£1 US$1.34
Today
12:02 am
-4h from you
Weather in British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
26°
Slight rain showers
Wed
24
26
Thu
24
26
Fri
25
26
Sat
24
25
Sun
25
26
SPF level in British Virgin Islands
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around British Virgin Islands
Tipping in British Virgin Islands
Tipping is appreciated in the British Virgin Islands for good service, but it's not mandatory. Service charges are sometimes included, so check your bill before tipping.
Restaurant
10-15% if service is not included
Bar/Café
10-15% for good service
Taxi
10-15% for good service
Hotel Porter
$1-2 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
$2-5 per night
Tour Guide
10-15% for a good tour
Safety in British Virgin Islands
Tips for British travellers
British Virgin Islands is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take care if walking alone in isolated areas including beaches, particularly after dark or at large events where criminals may operate.
Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery.
Use a hotel safe for your valuables and be aware of the risk of leaving bags unattended, especially on the beach.
Many water sport accidents involve alcohol, so take care if you have been drinking.
You can drive for up to 30 days on a UK licence before you must apply for a local licence, and remember to drive on the left.
Bonus tips:
Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to large fines or imprisonment, and do not carry items for anyone else.
It is illegal to remove any marine animal, shells or coral from the BVI without a permit.
Driving in British Virgin Islands
A valid UK driving license is accepted for a limited period, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
Not applicable, no motorways
Urban speed limit
30 mph (48 km/h)
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in British Virgin Islands
Voltage
110V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The British Virgin Islands primarily uses 110V electricity with a frequency of 60Hz. Plugs are typically Type A and Type B. UK travelers will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Moderate. More widely accepted in tourist areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 410-581-9994
ATMs in British Virgin Islands
Limited, primarily in populated areas
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs can be found mostly in Road Town (Tortola) and Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda). It's advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when visiting smaller islands. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming regulations no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in the British Virgin Islands. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM data package
5 GB for 35 USD (~£28)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, GSM
Local carriers
Digicel, FLOW
WiFi & internet
Available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes, especially in tourist areas, but may be less reliable in remote areas.
Average speed
15 Mbps
WiFi is usually available in tourist hotspots. Mobile data can be a viable alternative, though speeds may vary. Consider purchasing a local SIM for better data rates.
Health & vaccinations in British Virgin Islands
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. Check that your policy covers all activities you plan to undertake. Although the British Virgin Islands is a British Overseas Territory, GHIC/EHIC is not applicable.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Discuss your specific needs with your healthcare provider.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice and any necessary vaccinations or precautions before travelling to the British Virgin Islands. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance.
Calling British Virgin Islands
Country code
+1-284
To call the British Virgin Islands from the UK, dial 00 1 284 followed by the local number.
To call 494-1234 in the BVI from the UK, you would dial 00 1 284 494 1234.
The country code for the British Virgin Islands is 1-284. When calling from outside the BVI, you will need to use the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by 1 284, and then the local number.
UK Embassy in British Virgin Islands
Governor's Office, British Virgin Islands
Government House, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Airport in British Virgin Islands
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.