| What to Expect on Your St. Croix Vacation |
Here is some general information for Gentle Winds guests who plan on making the most of their stay in St. Croix:
Clothing / Attire in St. Croix
Dress on St. Croix is quite casual and comfortable. If you are planning on dining at fine establishments, a few of the upscale restaurants may require jackets and ties. Nights can be cool, so light sweaters are recommended. During the daytime, hats and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
Of course, you'll want to pack plenty of shorts, tees, and your bathing suits! Check out the latest swimwear styles at:
Currency & Taxes
A benefit to U.S. travelers is that the U.S. dollar is the official currency of St. Croix.
A great bonus when visiting is that there is absolutely no sales tax on goods purchased in St. Croix. Residents of he United States can return to the mainland with $1,600 worth of duty-free imports every thirty days. U.S. residents over the age of 21 can return with five bottles of liquor duty-free or six, if one of the bottles is locally produced, such as Cruzan Rum.
Taxes/Tipping
There is a small departure tax from St. Croix (currently between $5 and $10 depending on your mode of transportation) and a hotel room tax of approximately 8%. Tipping is recommended as it is on the U.S. mainland of 15-20% for restaurant service, however, some may add a service charge to the bill.
Banks
Several banks operate branches on St. Croix, including CitiBank, and other popular U.S. Banks. ATM Machines can be found on St. Croix and most merchants accept standard credit cards.
Churches / Places of Worship in St. Croix
If you are looking to attend mass, synagogue or services during your vacation, there are many religious congregations and houses of worship on St. Croix. Many are within walking distance from downtown Christiansted and Frederiksted.
Drinking Water in St. Croix
Water is not always safe to drink in St. Croix. Bottled water is suggested if you have stomach problems or health issues. Bottled water is available at markets and restaurants.
Drinking Age in St. Croix
The drinking age in St. Croix is 18 years old.
Electrical
St. Croix uses standard 120V North American outlets. Electrical appliances that operate in the United States, such as hair dryers and irons, should work in St. Croix.
Government
St. Croix is a territory of the United States and governed by U.S. laws. St. Croix and the other U.S. Virgin Islands are administered by a locally elected governor, legislature, and one non-voting delegate to the U.S. Congress. Residents are citizens of the United States, but are not allowed to vote in any national elections.
Postal Service
The Postal Service is the same as in the U.S. with several U.S. post offices on the island, as well as mail collection boxes at airports and in the main towns. Rates are the same as U.S. mainland.
Holidays
St. Croix celebrates U.S. federal holidays as well as many local holidays
Languages
The English language is the official language of St. Croix, however, you will find Creole, Patois, and Spanish also spoken by some residents.
Medical Facilities
Medical facilities are very up-to-date, and there are hospitals, clinics, and physicians on St. Croix. Emergency rooms are available 24 hours a day at Juan Luis Hospital and Medical Center on the island of St. Croix.
Telephone Service
The local U.S. area code is 340 and there are pay phones in most public places.
Time Zone in St. Croix
St. Croix is in Atlantic Standard Time, which does not recognize day light savings time. Year round, the sun rises and sets between 6:00 and 7:00 am and pm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Looking for more insights into your St. Croix getaway?
Be sure to follow the posts on our St. Croix Blog!
|
 |
| View St. Croix Photos |
|
|
 |
| View St. Croix Videos |
|
|
|
