands, islets, and cays. Most are remarkably hilly, and all but Anegada are volcanic, having exploded from the depths of the sea some 25 million years ago. The BVI are serene, seductive, spectacularly beautiful, and still remarkably laid-back

High season has traditionally been winter, usually extending from December 15 to April 14. This is when northern weather is at its worst, not necessarily when Caribbean weather is at its best. It's also the most fashionable, the most expensive, and the most popular time to visit, and most hotels are heavily booked,

St. Thomas Airport Departure TransferEnglish is the common language of the British Virgin Islands. Hotel prices drop 20%-50% for summer (after April 15); cruise prices also fall. Saving money isn't the only reason to visit the islands during the off-season. Temperatures are only a few degrees warmer, and more and more hotels and restaurants are staying open year-round, so things aren't as dead-quiet as they used to be. September, October, and November are the least crowded, but hotel facilities can be limited, and some restaurants may be closed.

Tipping & Service Charges - Most hotels add on a 5% to 15% service charge; ask if it's already included when you're initially quoted a price. A 10% service charge is often (but not always) added on to restaurant bills; you can leave another 5% if you thought the service was unusually good. You usually don't need to tip taxi drivers, since most own their own cabs, but you can tip 10% if they've been unusually helpful.

Liquor Laws - The legal minimum age for purchasing liquor or drinking alcohol in bars or restaurants is 21. Alcoholic beverages can be sold any day of the week, including Sunday. You can have an open container on the beach, but be careful not to litter or you might be fined.

Banks- Banks are generally open Monday to Thursday 9am to 3pm, Friday 9am to 5pm. Most banks have ATMs.

Business Hours- Most offices are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Government offices are open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Shops are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

Taxes - There is no sales tax. A government tax of 7% is imposed on all hotel rooms. A $20 departure tax is collected from everyone leaving by air, $5 for those departing by ferry, and $7 for those departing by cruise ship.St Thomas Full Day Snorkel Sail

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