BVI Travel Basics: Money, Electricity & Driving on the Left

Planning a trip to the British Virgin Islands? Here are a few basic BVI travel tips to know before you arrive: money, electricity, and which side of the road they drive on. First, money is simple in the BVI. The British Virgin Islands use U.S. dollars, and you will find ATMs around the islands where you can withdraw cash. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and many places also take American Express, though it is still smart to have some cash with you for smaller stops, taxis, tips, mooring balls, beach bars, or places where card machines may not be working. Electricity is also straightforward for travelers coming from the United States. The BVI uses American-style plugs and 110-volt power, so most U.S. chargers and devices will plug in normally. If you are coming from a country that uses a different plug or voltage system, bring the right adapter or converter before you arrive. Driving is the one that can surprise people. In the BVI, they drive on the left side of the road. But many vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side, like American cars, which can feel strange at first. That means the driver is often closer to the gutter side of the road rather than the center line. If you are not renting a car, it is not a big deal. But do not be surprised when you get into a taxi and it feels like they are taking off on the wrong side of the road. That is normal in the BVI. #sailing #sailboat #bvi #catamaran