US Virgin Islands Basic Guide For Business Traveller

Time: GMT 4.

Electricity: 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-flat-pin plugs are standard.

Language: English is the official language. Spanish, Creole and some French are also spoken.

Health: Health risks include hepatitis A and dengue fever. Only bottled water should be drunk outside the major towns. Medical facilities are of a high standard, but health insurance is vital as medical care is very expensive.
Tipping: Tipping of 15 to 20% percent is customary for good service. Some hotels and restaurants automatically add a service charge and room tax.

Safety: Normal precautions apply, especially in the back streets of towns at night. Don't leave valuables lying on the beach when snorkelling or swimming.

Business: Industry in the US Virgin Islands is based primarily around tourism though petroleum refining takes place off St. Croix. Like many other Caribbean countries, things are pretty relaxed, and formal business attire is not considered necessary as the climate makes this quite uncomfortable. The people are friendly and polite and shaking hands is common with introductions for men and women; business cards are handed out at introductions. Business hours are typically 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with lunch breaks around 12pm.

Communications: The international country code for the US Virgin Islands is +1 340 and the code for dialling out internationally is 011 (followed by the relevant country code, for example 01144 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not required. The AT & T Wireless GSM 1900 mobile network covers the islands. Internet cafes are available in the main resorts.

Duty Free: Travellers to the Virgin Islands who are residents of the USA follow the same regulations that apply to the United States. Gifts and alcohol brought into the Virgin Islands by non-residents are not exempt from duty.