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Hello All,
I just returned from STT on my per-move visit. I LOVE STT and had a wonderful experience. I meet a very nice board member, we had a good time in STT and I plan to move by September.
I arrived Sunday May 23, 2004 at 12:58PM. While I waited for my checked luggage, I signed my rental agreement with Budget Car Rental. Very smooth process. I was off the plane, had my luggage and a rental in less 30 minutes. The price for a 2 Door, A/C, Chevy Cavilier for 1 week with unlimited miles was $192.00. ( $169.70 car rental , $18.84 - 11.1% AP Fee, and $3.00 - $.50/ day LRF) I declined insurance because my insurance company back home covered USVI. I also declined the other protection insurance Budget offered.
Driving on the LEFT was a wild experience for the first time especially going up and down steep mountain while curving at the same time. Don't forget to drive on the RIGHT when you return home.
During my first hour on STT I experienced a power outage, a transistor blew. My host and other residents call WRAPA, while the power was out we went to the Big Kmart, when we arrive back home the power was on. My host suggested investing in a good surge protector for the TV, Radio and Computer. She also suggested not investing in an expensive TV, Radio or Computer because the sometimes blow with even a surge protector.
Sunday I participated in my first community event. I walked two miles with the Mothers Against Guns. There was a nice turnout maybe 75-100 people even with the overcast. For more information on the walk the Daily News featured an articles in Mondays paper.
I was very fortunate to be able to stay with a friend of friend so I was able to see what it's really like to live on island. I stayed in a beautiful 3 bedroom / 2 bath home with a 1 bedroom cottage attached in Estate Frenchman Bay. My first experience with island life was the power outage as mentioned above. The home had a cistern so I had to be very conscious of my water usage. The 3 minute showers, turning off the water when I brushed my teeth, not running the water while I washed dishes, and waiting to wash when I had a full load of clothes. Lucky the cistern was full from the rain the week before and the heavy rainfall Sunday Night. I done everything from walking the dog at 6:00AM to taking the trash to the dumpster down the road.
SUPERMARKETS- Cost U Less on Hogensborg Rd, STT 340-692-2220 (Bulk Food, something like Sams , BJ's or Costco). The prices were the same if not cheaper then prices in Baltimore, Maryland.
Pueblo in Charolotee Amalie , STT 340-774-2695 (General Shopping, Fruit & Veggies) I found the spices to be very cheap; sugar was $1.19 and curry was $2.23 for a nice size bottle.
Marina Market in Red Hook, STT 340-779-2411 ( Nice selection on meat, fruit & veggies)
Fruit Stands on the side of the road had the best selection of fruit in my opinion. The stand I went to had pineapples, apples, oranges, mango, pears, bananas, plantain, soursop, cassava, onion, garlic. ( I was able to find everything I eat at the above listed places)
BANKS- I only visited 1st Bank. The line was not bad (10 people) for a Friday, the day after a government payday. The person at the reception desk was very friendly and helpful. What questions he could not answer he directed me to a very helpful and honest customer service rep. The CSP advised that 1st Bank had better Customer Service but Banco Popular was better for those that can not maintain $1000.00 minium balance at all times. ( If your balance falls under $1000 you're charged additional fees) You can find 1st Banks rates and fees on the internet. To open an account you must do that in person.
JOB LEADS- Working World, 614-16 Estate Thomas, STT 340-776-3320 ( Temp Agency) near Havensight
Dept of Labor - 53A Kronprindsen Gade, STT 340-776-3700
Daily News Paper - Under employment and General
UNIVERSITY - UVI - www.uvi.edu - Admissioner Office - 2 John Brewer's Bay, STT, VI 00802-9990. UVI have 3 Masters Programs: Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Adminstration and Master of Arts in Education. Tuition & Fees:
In-Territory $250.00 per credit (must be on island for 1 full year) Out-of-Territory $500.00 per credit, registration fee $30.00, Technology Fee $50.00, Property Fee $50.00 and Books (estimate only) $300.00 -$600.00. For more detailed information the website is listed above or contact the Admissions Office. Everyone was very friendly.
BEACHES -All the beaches were beautiful. I went to Coki, Magen's Bay, Sapphire, Lindberg Bay, and Bluebeard. I like Coki the best. Coki had great food, music and calm water, Coral World is located on Coki.
CLUB/RESTURANTS - Greenhouse has 2 for 1 on Tuesday Night, Lobster on Wednesday Night and Reggae on Friday Night. I only went Tuesday Night by 9:00PM I was to tried from the beach all I wanted to see was the shower and bed. Believe it or not Sid I can hang and I don't leave the house until midnight back home. 🙂
Oceana in Frenchtown was very very nice. The resturant is on the Beach, great view good food and wonderful staff. The owner came out during the evening and greeted each table, made sure everyone was having a good time.
Deli Deck ( Not real Sure of the name) in Havensight went there for breakfast. Good food, good price and okay service.
Wendy's near Havensight - long drive-up line but only 2 people waiting inside. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. Cashier had somewhat of an attitude but I still said Gooding Evening, Thank You and have a Good Night.
Subway - St John for a Turkey 6 inch sub, bag of chips and a soda it was $6.00, the staff was friendly, there was 3 people ahead of me and it only took 5 minutes before I was out on the pation eating.
I didn't eat out much because my host cooked breakfast every morning and dinner a few nights. Also a board member and I grilled at her hotel. Sid that was the bomb steak, corn and cassava.
MISC. TRANSPORTATION - $1.00 Dollar Safari was $3.00 in St Johns from the Dock to Hawksnest Beach. Ferry from Red Hook to St John was $6.00 round trip.
RADIO STATIONS - 103.2 and 105.3
Onika - I found the Salon you recommended, thank you.
If anyone have any questions please ask, I will gladly answer based on MY experience.
If you're thinking of moving to the USVI a per-move visit is excellent idea, get a fell for the island and make a decision based on your experience. I felt very safe, the people were very friendly and helpful. Never once was I asked to buy drugs or hassled for money. The cab drivers asked if you needed a cab, once you told them No Thank You, they said Have A Nice Day. Remember to say Good Morning, Afternoon and Good Evening, this will go a long way.
Sid if I missed anything, please add.
MLogan
Posted : May 31, 2004 4:53 am
Mlogan
Great post. Very informative and specific. Its great timing for me. Keep it up.
Steve
Posted : May 31, 2004 11:28 am
Hello MLogan,
Sounds like your research and planning paid off with a very productive pre-move trip!! Glad to hear you were able to network with some others from the board! Did you find any apartments or areas you liked? or employment leads? Thanks for sharing.
--Islander
Posted : May 31, 2004 3:31 pm
Topic starter
Hello All,
Islander & All Board Members thank you for answering my questions. Thanks to you I had a very productive pre-move visit. I had a plan and a list of things that I wanted to do once on the island. Sid & I took care of business in the morning and enjoyed the island the rest of the day. It was hard not to lay on the beautiful beaches all day, I had to remember I was on a per-move visit not a vacation.
The only thing I did not do was actually look inside of an apartment. My host had an one bedroom apartment attached to her home so I was able to get an idea of what it looked like. I also saw some apartments where you rent the top level. Sid & I drove around the island to check out different areas, we saw signs posted for apartment; either we didn't like the looks of the apartment from the outside, or the area, or to scared to drive up drive-way because it was to steep. Some homes were really high up.
We went to the Department of Labor. The process at the Department of Labor is check in with the receptionist, complete an application, choose up to 4 jobs from a listing, talk with a job counselor, the counselor fax your resume to the jobs you selected and sometimes the job counselor will call the employer and try to set up an interview before you leave the island. If the employer is interested they will set up an interview or give you a call once they reviewed you application. The counselor advised it best to be on island or to have an on island address. I haven't received a call back but I'm hopeful.
I really like the feel of the south side for housing. I really recommend renting a car, you're able to see all of the island and get a feel for where you want to live and work.
Thanks,
MLogan
Posted : June 1, 2004 2:00 am
ML,
I could not have wrote it any better than you did.
Call me later, Sid
Posted : June 2, 2004 12:47 pm
Hey MLogan,
Glad you found Chikodi, hope she can work out for you.
FYI-- I find Pueblo overpriced and not the best quality. When you get on-island, check out Fruit Bowl for Fruits and Veggies.
Hope to have the opportunity to meet you some day!
Posted : June 2, 2004 12:55 pm
Thanks for the information, MLogan. I heard you and Sidnie had a great time (I am Sidnie's neighbor in Brooklyn). I am looking forward to meeting you this September. Good luck making it through until then, it is proving to be a challenge for me!
Posted : June 2, 2004 2:50 pm
i am planning on moving to st. thomas with a few of my friends around september... we all just recently graduated from college and visited st. thomas together a few weeks ago. reading some information about moving there is a bit overwhelming. i never knew so much went into moving somewhere since ive lived in the same town my entire life. your posting was very informative, thanks. i did have a few other questions. most my age move down there to get 'fun jobs' (i.e. working as a lifeguard, server, bartender, etc), but i was wondering if you knew anything about getting jobs such as one might get in the states (i.e. working in a bank, having a business position in a hotel on the island, such as the marriott, etc). also, about a place to stay on st. thomas... how would you go about trying to find a place to rent over the internet or via phone? that seems like one of the hardest things that ive tried to do. and one last question... about a car... my friends and i each have a car here in the states... do you suggest we all bring our own cars or do you think it would work if we shared one car while living there?
i would appreciate any help on any of these questions and any more advice you might have, i would be more than happy to hear it.
hope youre enjoying yourself on the island!
Posted : June 2, 2004 11:32 pm
Topic starter
Hello All,
Hey Sid,
you know the routine, I 'll call you before I go to bed. This 3rd shift is killing me. I started my part-time job today. Only two months of hard work in the States and it STT here I come.
Hello Onika, I think Chikodi will work out perfectly. I found her shop and spoke with her Friday. I told her you recommended me. The price she quoted was fine and she use a product I have seen many of my friends in Jamaica use. My lockitian makes his own product that works in Maryland weather but I need something much heavier in STT. My hair is very soft and I'm having a hard time with it locking, my hair was a big puff after 2 hours on the island. I also like the atmosphere of her salon. Thank You, I look forward to meeting you, see you under the dryer.
Hello Shawn , hopefully everything works out for you. See you in September.
Hello Tara, Good luck. My first questions is do you have an outstanding loan on your vehicle? If so you may not be able to bring your car unless your lien company gives you the okay with a good co-signer back home. Most companies will not ship a car with a lien holder listed on the title. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. You also asked if one car will be enough. I think it depends if you all live together, will you work in the same area, will you be on the same shift and how many are moving? I think it's possible, STT is not that big but with traffic from the cruise ships and other factor it may create a problem with work schedules. I don't know
2. Jobs - A few links for you to check out are wwww.monster.com, www.ajb.dni.us,
and www.vibusinesslink.com they all have postings for jobs in the USVI. You may also want to check the USVI Daily Newspaper. The Department of Labor is also a good source. I saw a few posting for Banking jobs, the major banks in STT are BancoPopular, 1st Bank and Scotia - there are old thread that have the websites listed, I don't have them handy ans it's 12:42AM my brian stop working 5 hours ago but working just enough for work (LOL) 1st Bank had a posting for CRS and Tellers. Monster had a psoting for a hotel manager.
3. Apartments - The USVI Daily Newspaper have listing for apartments and contact numbers. Most apartments are advertised on a sign on the roadside in front of the apartment. I would not agree to an apartment via phone or internet. I think you should check out the apartment and area before agreeing to a lease. What if you get there and hate the apartment or area then you a stuck with a apartment you don't like or risk losing you deposit which could be expensive. That's just my opinion and I think most board members would agree.
Sorry if this doesn't make sense, it late. Hope this helps,
MLogan
Posted : June 3, 2004 1:02 am
Tara,
i am planning on moving to st. thomas with a few of my friends around september... we all just recently graduated from college and visited st. thomas together a few weeks ago. reading some information about moving there is a bit overwhelming. i never knew so much went into moving somewhere since ive lived in the same town my entire life.
-Moving from state to state or city to city is pretty darn easy compared to moving the the USVI. Since it is a territory of the US, you have to remember that there are other issues to worry about. Examples include: Personal tax owed to the USVI gov't for used personal items (like your furniture, car, knick knacks and bric brak), Customs for items(same list), Everything being moved (same list) goes by boat, Frieght is expensive when your moving. BUT, if you hire this out, for example, to Managed Freight, you will have guidance along the way...
also, about a place to stay on st. thomas... how would you go about trying to find a place to rent over the internet or via phone? that seems like one of the hardest things that ive tried to do.
-Most suggestions are that you have $5000 to $10000 saved for the purpose of moving to the VI. Vehicle is expensive and remember Mlogans response that there should be no liens against the car. There are some very recent posts about moving costs on a vehicle. Also remember that the drivers of the vehicle have to get a VI drivers liscense after 90 days. This involves an exam. (not sure if it is the written or driving portion). The other bulk of the money saved will be for short term rental and deposits on your apartment and utility services. Your short term rental can be arranged online, This may be a rent for two weeks or 1 month. I would suggest Ronnie with Villa Fairview. Once you are on island you'll find an apartment. You want to actually see what you rent for a long term before signing a contract. Remember online pictures can be 10 years old...
Apartment rentals are first and last month deposit. Can be expensive upfront.
and one last question... about a car... my friends and i each have a car here in the states... do you suggest we all bring our own cars or do you think it would work if we shared one car while living there?
-Research on the board about the vehicle question. As much as you can share, the attempt should be made. Its time consuming and expensive to ship cars to the island and time consuming to do the reverse as well. Start with one vehicle, share the expense of getting it there and than reevaluate the situation. Your friends could always ship another after a month or two or three.
My other advice is that your moving to a vacation destination, but it won't be a vacation... Save, Save, Save and go with money. If you noted on your own vacation, it can be done... Just research, ask zillions of questions and BUY THE RELOCATION KIT AND SETTLER'S HANDBOOK. Very useful tools and info. Don't be afraid to make phone calls. Long Distance is cheaper than a big mistake. Islands are really just getting into email, you may or may not get responses. Review the last 3-6 months of this board. Many of your zillions of questions have been answered and saves on typing.
With that; All the luck to you (okay I'll retain some for myself and the others out here too....) and good luck...
Posted : June 3, 2004 7:44 am
Hello Tara,
There are non-seasonal jobs to be had. You can look in the classifeds. Sometimes the office jobs take a little more looking, meeting, calling then the restaurant jobs so you may end up taking a serving job while you continue looking for the bank teller or accounting job you really want. If you have the saved money to keep you going while you find the office job you want then that works too. Also if your degree is say in accounting you might call the human resource offices at resorts and find out if you can fax your resume or if they are looking for anyone.
I agree with the comments on the apt.... best bet is to find a place once on island that you can look at and make sure you like before signing leases and giving $$. As for the car... well yes you could function sharing a car; if all three will be driving then your insurance needs to reflect that... if the owner doesn't want others driving then they are going to have a lot of responsibility as the "driver"... if your jobs are spread out it will mean waking up earlier then necessary to get out the door so everyone gets to work on time... its not impossiable or impractical it just will take flexibility and cooperation on everyones part.... if you think you can make it work and everyone is really in this for the long haul and aren't going to bail leaving the others car less then go for it. If in your heart of hearts you think gosh this sharing a car and all living together ect... is going to cause problems then think again about each bringing your cars or maybe selling them back home and bringing the money, leaving some aside just in case you need to buy your own used car on island!!
Good Luck... keep reading messages and posting the questions you have!
--Islander
Posted : June 4, 2004 3:09 am
Very informative posts, I love this board 🙂
Posted : July 21, 2004 8:34 pm
