Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE OFFSHORE BANKING BIZ
Besides sailing, the BVI's other renowned business is sheltering companies from
taxes. It has rivals in the trade - the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Switzerland - but it
also has a specialty: offshore incorporation. According to a recent survey done by
KPMG, around 41% of all the offshore companies in the world can be found in the
BVI. To look at it another way: this population of 25,000 people hosts 450,000 active
registered companies. Road Town is the hub for the trade, and the many 'trust com-
panies' you see around are the agents that form and administer offshore entities. For
around $1500, they'll fill out the paperwork and put you in business, too.
Tours
Almost all taxi drivers will do island tours. Expect to pay around $65 or $70 for a two-hour
drive. If you're arriving by ferry, there's a taxi stand to the right of the dock.
Sleeping
Road Town does have a couple of lower-priced options, but remember: you get what you
pay for here. A 7% hotel tax is added to bills. Higher-end places also tack on a 10% service
charge.
Hummingbird House
B&B $$
( 284-494-0039;
www.hummingbirdbvi.com
; Pasea; r incl breakfast $140-155;
)
This is a real B&B (the BVIs' only one), run by long-time UK transplant
Yvonne. Tile floors, batik decor and thick towels fill the four breezy rooms; you'll feel
like you're staying in a friend's big ol' guest room. Breakfast is a full cooked affair served
poolside. There are surcharges to use the air-conditioner (per night $20) and internet (per 30
minutes $5), though wi-fi access is free. Hummingbird is located in the leafy Pasea neigh-
borhood (near Wickhams Cay 2), a 25-minute walk from town, or $5 cab ride.
