Discover these top 10 expert travel tips for St. Thomas & St. John!
Planning a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands? St. John and St. Thomas are both pretty amazing, but there are a few things you should know before you go. From driving on the left side of the road to taking advantage of duty-free shopping, these islands offer a mix of charm and challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first time visiting, this guide will help you avoid surprises and make the most of your trip. Now let’s get into it!
While visiting the islands, you’ll drive on the left side of the road.
People drive on the left side of the road because of historical ties to the UK. The Virgin Islands were once under British rule, and when the U.S. Virgin Islands became a U.S. territory, they kept the left-side driving rule. However, cars on the island are American made, so the steering wheel is still on the left. It can be tricky at first, but after a couple of scares or close encounters, you’ll adapt. Don’t sweat it too much!
Food is expensive.
Food costs in the Islands is higher due to the reliance on imported goods, which drives up shipping and transportation costs. Other things like limited agriculture, a small population, customs duties, and high energy costs also contribute to the higher prices. If you are a budget conscious traveler, rent an Airbnb with a kitchen to make some of your own meals like breakfast and lunch—with that said, grocery store prices are also pretty high. If you really want to get creative, consider packing a suitcase with frozen food and checking it as luggage—just make sure to follow airline guidelines!
You don’t need a passport if you’re a U.S. citizen.
You don’t need a passport to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) if you’re a U.S. citizen. As a U.S. territory, travel to the USVI is considered domestic. With that said, you’ll need to carry a valid government-issued ID. Starting in May 2025, you’ll also need a REAL ID-compliant ID, which features a star, to fly domestically within the United States.
Click here for the Virgin Islands Port Authority Website
Is there a good time to visit St. Thomas and St. John? Beware…there is a rainy season.
The rainy season in the U.S. Virgin Islands runs from May through November, with the heaviest rainfall between August and October, lining up with the Atlantic hurricane season. I have personally experienced both the rainy and dry seasons I don’t recommend visiting during the rainy season. The vibe just isn’t the same, and you miss out on the vibrant colors that make the Caribbean so amazing. See below for comparison.
Everyone has to go through customs.
You don’t need to go through customs when traveling to the USVI, as the flight is considered domestic. Though, when leaving the USVI to return to the mainland U.S., travelers must go through a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection. This is because the USVI is outside the U.S. customs territory, and customs officials need to ensure compliance with duty-free limits and other regulations. Keep in mind that fruit, vegetables, plants, and meat are not allowed to be brought into the U.S.
Your phone may ping international cell towers on St. Thomas.
This is very important! Most major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, consider the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) part of their domestic coverage area, meaning no additional roaming charges typically apply. However, when you’re near the British Virgin Islands, your phone may accidentally connect to an international cell tower, leading to unexpected roaming charges.
I learned this the hard way—I didn’t realize it was an issue until I got hit with a $300 phone bill after visiting St. Thomas and St. John. To avoid this, make sure to turn off roaming when you’re near the British Virgin Islands.
The roads are steep and narrow.
Driving on the islands is not for the weak. Not only do you drive on the left side of the road, but the roads are also narrow, steep, and winding, with sharp turns and limited visibility. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and wildlife are common, so CAUTION IS ESSENTIAL. For many, the worst part is the mountainous terrain, where roads are super steep and descend sharply. If you’re staying on St. John and renting a car, a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended.
There are no open container laws.
Drinking and driving laws in the U.S. Virgin Islands are strict and similar to those on the mainland. Driving while intoxicated is illegal, with a legal BAC limit of 0.08%. For drivers under 21, there is a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any amount of alcohol is prohibited. However, there are no open container laws, so passengers in a vehicle are allowed to have open alcoholic beverages. Regardless of the law, the challenging road conditions alone are reason enough to avoid drinking and driving.
Bring your passport if you want to visit the BVI.
If you bring your passport, you can take a trip to the British Virgin Islands. There are several ways to get there: you can take a ferry, charter a boat, or book an excursion with a tour company. Travel time varies depending on your destination, ranging from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Duty-free shopping.
The U.S. Virgin Islands offer one of the most generous duty-free allowances in the Caribbean. Visitors can bring back up to $1,600 worth of goods duty-free per person. Popular items include jewelry, alcohol, and high-end luxury products. St. Thomas, often called the “shopping capital of the Caribbean,” is a top destination for duty-free deals. Shopping in the USVI is a great opportunity to save on high-quality goods. Just be sure to keep your receipts handy for customs and stay within your personal allowance to avoid paying duties on excess
Click here for more information regarding duty free shopping
