Last update: 22 Oct 2026
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U.S. Virgin Islands Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
U.S. Virgin Islands – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
110 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payment options are widely available, particularly in tourist areas. Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in the United States Virgin Islands. A 15-20% tip is standard in restaurants. Taxi drivers and hotel staff also appreciate small tips. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, but consumption outside of these areas may be subject to fines. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces. There are designated outdoor smoking areas in many locations. |
| Christmas (25–26 Dec) |
A major holiday, expected to be crowded with tourists |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (1 Jan) |
A popular time for travel with festivities and events |
| Carnival (late April-May) |
A vibrant celebration with parades and cultural events |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | |
| Other: | The United States Virgin Islands offer excellent beaches and water activities, as well as opportunities for hiking, snorkelling, and cultural exploration. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands
Hurricane season June to November, most dangerous August to October; travel insurance strongly advised
Many hotels, restaurants and charter boats close for several weeks in September and October
St. Thomas Carnival: late April to early May, with parades and street parties
Don't miss
- 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Magens Bay Beach
- 🤿 Snorkel the vibrant coral reefs at Trunk Bay
- 🥾 Hike the scenic Reef Bay Trail and visit ruins
- 🐠 Explore marine life at Coral World Ocean Park
- 🏰 Discover historic forts in Charlotte Amalie harbor
- ⛵ Take a catamaran tour around St. John’s coastline
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to U.S. Virgin Islands?
Visitors flock to the U.S. Virgin Islands for their idyllic beaches, vibrant coral reefs and outdoor activities like snorkeling, sailing and hiking. St. John’s Virgin Islands National Park offers pristine nature while St. Thomas boasts lively shopping and nightlife. Despite its beauty, high tourism demand makes some popular spots crowded and prices can be steep. Travelers should also be mindful of typical Caribbean weather including hurricane season from June to November.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Saint Thomas
A Caribbean jewel where historic plantations, vibrant beaches and duty-free shopping attract visitors year-round. The island feels lively in popular areas, yet head inland or to quieter coasts for calm waters and peaceful sunsets that offer plenty of relaxation.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
-
1
Main Street
🎈Events
-
St. Thomas Carnival
-
St. John Festival
-
Crucian Christmas Festival
-
Emancipation Day Celebrations
-
Regatta on St. Croix
-
Island Roots Music Festival
-
Virgin Islands Food & Wine Festival
-
St. Croix Agricultural Fair
-
Dolphin Derby
-
Jazz on the Green
Knowledge before you go
- Carry a valid passport; U.S. Virgin Islands require it for all travelers.
- Check the latest travel advisories and weather forecasts before departure, as hurricanes can affect flights and accommodations.
- Book accommodation early during peak season (December to April) to secure better rates and availability.
- Explore local markets in Charlotte Amalie for authentic crafts, but be aware of high tourist prices; bargaining is uncommon.
How to travel to U.S. Virgin Islands
The main airport is Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas with flights from U.S. mainland and international hubs. St. Croix has Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, also with domestic flights. Ferries connect the islands. Planning transport between islands is essential.
Access summary
- St. Thomas (STT): Direct flights from US cities; Miami, NYC.
- St. Croix (STX): Flights from Miami, Atlanta; ferries from STT.
- St. John: Ferry from St. Thomas (STT); no airport.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in U.S. Virgin Islands
Accommodation ranges from luxury beachfront resorts and villas to budget hotels and guesthouses. St. John is more relaxed with eco-lodges, while St. Thomas offers vibrant resort options. Booking in advance is advised during peak season.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around U.S. Virgin Islands
Car rentals and taxis are the main transportation options on the islands. Ferry services operate frequently between St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Public bus transport is limited, so private vehicles or organized tours are preferred.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in U.S. Virgin Islands are around 33% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
The U.S. Virgin Islands are generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas. Staying vigilant with personal belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night is recommended.
Health & Medical
Basic medical services are available on major islands, with hospitals in St. Thomas and St. Croix. Travelers should have health insurance and be cautious of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies; many resorts and urban areas have accommodations and facilities, but natural terrain can make some sites less accessible. Planning ahead is advisable.
Tap water
Tap water is generally safe to drink on the islands, though bottled water is commonly preferred, especially by visitors. Hydration is easy with many public water refill points.
Packing recommendations for U.S. Virgin Islands
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
for the wet season
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
🤿
Snorkelling gear
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
📷
Waterproof camera
📃
Travel insurance
👕
Quick-dry clothing
👛
Cash in multiple currencies
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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