America's Paradise - St. Croix USVI Real Estate and Vacation Listings

Relocating to St. Croix - A Personal Experience

Have a Garage Sale

Moving to St. Croix from off-island can be expensive if not well planned. Think very carefully of what you actually are going to need on the island. Have a garage sale or tag sale and sell all of those items that are either truly unnecessary or are old and would have to be replaced soon anyway. Remember what doesn't sell can be donated for a tax deduction! Maybe it's just a great time to start distributing some of those family heirlooms to your children and their homes. It's always a good idea to distribute family pictures among different members of your family to avoid a complete loss due to a disaster such as flood or fire.

Vehicles

If you are planning to ship one or more vehicles to the island, there are reliable shipping companies who will transport your vehicle. I personally used Tropical Shipping which has a port in Palm Beach Florida. They can also help arrange for the overland transport of your vehicle from anywhere in the U.S. to their Palm Beach port. The number for Tropical Shipping is 1-800-367-6200. You will be able to transport some items inside your vehicle, but it is usually limited to what you can fit into your trunk (27 cubic feet). They will provide container shipping, for a fee, for additional belongings you wish to ship to the island. Weight and size are key factors in determining the shipping charges. Tropical Shipping can arrange to process your car through U.S. Customs in the United States before it is shipped (three business day process). Be prepared to pay extra for insurance, which is optional. Once your vehicle arrives at the container port in St. Croix, you will be required to pick up your vehicle and clear it through U.S. Customs again. First, however, a highway user's tax will need to be paid at the Revenue Bureau prior to processing the paperwork through U.S. Customs and the release of your vehicle by the carrier. There may be an extra fee (duty) for any vehicle not manufactured in the United States. I found this out the hard way when I was informed that my Ford Contour was actually built in Mexico!

Shipping

We shipped everything else via USPS, either priority mail or regular mail. It is generally a good idea to insure all packages for the value of your contents. Priority mail usually takes 3-5 days to arrive from the United States and regular mail can take 3-4 weeks. Pricing for these options can be viewed on the USPS website: www.usps.com. The island is also serviced by Federal Express and UPS, but we found the pricing to be substantially higher. We had great luck with the USPS! I would advise lining all of your boxes with plastic garbage bags and double taping the corners of your boxes for extra security. We did find some of the boxes to be damp upon arrival.

Pets

Make sure you check with the airlines and follow their regulations and guidelines regarding the transportation of your pet. The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) does not have a quarantine requirement, but you do want to obtain a "good health" certificate from your veterinarian. There are excellent veterinarians on the island, and pet supply stores which carry virtually every brand of pet food and supplies. One recommendation our vet made for our dog (only outside for walks) was to take heart worm and flea/ tick preventative medication all year around. You may want to get a year's supply of medication before you come to the island and avoid that extra visit to the veterinarian. Our dog made the transition from Michigan to St. Croix just fine. He enjoys his daily walks, and can count on wonderful weather most every day!!!

On the Island

Identification

Your state side drivers license is valid in St. Croix, though Public Safety requires you to apply for a USVI drivers license if you are staying long term in the islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands relies heavily on your Social Security card for identification. If you have misplaced your original card, it would be a good idea to get a new one issued before your move. You can obtain one on the island, but it is just another line to wait in.

Vehicle Registration

You have approximately 5 days to get your vehicle registered and purchase USVI license plates. To register your vehicle, you will need proof of insurance in the USVI (most state-side insurers do not write policies in the USVI), original title for your vehicle, a valid drivers license, safety inspection, and your Social Security card. A safety inspection should be obtained at the Public Safety offices and consists of testing your vehicles safety equipment (mirrors, lights, turn signals, horn etc…).

Here is a short checklist:

Get insurance. There are many agencies listed in the yellow pages. Some will obtain your driving record for you and some will require that you go to the VI Police Department to obtain your own record (and any other insured driver). It's a good idea to ask what you will need.

Get a safety inspection. I recommend that you get to the Public Safety office 1/2 hour prior to opening, due to the long lines and resulting wait.

Register you vehicle. Take you drivers license, title, proof of insurance, highway user's tax receipt, and social security card to the Public Safety office to obtain your new registration and license plates. Plates are required in both the front and rear of the vehicle here in the USVI.

Telephone and Cable TV Service

Both of these services are offered by the local utility -- Innovative. They are located near the center of the island next to the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital. Telephone service can be obtained by placing an order over the telephone and scheduling an appointment for installation.

Cable services require a visit to Innovative's offices to obtain the cable box. I suggest that you get to the offices at least 15 minutes before they open. Sign in on the list in the lobby as soon as you arrive. Once open, the office personnel will provide you with a number in order for service. Once you have the box in your possession, you can schedule a service call for installation. Most channels are available with the digital service and it tends to be quite reliable.

Mail

You may want to check into a post office box at one of the many USPS branches on the island. Mail delivery service is more limited here, and less reliable, than in the United States.

Medical, Dental and Optical

There are many talented physicians and dentists in the USVI. I suggest that you ask around for referrals and then make a selection. As you are probably aware, the hospital on the island is small and does not offer all of the services and specialties (especially surgical) like hospitals on the main land. You should review your medical insurance for emergency medical transportation coverage. If your coverage is inadequate or nonexistent, you may wish to invest in emergency transport insurance. This insurance will guarantee your medical airlift evacuation to an appropriate hospital or medical facility in Puerto Rico or the United States. This insurance is fairly inexpensive ($240 annually for family coverage), and well worth the cost, just for the peace of mind that it provides.

You may want to obtain copies of medical and dental records from your present doctors to help in the transition to your new health care providers.

Banking

It is most advantageous to have a local bank account. Most banks require an account for cashing checks, drafting cashier checks, etc… It may take from 5-15 business days to clear a stateside check and many local merchants would prefer not to take an “out-of- state” check. There are many fine banks on the island. Your choice should consider convenience of location, customer service, wire transfer options, etc… Since it does take a few days to clear even cashiers checks into your account, you may opt to bring a small amount of cash to deposit for your immediate needs i.e., auto registrations fees, utility deposits, customs duty, etc…

Credit Cards

Credit Cards are widely accepted on the island, but you may be surprised at a local restaurant when they don't accept them - it's a good idea to ask. Most government offices now accept credit cards for fees etc… , but again, it's good to call and ask ahead of time.

Shopping

The containers with fresh groceries presently arrive on St. Croix on Mondays. Most grocery and convenience stores restock their shelves on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday night can be a busy night at Cost U Less and some of the other area markets for fresh foods and produce.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Any reference to services or publications should not be construed as endorsements but are provided merely as a convenience to the reader. All properties are subject to prior sale or withdrawal.