2 month

Hello Jon,

As far as I understand you need to be on island, in person, with proper identification to open a bank account. You can open one right when you get here.

Yes there are places to get decent furniture. Not a whole lot of options but there are furniture stores.

--Islander

Opening a bank account was one of the more frusterating things here for me. You have to have a mailing address, so you might need to set up a PO Box first. Other things to consider: it takes 1-2 weeks to clear a state-side check, so having a money order or cash to open the account might be helpful if you need the money right away. Sometimes landlords don't like taking state-side checks either I found out, esp if they are individuals rather than rental companies. Check with them first. Good luck - we've all been through it!

While in STX three weeks ago, we opened a bank account at !st Bank. No problems. we did not have a P.O. box nor an address yet. As far as how long it took for the stateside check to clear, I'm not sure, as we are back stateside.
At the time we were in the process of buying a condo, but still hadn't signed any papers.

FYI, a money order or certified check is still considered a stateside check by Banco Popular. Don't know about First Bank. So open your account with cash if you want "instant" access.
Pamela

i recently tried to open a bank acct @ banco popular and i had a passport, drivers lic, and a certified check and they told me i MUST have a social security card(original) to open an acct.

At 1st bank, I didn't have my origionalSS card.

Banco Popular required the SS card. We were informed of this in the downtown office. Period. "If you don't have it, you can't open account." However, at another branch, we were informed that we could go to the SS office in Nisky Center, fill out a form that we LOST our SS card. Provide drivers license (and I think I also had my passport with me but they didn't ask for it) as identify proof. And, they provided a letter that Banco Popular accepted.

Another option (when we pressed them) was we could open the account, put our money in and then as long as we faxed a copy of the SS card to them within xx days that they would put in the file, then we would be ok. If the required "proof" wasn't in the file within xx days, they would close our account......and send our money to.....??

So, we went to the SS Admin office, waited in line, and all was well with the world.

Banco Popular said it was because of new banking rules effective after 9/11 ....or something like that. They've interpreted the rule to mean they have to have copy of SS in the customer file in order to pass govt audit.

Can you just open a First Bank account state-side and have it work there? Just trying to save myself some time.

Alix

I looked into First Bank because in Missouri there are First Banks, but they aren't affiliated with VI First Banks. Same name. Different bank.

All you are a huge help!!! I cannot wait to get down their and start this new chapter of my life. My girlfriend will be attending Grad school at UVI! Is there anyplace we can get ahold of now to get a PO box so we have one when we arrive? thanks again for all the help!!!

Jon & Becky

That side of town has Nisky Mail Boxes (340-774-7055) and Flagship (340-774-5630). Both can set you up before you arrive.

Thank you!!!! you all are great