British Virgin Islands
Travel tips for British Virgin Islands: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cards widely accepted. While hotels, restaurants, and most bars reliably accept cards, you must carry USD cash for taxis, customs fees, smaller grocery stores, and sailing expenses like mooring balls and ice.
Try the food
- Fish and Fungi: A hearty serving of tender boiled fish accompanied by a savory mash of cornmeal and okra.
- Callaloo Soup: A rich, earthy soup made from leafy dasheen greens, coconut milk, and various meats or seafood.
- Pate: A crispy, deep-fried pastry pocket stuffed with heavily spiced ground meat, saltfish, or conch.
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type A / Type B
- Voltage
- 110V, 60Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- Tap water
- Usually safe
- Emergency
- 911 / 999 (all services), 311 (police)
- SIM tip
- Pick up a local SIM card from Flow or Digicel in Road Town, or purchase a Caribbean regional eSIM online before you arrive.
Etiquette
Always greet locals with 'Good morning,' 'Good afternoon,' or 'Good evening' before asking a question or starting a transaction, as skipping this is considered highly disrespectful.