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General BVI Information |
Location: |
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Caribbean Sea - Part of the British West Indies in the Leeward Islands. Approximately 60 miles east of Puerto Rico. |
Coordinates: |
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Road Town, Tortola - 18.26 North - 64.37 West |
Capital: |
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Road Town, Tortola since 1741. Prior to that, the capital was based in Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda. |
Population: |
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22,417 in 2006 (estimate) |
Government: |
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Self governing, British (UK) Overseas Territory. |
Premier: |
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The Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal was
elected on August 20, 2007. The next general election to be held sometime in 2011. |
British Governor: |
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His Excellency, Governor David Pearey - appointed in April, 2006 by British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Mr. Pearey replaced Governor Thomas Macan. |
Political Parties: |
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(VIP) - Virgin Islands Party (Ruling)
(NDP) - National Democratic Party (Opposition)
(CCM) - Concerned Citizens Movement
(UP) - United Party |
Nationality: |
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British Virgin Islander |
Unofficial Designation
by Island: |
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Tortolian
Virgin Gordian
Anegadian
Jost Van Dykian |
Language: |
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English (British spellings) |
Currency: |
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US dollar |
Time Zone: |
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GMT - 4 (summer)
GMT - 5 (winter)
See: timeanddate.com |
Main Industries: |
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Tourism and Offshore Banking |
Geological: |
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Leeward Islands Archipelago (British West Indies) |
Climate: |
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Subtropical. Average Temperature 78 - 85 F. |
Hurricane Season: |
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June 1 to November 30. The majority of storm activity generally takes place in September though we have experienced hurricanes as early as July and as late as November. |
Electrical Power: |
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Standard 110 Volt (same as in the US) |
National Parks: |
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Tortola
J.R. O'Neal Botanic Garden
Mount Healthy
Queen Elizabeth Park
Sage Mountain
Virgin Gorda
Devil's Bay
Gorda Peak
Little Fort
The Baths
The Coppermine
Savannah Bay
Spring Bay
Other Islands
Cam Bay, Great Camanoe
Dead Chest Island
Diamond Cay
Fallen Jerusalem
Great Tobago and Little Tobago Islands
Prickly Pear
Sandy Cay
West Dog Island
Wreck of the Rhone (Off Salt Island) |
Banks: |
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Banco Popular
Bank of Nova Scotia
First Bank
First Caribbean Bank
Note: All four banks (located in Road Town, Tortola) have ATM machines at their branches and some have satellite ATM's in other locations on Tortola and Virgin Gorda. |
Public Holidays: |
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Please see the World Travel Guide for a list of all holidays. Please note: our offices are closed for all public holidays. |
Credit Cards: |
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Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in the islands. Some establishments will accept American Express and some businesses do not accept credit cards at all. Please check with the individual companies for specific information. |
Taxes: |
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There are no sales taxes in the BVI.
7% room tax for hotels, resorts and villas applies.
Departure tax $20.00 by air and $5.00 by sea.
Cruising tax varies by season. See yacht charter information for details. |
Hospital: |
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Peebles Hospital is located in Road Town, Tortola. Phone (284) 494-3497 |
Hyperbaric Chamber: |
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The closest hyperbaric chamber is located on St. Thomas in the USVI at:
Schneider Regional Medical Center
2nd floor - emergency
9048 Sugar Estate, St. Thomas USVI
For more information phone: (340) 776-8311 ext. 226 |
Crime: |
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Crime exists everywhere, including the British Virgin Islands. Though our crime rate is still very low in comparison to other parts of the Caribbean, please do not leave valuables or cash aboard unlocked yachts, hotel rooms or unattended on a beach. |
Churches: |
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There are several churches and many denominations in the BVI including Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Methodist, Pentecostal, Protestant, Seventh Day Adventist and a few lesser known denominations. Open for all visitors! |
Licenses and Permits: |
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Temporary Drivers Licence - $10.00
Fishing Permits - $45.00 for each person
National Parks - See Yacht Charter Information. |
Driving: |
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We drive on the left just like the British! There are several car rental agencies on each of the main islands. |
Travel Documents: |
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Passports are required for all U.S. travelers and any travelers passing through the U.S. due to legislation introduced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. |
Airports: |
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Terrance B. Lettsome International - Beef Island (EIS)
Virgin Gorda (VIJ)
Auguste George Airport - Anegada (NGD) |
Air Charter Service: |
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Caribbean Wings
Island Birds
Island Helicopters
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Other Ports of Entry: |
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Road Town and Soper's Hole, Tortola
St. Thomas Bay (Spanish Town) Virgin Gorda
Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke |
Ferry Service: |
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Tortola Fast Ferry
Smith's Ferry Service Ltd.
Native Son
Speedy's
New Horizon Ferry (Jost Van Dyke)
Ferry Schedule for all companies |
News & Media: |
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BVI Beacon
BVI Standpoint
Island Sun
Platinum News
BVI News
Limin' Times Entertainment Guide
Welcome Magazine |
Miscellaneous Info: |
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Tourist Board
Yellow Pages Online
Rotary Club |
Tips on Tipping: |
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Many hotels, restaurants and resorts include a service charge of 10 to 15% on their bills. Be sure to check to make sure you are not double tipping. Tips range from 10 to 20% depending upon service satisfaction. |
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