Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Insurance
For information on traveler's insurance, trip-cancellation insurance, and
medical insurance while traveling, visit www.frommers.com/planning.
Internet & Wi-Fi
There is limited Internet access on the major islands in the Virgin
Islands chain. The best chances for Internet access are found in St. Thomas, less so in St.
Croix, and even less so in St. John. On some of the more remote islands, you may be
completely out of luck. Your hotel remains the best bet for Internet or Wi-Fi access, as
there aren't many Internet cafes in the Virgin Islands. In Charlotte Amalie, you will find a
few small cafes that will let you use an Internet-ready computer for the price of a coffee.
Throughout the British Virgin Islands, it is difficult to find places where you can use the
Internet. Increasingly, Tortola and Virgin Gorda have Internet access, but it is still very rare
in the out islands of the B.V.I.
If your hotel is small and doesn't have Internet access, see the “Fast Facts” section of
each island chapter for specific recommendations of where to go.
Language
English is the official language of both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
Legal Aid
While driving, if you are pulled over for a minor infraction (such as speed-
ing), never attempt to pay the fine directly to a police officer; this could be construed as
attempted bribery, a much more serious crime. Pay fines by mail, or directly into the
hands of the clerk of the court. If accused of a more serious offense, say and do nothing
before consulting a lawyer. In the U.S.V.I., the burden is on the state to prove a person's
guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and everyone has the right to remain silent, whether he
or she is suspected of a crime or actually arrested. Once arrested, a person can make one
telephone call to a party of his or her choice.
LGBT Travelers
The Virgin Islands, along with Puerto Rico, are some of the most
gay-friendly destinations in the Caribbean. However, discretion is still advised in some
parts. Islanders tend to be very religious and conservative, and displays of same-sex
affection, such as hand holding, are frowned upon.
St. Thomas is the most cosmopolitan of the Virgin Islands, but it is no longer the “gay
paradise” it was in the 1960s and 1970s. Most gay vacationers now head for Frederiksted,
in St. Croix, which has more hotels and other establishments catering primarily to the gay
market, none better than the
Sand Castle on the Beach
(p. 155) or the
Palms at Pelican
Cove
(p. 150). In Charlotte Amalie, on St. Thomas, the most boisterous gay nightlife takes
place in the Frenchtown section of the city. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights
beginning at around 11pm, gay men and women flock to
Stereo,
Frenchtown Mall, 24-A
Honduras, in Frenchtown (
&
340/774-5348
), which is upstairs over the Epernay Bistro.
The B.V.I., however, still remain uptight and closeted toward gay visitors. Sometimes
when a gay man wants to let loose, he takes the boat to Charlotte Amalie.
Mail
At press time, U.S. domestic postage rates were 28¢ for a postcard and 44¢ for a
letter. For international mail, a first-class letter of up to 1 ounce costs 98¢; a first-class
postcard costs the same as a letter. For more information, go to
www.usps.com
. Always
include zip codes when mailing items in the U.S. If you don't know your zip code, visit
www.usps.com/zip4
.
If you aren't sure what your address will be in the U.S. Virgin Islands, mail can be sent
to you, in your name, c/o General Delivery at the main post office of the city or region
where you expect to be. (Call
&
800/275-8777
for information on the nearest post
office.) The addressee must pick up mail in person and must produce proof of identity
(driver's license, passport, and so on). Most post offices will hold your mail for up to 1
month, and are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, and Saturday 9am to 3pm.
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