the move is coming-now lots of ???s

Monti, which Island again? It'll make answers all the more easy.

Monti,
Take a deep breath.
1. You will not find a map detailed enough to get you around. Quit worrying about that one. You will be given directions - take a left at the white house with the big mango tree, that sort of thing. The stores are easy to find. Remember, it's an island just keep turning left and eventually you will get there.

2. Buying a car is the same, sort of, as in the states. License plates, registration, etc. are easily handled by paying someone to walk it through the first time. Cost you about $65.

3. Bank account cannot be handled until you get here. Bring cash to deposit.

4. Grocery stores and fruit markets are easily available. Just plan on having a little sticker shock for a while. Fresh fish, crabs and lobster are available on the side of the road as well.

5. Add about two - three days to the mail going to the states. Expect the incoming mail when it gets here. Pay as many bills as possible on line is the easiest.

6. Take a deep breath. You are moving to paradise. It will all come to you when you get here.

Enjoy the trip - getting here is part of the fun.
Pamela.

I am moving to St Thomas.

Thank you for the advice thus far.

pamela,
how long have you lived on St. Thomas, I am planning to move and currently trying to find out about jobs that are available. Do you know anything about the cost of tuition at the university, just curious. I ordered the settlers handbook and am anxiously waiting for it. I am really excited, but I want to know a lot before I actually move. Where is a clean/reasonably priced place to stay to visit and check everything out. Thanks for yor help.

Kristy,
My husband and I have been here for ten years. We were on our way to Sedona, AZ but kind of got way laid here .... who knows for how long.
Island View Guest House(340-774-4270) and Captain's Quarters (340-775-1717) are both clean, safe and affordable for a short stay.
Sorry, don't know anything about the college.
Pamela.

Hello Kristy,

Buying a car you can try the auto dealerships or used cars in the classifieds of the Island Trader and Daily News. When you buy a car from a dealer they might be able to do/help with the registration. If you get a used car you have to go to a notary and get the registration signed and stamped and then go to DMV and register it under your name. You can get a map at the tourist booths at the airport or cruise ship dock that is good enough to get you around and consider this; you will never see a sign that says Welcome to ____ and its another island name 🙂 so if you get lost its just a matter of driving around and around. Many of the stores, K-mart ect. are around each other in certain areas - won't be hard to figure out. Fruit Bowl has pretty good fresh fruits. Scuba Diving you can try Chris Sawyer Dive, there are others also. Mail from the islands to the states in terms of regular letters takes 5-7 days usually, sometimes as little as 3 days and then there is priority mail and fed ex and other types of mail services. If you haven't ordered a Settlers Handbook it answers a lot of the how tos you asked about. There is a link to the book at the top of this page.

--Islander

Monti.

Congratuations,
In May, for one day, you will be the newest resident to St. Thomas. That's exciting!

Couple things to remember when you enter the V.I.

Priority one - don't take anything you hear, read, or see too seriously. This is a beautiful place - your mission, enjoy it. Find every beach - without a map - it's more fun that way. Stumble upon your favorite restaurant or hang out spot. Make your own determination as to the best dive spot. You are entering a place with 87 degree weather 95% of the time. Pack shorts and loosen the collar. Suits are for Church and court. Has anyone explained "island time' to you.

I'm playing around, but seriously Monti, have fun with this place. Get a tan, walk slow, and practice shrugging your shouders. Jump in Monti - the water is fine. Welcome aboard.

Lee

Hi Monty,

Congrats! Any helpful hints on finding a job? How did u do it?

PL

I saw the ad for a vet tech in a vet tech mag. Emailed my resume, talked to the owners and came down to ckk everything out and they offered me the job. Easy as that! 🙂

How long will it take to get the "handbook" i ordered it yesterday?

Hello Monti,

Usually priority mail takes 3 days but can take up to 5 or 6 days (from here).

--Islander

Got the "hand book" the other day. I was just thinking, I have alittle over 2 weeks and I am moving! I think I am going to be taking the hand book on the plane with me when I leave for a week in Negril, Jamaica. I am then home for a week then on the plane for St Thomas! EEEEEEKKKKK! I have yet to sell my truck, have boxes to ship, my horse to transport to Metamora, MI and find some hay for him. Plus I have to do all the visits to the family members! Seems like a lot- but it really isnt! I know BREATH!
Monti