Relocation costs and savings

I'm surprised you couldn't find anything related to costs as it's a widely discussed subject. This current thread (amongst many others) addresses it:

https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?4,260190

Also, there are very few "expats" here. The majority of those who've moved here are US citizens, not expats.

Good luck with the research!

I'm surprised you couldn't find anything related to costs as it's a widely discussed subject. This current thread (amongst many others) addresses it:

https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?4,260190

Also, there are very few "expats" here. The majority of those who've moved here are US citizens, not expats.

Good luck with the research!

Thanks for clearing that up! We will still be US Citizens-gotcha! I checked that link and looks like that's where I got the $10,000 amount from. I guess we are just being a little cautious(well my husband is lol) by saving up more.

it does not hurt to have more. you never know .

are you bringing a car?
do you have health insurance
do you have children?
special needs of any sort?

US citizens who move to the USVI's are not considered Expat's but it's just more exciting and romanticized to call yourself such. Since I've already been told I can't call myself an expat, I'm just calling myself a pirate. I like that better anyway.

We (my wife and I) have completed our PMV's and are set to arrive in St. Croix the first of June. We have set our relocation budget for the first 3 months at $15K in cash, 5K of which is for shipping our vehicle (US manufactured Jeep) and a pallet of personal items, airfare, vehicle registration, etc. We are in the fortunate position that while we will be working at some point, we will not be dependent on income derived on the island for support as we have business income. Of course there are credit card safety nets so that offers peace of mind.

If I were in a position that I needed to depend on island income for my full support, then I would want to have at least 6 months saved. Of course all of this is relevant to your standard of living requirements and lifestyle. On our first PMV I met a couple who came to St. Croix with next to nothing. When I met them they still didn't have much but they made due living with roommates, getting around on foot or sharing rides (they didn't own a car). It's not a lifestyle for me but they well having one hell of an adventure, nice tans and they had my respect.

Just keep doing your research, here in these forums and elsewhere. Take what some people say to heart and read in between the lines as needed. There are some who seem to get a bit off base with their advice, suggestions, etc. Just take it all in and plan the best you can then take the leap. If you wanna call yourself an expat, go for it. I think leaving the mainland and living on a Caribbean island qualifies regardless of citizenship. As for me, I'll just remain a pirate. Arrr!

What is the amount of money you should have saved up to move to St. Croix? Especially if you aren't going to have a job already lined up, but plan to job hunt a few months after arrival.

I like "Born Again Crucian" as opposed to Continental or mainlander...

I always suggest 20k per couple (no kids) if you have at least one job lined up. Saving for the first couple years?? No job?? Maybe bring $100k then. Not sure how you'll save up for two years of you're not here and can't gauge your personal cost of living. You can live for 10k a year here or a million - I know people on total opposite ends and all in between.

Again I would suggest 20k and bring two cars. You'll likely spend that 20k within 6 months.

Once you get the groove - takes a year or so - you'll find the cost of living is similar to Arizona - maybe a smidge more, I assume that's where you're from. I moved from Surprise where I own a home still in Marley Park and after nearly three years our monthly costs are about the same as AZ. Except for last three months where I decided since we are in it for the long haul here I wanted new nice furniture and ordered it all online. Poor credit card! Lol.

AandA2VI, so where does one find that $80 round trip between STT and STX - you never came back with that info and enquiring minds want to know the trick!

Thanks everyone for the advice! We'll stick with our 2 year savings plan! We will be bringing a car and we have all the moving expenses budgeted in. I've been researching shipping costs as well as cost of living on the island as I am subscribed to the daily news paper. We have no children and won't have health insurance when we arrive. Hope to get jobs with some kind of insurance and we have no health issues. We also are simple living people who don't need much and are able to live within our means.

just remember-no individual health insurance in the virgin islands exists at this time at all

just remember-no individual health insurance in the virgin islands exists at this time at all

Except for real ex-pats (from other countries) I believe.

there is that

I lived here for the first 10 or so years without health insurance. No biggie.

I lived here for the first 10 or so years without health insurance. No biggie.

And no doubt you were fortunately in good health for those 10 years and didn't suffer any major health issue or injury. For most people, healthy or not, it is a "biggie".

I lived here for the first 10 or so years without health insurance. No biggie.

And no doubt you were fortunately in good health for those 10 years and didn't suffer any major health issue or injury. For most people, healthy or not, it is a "biggie".

(tu)(tu)

I worked in the health insurance industry for over 2 decades and saw way too many "no biggies" turn into colossal, bankrupting biggies real fast.

just remember-no individual health insurance in the virgin islands exists at this time at all

Except for real ex-pats (from other countries) I believe.

Not exactly correct. I talked to Cigna Global and they would not insure me for USVI under my euro passport. They explicitly exclude US or USVI residents no matter what your citizenship.

Hospitals are more open to negotiation now for cash upfront discount deals for routine services. However, chronic disease such as cancer treatment, rheumatoid arthritis or hepatitis B or C can be financially devastating even for most affluent individuals. Having a good health insurance during early retirement and before Medicare kicks in at 65 is imperative.

Welcome to modern US slavery. Gotta work for insurance.

just remember-no individual health insurance in the virgin islands exists at this time at all

Except for real ex-pats (from other countries) I believe.

Not exactly correct. I talked to Cigna Global and they would not insure me for USVI under my euro passport. They explicitly exclude US or USVI residents no matter what your citizenship.

That's odd - several VI residents who've contributed here and are foreign citizens carry health insurance policies with Cigna Global.

I applied for Cigna Global about 6 months ago. I have dual EU and US citizenship. Applied under EU passport w risidency in USVI. The response I got was that they would be happy to insure me for any place other than USVI and US. Go figure.

I applied for Cigna Global about 6 months ago. I have dual EU and US citizenship. Applied under EU passport w risidency in USVI. The response I got was that they would be happy to insure me for any place other than USVI and US. Go figure.

ViCanuck said he's had and used Cigna Global here. He hasn't been on for a while. But maybe things have changed. Lt Gov was getting heavy handed with his expat insurance cease and desist orders not too long ago.

AandA2VI, so where does one find that $80 round trip between STT and STX - you never came back with that info and enquiring minds want to know the trick!

Seaplane - all the time.

AandA2VI, so where does one find that $80 round trip between STT and STX - you never came back with that info and enquiring minds want to know the trick!

Seaplane - all the time.

Link?

ViCanuck said he's had and used Cigna Global here. He hasn't been on for a while. But maybe things have changed. Lt Gov was getting heavy handed with his expat insurance cease and desist orders not too long ago.

I'm still here...yes, we still have Cigna Global for our health insurance. No problems to report with coverage or payouts. All good.

Thank you for your enquiry to Cigna Global.

Unfortunately Cigna Global are unable to provide cover for anyone travelling to the US Virgin Islands.

I am sorry we would be unable to help you on this occasion.

Thank you for your interest in Cigna Global.

Kind Regards

Rhuaraidh Grant