Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
COMMITMENT CEREMONIES FOR
gay &
lesbian
TRAVELERS
When there's a request for a commit-
ment ceremony on St. Croix, all eyes
turn to
the Palms at Pelican Cove
(p. 150), a former “gay but straight-
friendly” resort which, under new own-
ers, still thoughtfully maintains an open
attitude among its diverse guests.
Ceremonies are usually performed at
sunset, on a photogenic stretch of
white-sand beach. From there, it's an
easy walk to the bar and restaurant for
after-ceremony celebrations. The Palms
has access to three or four spiritualists/
theologians, one of whom is a sea cap-
tain. The commitment ceremonies are
not legally binding, and their legalities
have not yet been tested in the courts.
7
THE VIRGIN
ISLANDS
Area Codes
The area code for the U.S.V.I. is
340;
in the B.V.I., it's
284.
You can dial
direct from North America; from outside North America, dial 001, plus the number for the
U.S.V.I., and 011-44 plus the number for the B.V.I.
Automobile Organizations
Motor clubs will supply maps, suggested routes,
guidebooks, accident and bail-bond insurance, and emergency road service. The
Ameri-
can Automobile Association (AAA)
is the major auto club in the United States. If you
belong to a motor club in your home country, inquire about AAA reciprocity before you
leave. You may be able to join AAA, even if you're not a member of a reciprocal club; to
inquire, call AAA (
&
800/222-4357;
www.aaa.com). AAA has a nationwide emergency
road service telephone number (
&
800/AAA-HELP
[222-4357]).
Business Hours
See “Fast Facts” in individual island chapters for information on
business hours.
Car Rental
See “Getting Around,” above.
Crime
See “Safety,” later in this section.
Customs
Every visitor to the U.S.V.I. 21 years of age or older may bring in, free of duty,
the following: (1) 1 liter of wine or hard liquor; (2) 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars (but not
from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and (3) $100 worth of gifts. These exemp-
tions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who
have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is altogether forbidden to bring
into the country foodstuffs (particularly fruit, cooked meats, and canned goods) and
plants (vegetables, seeds, tropical plants, and the like). Foreign tourists may carry in or
out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be
declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which includes filing form CM 4790. For
details regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate, or
U.S. Customs
(
&
800/232-5378;
www.cbp.gov).
Visitors to the B.V.I. can bring in food, with the exception of meat products that are not
USDA-approved. Visitors can bring up to $10,000 in currency and 1 liter of alcohol per
person.
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