St. Thomas is a beautiful Caribbean destination with stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife, but like any travel destination, it’s important to be prepared. Whether it’s local customs, safety tips, or essential travel info, this guide will help you navigate St. Thomas with confidence!
1. Local Customs & Cultural Etiquette 🇻🇮
While St. Thomas is a U.S. territory, it has a unique island culture that blends Caribbean traditions with American influences. Here are some key customs to be aware of:
✅ Respect Local Traditions: Many residents observe religious customs, so dress modestly when visiting churches and historical sites.
✅ Island Time Is Real: The pace of life is relaxed—expect laid-back service in restaurants and shops.
✅ Tipping: Standard tipping is 15-20% at restaurants and $1-2 per bag for porters or bellhops.
💡 Pro Tip: Always be polite and patient—friendly interactions go a long way in the Virgin Islands!
2. General Safety Tips for Visitors 🔒
St. Thomas is an incredibly safe destination for tourists, but taking standard travel precautions is always recommended.
✅ Stay in Well-Lit Areas at Night: Stick to busy streets and avoid wandering alone after dark.
✅ Be Cautious with Valuables: Pickpocketing is rare, but avoid flashing expensive jewelry or leaving items unattended on the beach.
✅ Use Licensed Taxis: Only use official taxis or pre-arranged transportation, especially at night.
✅ Monitor Weather Conditions: Hurricane season runs from June to November, so check forecasts before traveling.
🚨 Emergency Numbers:
- Police: 911 (Same as the U.S.)
- Medical Emergency: Roy Lester Schneider Hospital (340-776-8311)
💡 Pro Tip: Travel insurance is a smart investment, especially for adventure activities like snorkeling or boating!
3. Driving & Transportation 🚗
Driving in St. Thomas is unique because vehicles drive on the left side of the road, despite using U.S. cars with steering wheels on the left.
✅ Drive Slowly & Stay Alert: Roads are hilly, winding, and narrow, with unexpected turns.
✅ Taxis Charge Per Person: Unlike metered taxis in the U.S., taxis in St. Thomas charge per person, not per ride—confirm the price before getting in.
✅ Rental Cars: Renting a car is a great way to explore, but be comfortable driving on the left!
🚖 Taxi Tip: Safari taxis are a popular open-air option for getting around the island cheaply!
4. Beach & Water Safety 🌊
The beaches in St. Thomas are stunning, but ocean conditions can change quickly. Follow these safety tips:
✅ Watch for Rip Currents: If caught in one, don’t fight it—swim parallel to the shore until free.
✅ Protect Marine Life: Use reef-safe sunscreen (required by local law) and avoid touching corals.
✅ Be Cautious with Beach Vendors: Most are legitimate, but avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
✅ Stay Hydrated: The Caribbean sun is intense—drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration!
💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the tide schedule—some beaches experience stronger currents in the afternoon!
5. Money, ATMs & Shopping 💰
St. Thomas uses U.S. dollars, and most places accept credit cards, but it’s good to carry cash for taxis and small vendors.
✅ ATMs Are Available but may have high withdrawal fees.
✅ Duty-Free Shopping: St. Thomas is a duty-free port—shop for jewelry, liquor, and perfumes at discounted prices!
✅ Sales Tax: There is NO sales tax in the U.S. Virgin Islands—a big perk for shoppers!
💡 Pro Tip: Check your receipts—some stores will ship purchases directly to your home for added convenience!
6. Health & Medical Tips 🏥
While St. Thomas has modern medical facilities, it’s best to come prepared.
✅ Bring Prescription Medications: Pharmacies are available, but bring enough medication for your trip.
✅ Tap Water is Safe to Drink: However, bottled water is widely available if preferred.
✅ Mosquito Protection: Use insect repellent, especially in the evening.
🚑 Closest Hospital: Roy Lester Schneider Hospital
📍 Location: Charlotte Amalie
📞 Emergency Contact: (340-776-8311)
💡 Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting remote areas, bring a basic first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic, and motion sickness tablets.
Final Thoughts: Stay Safe & Enjoy St. Thomas!
With common-sense precautions, St. Thomas is a safe and welcoming destination. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, relaxing on the beach, or shopping duty-free, keeping these tips in mind will ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip!
✈️ What’s your top travel safety tip? Share in the comments below!