St. John from A to Z
ATMs: The island offers around 50 ATMs at bank
branches, transportation centers, shopping centers and other convenient
spots throughout the island.
Area Code: 340
Banks: Bank of Nova Scotia, Citibank, Banco
Popular, Bank of St. Croix, First Bank Puerto Rico, Virgin Island
Community Bank. Banks on St. John are open from 9 AM –3 PM Mon.-Thursday
and from 9 AM-5 PM on Fridays.
Boating: The waters around the U.S. Virgin Islands
are so crystal clear that many visitors elect to explore the islands
islets and cays by boat. The island offers many vessels to choose from
and countless coves and bays invite a variety of vessels from day and
evening sails to charter yacht rentals.
Climate: Warm and sunny temperatures between 75ºF
and 90ºF (24ºC-32ºC) year round. During the winter, the nights are
slightly cooler, so it may be a good idea to bring a cotton sweater.
Cell phones: Your U.S. cellular phone company at
home must have a contractual agreement with Sprint or Cingular Wireless
or must be a Sprint or Cingular Wireless carrier. Check with your U.S.
or Canadian cell phone company before you depart. If your cellular
company is associated with Sprint or Cingular, then there will probably
be roaming charges applicable in the U.S. Virgin Islands that you must
pay if you use your cell phone on St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix. If
your cellular company does not have an agreement with Cingular, then
your cell phone will probably not work on the islands either.
Customs & Duty-Free Allowances: U.S. Citizens
duty-free allowances: Departing citizens whose stay is in excess of 48
hours may on their return take back, free of duty, articles totaling up
to US $1,200 (based on the retail value of the items in the country of
purchase). A family of four, then, would be able to bring home $4,800 in
duty-free items. Additionally, you may bring home up to 4 liters of
liquor per adult or 5 liters if the 5th bottle is either Cruzan Rum,
Chococo or Southern Comfort, all of which are made in the USVI. and are
duty-free. Loose precious gems (diamonds, rubies, emeralds and
sapphires) are completely duty-free no matter what the cost (as long as
the stone is loose and not in a setting). Additionally, there is a
duty-free allowance of 5 cartons of cigarettes and 100 cigars.
Currency: The U.S. Dollar is used throughout the
territory as well as the neighboring British Virgin Islands. Major
credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted as well.
Deep-Sea Fishing: Vast arrays of big game fish
live in the oceans surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands. Indeed, fishing
from the U.S. Virgin Islands is synonymous with blue marlin
angling-especially from June through October. Four 1,000 pound blue
marlins, including three world records have been caught on the famous
North Drop, which is located approximately 20 miles north of St. Thomas.
Several different companies on the island offer guided St. John fishing
excursions with a focus on the big game fish like marlin, sailfish,
dolphin fish/mahi mahi and Wahoo. Both half day and full day excursions
are available.
Departure Tax: None
Documentation/Personal ID: Proof of citizenship
such as passport (photo ID) or original birth certificate (raised seal,
certified copy) for U.S. and Canadian citizens. European travelers and
those from other areas must present a passport to enter the USVI or BVI.
If a visa is required for U. S. entry, it will be required for the USVI.
Visas are not required for stays under 6 months in the BVI, as long as
an outgoing ticket is presented.
Dress: Dress is casual chic, meaning not too
casual and definitely not "slob"! While on the street, it is actually
illegal to go shirtless or to wear a swimsuit only. The same holds true
for island stores as well; swim wear should be confined to the beach or
pools. Bikini tops are also a no-no when shopping downtown, and shirts
must be worn in all other public buildings and banks. Otherwise, the
local dress code requires only casual lightweight clothing. Nights and
evenings can sometimes be cool, so a sweater or light jacket could be
needed and is a good idea to pack when preparing for your trip to
Horizons Cottage. Some upscale restaurants and casinos may require men
to wear a jacket (but no tie), in such places you'll probably want to
cover up even more to be comfortable in the omnipresent
air-conditioning. Topless sunbathing is not acceptable in most resort
areas, although there are some secluded beaches which do "look the other
way."
>>>Nude bathing is illegal throughout the USVI!<<<
Electrical current: 110 volts, 60
cycles - the same as in the United States.
Embassies: There are no embassies in the USVI. If you have a problem or
need assistance, go to the local police station. Assistance will be
offered or you will be directed to whoever can provide the help you
need.
Farms: St. John once was covered with sugar cane
plantations, but those times are long gone, which is one of the reasons
why the former Danish owners sold the place to the U.S. so many moons
ago (see next bullet point). Nonetheless, some people in the Coral Bay
area are interested in trying their hand at farming, and a
government-sponsored program is set to begin in 2008/9 to help support
them.
General Information - Government & Standard of Living: St. John (with
all the U.S. Virgin Islands) was purchased from Denmark in 1917 for $25
million and remains an unincorporated territory of the United States.
Although Virgin Islanders do not have a vote in the U.S. national
elections, they vote for their own governor, lieutenant governor and the
members of the legislature. Additionally, they elect their
representatives in Washington who lobby on their behalf.
Golf: There are no golf courses on St. John. The
closest golf course is on nearby St. Thomas at the Mahogany Run Golf
Course.
Governor: Currently, it's John deJongh, Jr.
Grocery Shopping: Visitors will find St. John's
stores and mini-markets well stocked and offering a huge variety of
exotic and distinguished specialty foods for the good life. The island
boasts four stateside-style mini-markets that provide a more than
adequate supply of fresh and frozen meats, staples and an array of basic
frozen and canned goods. The island also has a gourmet/health food
store, a produce store, an excellent bakery and a great deli. Generally,
the small savings in cost is not worth the aggravation and loss of
vacation time that a trip to a St. Thomas supermarket entails.
Highest point: Bordeaux Mountain, 1,277 feet above
sea level
Internet Access: The following companies offer
Internet access in the islands: VIAccess, VIPowernet, AOL &
AT&T. Note: WebTV does not work on St. John, nor does the MSN Network.
Internet Cafes: Cyber Celtic Café/Quiet Mon Pub:
Cruz Bay, www.quietmon.com, Phone:
(340) 779-4799
Language: The official language is English spoken
although islands residents often speak it with a Creole or West Indian
lilt.
Local Hazards: Black Sea Urchins
(photo at right, click to enlarge). These spiny creatures live on the
sea bed or coral reefs and have needle-like spines that can penetrate
rubber fins, clothing and skin. If stepped on or handled, spine tip
often break off and cause hours of discomfort. What to do if stung:
- Immerse the wound in
nonscalding hot water to tolerance.
- Carefully remove any readily visible spines. Do not dig
around in the skin to fish them out — this risks crushing the spines and
making them more difficult to remove. Purple or black markings in the
skin immediately after a sea urchin encounter do not necessarily
indicate the presence of a retained spine fragment. - -
If there are still black markings after 48 to 72 hours, then a spine
fragment is likely present. If the sting is caused by a species with
pincer organs, use hot-water immersion, then apply shaving cream or a
soap paste and shave the area.
- Seek the care of a physician if you feel spines have
been retained in the hand or foot, or near a joint.
The Jack Spaniard wasp (photo at right, click to enlarge)
is another local critter you may want to avoid. Its sting can be quite
painful and even deadly under certain circumstances.
The Brown recluse spider (photo at right, click to enlarge).
The most recognized feature of the Brown Recluse spider is violin
pattern on the top side of the spider near the head. Brown Recluse
Spider bites can make the victim very sick.
Local foods: Local favorites you may not have
heard of before are salt fish (fish that has been salted for
preservation and boiled to rehydrate), patés (fried breads with meat
fillings), fungi (a corn dumpling), dumpling (thick flour dumpling),
lobster (Caribbean), stewed mutton (soup), conch (an island delicacy
often added to fritters), plantains (similar to a banana, but not
sweet), Johnny cake (fried unleavened bread), and green sweet potatoes
(which taste similar to orange sweet potatoes, but are not as heavy).
Location: St. John is located approximately 1,500
southeast of New York City.
Marriages & Weddings: Getting married on St. John is relatively easy.
Couples should apply for applications through the Territorial Court of
the Virgin Islands, Box 70, St. Thomas, USVI, 00804 or call (340)
774-6680. There is an eight-day waiting period required upon receipt of
the notarized application in the islands. The waiting period, however,
may be waived at the discretion of the judge if the couple’s documents
are in order.
Medical Assistance: General Practitioner/Family
Practice - Doctors Clayton & Hartshorn, Boulon Center, Cruz Bay, Tel.
(340) 776-6739; Obstetrics and Gynecology - Dr. Leo Sorger, Harbor
Village, Cruz Bay, Tel. (340) 693-7444 (Board Certified Obstetrician &
Gynecologist offering Complete OB-GYN Services. Accepts Blue Cross &
Blue Shield of the VI, Visa, MC, Amex.) Note: These physicians
are listed only for informational purposes. Their listing here does not
imply or constitute a reference or a recommendation by this website.
Newspapers: The local newspapers are the Daily
News, The Tradewinds, and the Island Trader.
Parking in Cruz Bay: Available parking in Cruz Bay
will vary with the time of day and is usually jammed. For shopping, part
in either Wharfside Village or behind Mongoose Junction. While there is
no metered or pay parking on the island, please note that the time
restrictions and handicapped parking spaces are strictly enforced.
Regular parking tickets range between $25 and $50 with handicapped
violations being upwards of $1000.00!
Population: 3,300 year-round residents; many more
during tourist season
Postage Stamps: Mail is delivered via U.S. Postal Service with the same
postage rates.
Queen - sorry, wrong island! You'll need to visit
the British Virgin Islands for one of those...
Road Hazards - they do exist! Wild
donkeys and wild goats abound! Be cautious when driving anywhere,
especially in more out of the way places on St. John. Known for
appearing quite suddenly, they can be quite the road hazard! According
to the book St. John On Foot And By Car, donkeys used to be the main
method of transportation on St. John. Now they are feral and roam all
over the island, annoying many locals and visitors by rooting through
gardens and raiding and sometimes destroying campsites. Feel free to
take pictures of them from a safe distance or from the safety of your
car, but don't try to pet or feed them! Remember, they're wild and have
been known to kick and/or bite even the best-intentioned souls...
Sun Protection: The Caribbean sun is strong! Be
careful when you are in the sun, particularly during late morning & the
early afternoon hours. Each year, 2.5 million tourists visit the Virgin
Islands wanting to go home with a suntan. However, many get burnt on
their first day due to the cooling effects of the trade winds, not
realizing how much sun they are really getting. It is very important to
limit your sunbathing at first (10 min) to see how your skin takes to
the local sun, and only gradually increase the length of exposure to the
sun's rays. Even those with dark complexions should be cautious,
sunburns can be painful. A good rule of thumb is to stay out of the sun
from 11am to 2pm to avoid the highest concentration of UV rays. As a
precaution keep yourself and your children especially well protected
with a high factor of sun screen or clothing, paying particular
attention to the top of the head (wear a hat), the nose, the backs of
the knees, ears and the tops of the feet. When snorkeling, always wear
some sort of protective T-shirt to protect your shoulders & back
Taxes/Duty: There are no sales or luxury taxes, and U.S. citizens are
allowed a $1,200 duty-free shopping allowance per person - twice that of
any other Caribbean island and three times that of European countries.
In addition to this exemption, shoppers may also mail home to friends
and relatives one duty-free gift per day (other than perfume, liquor or
tobacco) worth $100 or less.
Telephone service: As in the U.S., toll-free numbers can be accessed
from anywhere on St. John. To make a long distance call from St. John to
countries which have a country code of '1' including the USA, Canada,
Hawaii and most Caribbean countries, you must first dial 1 + Area Code +
Telephone Number. For all other countries, including Europe and the Far
East, dial 011 + Country Code + Area Code + Telephone Number. The area
code for the British Virgin Islands is 284. Phone cards in denominations
of $5, $10, $15 and $20, can be purchased throughout the islands to
allow you long distance calling from any phone.
Time Zone: St. John is in the Atlantic Time zone,
which is one hour ahead of U.S. Eastern time. The island does not
observe daylight savings time.
Tipping: Baggage handlers are normally tipped up
to $1.00 per bag depending on the weight and size of the item. All
restaurants expect a standard tip of 15% and some will even expect as
much as 20%. Many may add this automatically onto your bill. Even if
they do, if service was truly exceptional and above and beyond the call
of duty, an additional gratuity is not unheard of or unusual. Taxi
drivers also expect a tip, especially if you expect the driver to help
with your luggage. Tipping is also appreciated on all guided tours and
yacht charters, day sails, fishing tours, etc., normally at the end of
the tour.
Topography: St. John is 9 miles long and 4 miles
wide with a total area of 20 square miles. It is mountainous with a
majority (86%) of the land surface consisting of wooded slopes rising to
1,277 feet at Bordeaux Mountain and features a very irregular coastline
of fabulous beaches tucked between the many bays and coves.
Tourist Board Contact Information: USA/New York
Office: (212) 372.USVI
Toxic Plants: Even though the island is
close to paradise according to just about everyone, it has a few nasties
you should be on the lookout for. Among the worst: The manchineel tree
(at right, click to enlarge), also known as the poison guava or death
apple. Contact with the manchineel tree can cause severe medical
problems such as blistering, burns, and inflammation when in contact
with the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. The leaves, bark, sap and
fruit of the tree are all poisonous. Eating the fruit, which has a very
sweet smell and a pleasant taste, can be deadly. Swallowing even a tiny
amount of the fruit will cause blisters and swelling in the mouth and
throat. Standing under the tree is hazardous if it is raining. The water
passing through the leaves and fruit will cause burns and blisters if it
comes in contact with your skin. Cutting this tree will cause the sap to
squirt. Contact with this will cause blisters. Burning this tree results
in the sap being carried in the smoke and this will affect the eyes and
skin of people in the vicinity. If sap (or smoke from the burning tree)
enters the eyes it can lead to blindness. Carib Indians used the sap of
this tree to poison their darts and were known to poison the water
supply of their enemies with the leaves. As a form of torture they would
tie victims to this tree and leave them exposed to the elements
(especially rain). The only animal that is known to be able to eat the
fruit of this tree without risk is a species of land crab. The Christmas
bush (at left above, click to enlarge) is another one to avoid. Contact
with it will produce a nasty itchy rash.
USVI facts and history - go
here.
Virgin Islands anthem - yes, there is one! If your
sound system is on, you can click on the arrow on the screen above and
it will play for you...
Water for Drinking:
Local water is safe to drink, but for those who have
delicate stomachs, it may be wise to drink bottled water.
Xpensive? Because St. John is still relatively un-touristy, and many
parts of the island are not easily accessible to day-trippers and those
without transportation, a stay on St. John doesn't have to be expensive.
It's all up to you.
Yacht charters: A great way to spend some quality time at non-touristy
beaches, snorkeling, diving, swimming, sunning, deep-sea fishing, or
just plain relaxing on the water. Naturally, we recommend our own yacht,
the Shakti, but then again, we may be just a little biased!
Zoo: Gotcha! There is no zoo on St. John!
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