Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Driver's License
You can drive in the islands using a valid license from your home country. In the BVI, a
temporary license is required if you're staying longer than 30 days; any car-rental agency
can provide the paperwork.
Fuel
Gasoline stations generally stay open until 7pm or so and sell fuel by the gallon. At press
time, the price was about $4 per gallon, pretty much on par with the US mainland. You can
use credit cards for fuel purchases on some islands but not others (such as St John). Many
gas stations still have attendants who pump the fuel.
Insurance
» Liability insurance is required in the Virgin Islands, but isn't always included in rental
contracts as it's assumed drivers are covered under their personal auto insurance. Check
carefully.
» A Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which insures against damage to the car, is usually
optional. Some credit cards cover CDW for a certain rental period, if you use the card to
pay for the rental, and decline the policy offered by the rental company.
» Always check with your credit card issuer and your personal auto insurance company to
see what coverage it offers in the Virgin Islands.
Rental
To rent a car in the Virgin Islands you generally need to:
» be at least 25 years old
» hold a valid driver's license
» have a major credit card
Cars cost between $55 and $85 per day. If you're traveling in peak season, it's wise to re-
serve a couple months in advance, as supplies are limited. Vehicle types vary:
» On St Thomas and St Croix, most companies offer modern Japanese sedans. A small
sedan is perfectly adequate for most conditions; a big car is a liability on the islands'
crowded streets and winding roads.
