Living in the British Virgin Islands: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in the British Virgin Islands.
The British Virgin Islands are made of about 60 islands but only a few are inhabited. The turquoise bays around these islands are the promise of a new pleasant and authentic lifestyle. If you enjoy beaches and tropical climate, you will be delighted.
The BVI are a prosperous country. It is known as an offshore financial center: expatriates looking for job opportunities can find vacancies in the financial services.
The climate is subtropical, and trade winds make the hot summer days pleasant. Winter temperatures are between 16°C and 20°C. From July to October, the islands can be affected by tropical storms and hurricanes. The volcanic islands are surrounded by coral reefs, which are heavily protected by laws against scuba diving, spearfishing, or any other activity that may cause damage to the reef.
The cultural background of the Virgin Islands is a mix of both British and West African. Island life is laid-back, and can be slow moving for expats who are used to the hectic rhythms of the west. Most of the free time is spent on water-sports, such as snorkelling, surfing, and windsurfing. Sailing is a very common part of life here, and every summer the coastline is packed with sailboats for the annual regatta.
The British Virgin Islands have one of the most stable economies in the Caribbean, and tourism accounts for around 45% of it. Financial services are the other most important industry, as the island is a tax haven and a hotspot in the offshore banking industry. Jobs in the tourism sector are available, and many expats work in this sector.
