St. Thomas Overview

St. Thomas is the most developed of the U.S. Virgin Islands and it has much to offer the vacationer. There are beautiful beaches, all kinds of sporting activities, excellent restaurants and, of course, incredible shopping opportunities. Island Hideaways' St. Thomas villa guests enjoy a wide array of wonderful villa selections.

The Virgin Islands were first spotted by Christopher Columbus in the year 1493 while on his second voyage. In 1672 the Danish managed to successfully establish a colony on St. Thomas.

When slavery was abolished in 1848, the economy based on sugar declined and the island was no longer prosperous.

For strategic purposes, as part of a military defense strategy, the United States government purchased St. Thomas from Denmark along with the other U.S. Virgin Islands in 1917. However, it was not until 1927 that the residents of St. Thomas Island were granted U.S. citizenship.

Capital

Charlotte Amalie (pronounced Ah-MAHL-ya) is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the largest town on St. Thomas.

Language

English 

Politics:
The U.S. Virgin Islands is a U.S. territory. The Organic Act of July 22, 1954 gives the U.S. Department of the Interior jurisdiction over the U.S. Virgin Islands. Limited legislative powers have been granted to a democratically elected legislature of 15 senators. A new constitution recently approved by Congress allows for greater home rule.

Population

48,000 people. Virgin Islanders are mainly of African descent but there are a large number of residents from the U.S. mainland, Puerto Rico and Europe.

Industry

Tourism is the major industry of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hurricane Marilyn in 1995 caused much damage, however, the recovery of the island and the rapid rebuilding of the tourist infrastructure has been quite remarkable. Previous visitors to St. Thomas should be pleased with the improvements on Main Street and the historic passageways including Palm Passage. Many other favorite sites have been renewed.

Entry Requirements

For U.S. citizens, no passports or visas are required, but it is recommended that you carry some form of proof of citizenship. Canadians will need proof of nationality. If you will be visiting other islands such as the British Virgin Islands, passports are recommended. Other nationalities will need a passport and a visa.

Currency

U.S. dollar is the currency of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Major credit cards are widely accepted as are travelers checks. Personal checks are generally not accepted. Several major U.S. banks have offices here. Banking hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30/3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Many banks open from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Fridays. Some banks have hours on Saturday mornings. The customary gratuity for service is 15 to 20%. Some hotels and restaurants add a 10 - 15% service charge automatically - check if you are not sure.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 120 volts AC, 60 cycles (This is the same as mainland U.S. so no adapters or converters are needed).

Medical Services

Two hospitals provide excellent medical care on St. Thomas. Quality dental service is available as well. 

Time Zone:
One hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the winter. The Virgin Islands do not practice daylight savings time and so during the spring, the time is the same as Eastern Standard Time.

Climate

St. Thomas is far enough south in the Caribbean to make sure your winter vacation won't be interrupted by sudden frosts or unseasonable cold spells. The climate is so good the year round, it has been written up in an independent study by the U.S. Government stating that one of the most excellent attributes is the steady trade winds coming in from the east. The temperature may vary slightly (5 to 7 degrees) from the coldest time to the warmest. And the report concludes that the average temperature in the winter months is 77°F.

More Information

For more information, contact the United States Virgin Islands Division of Tourism, 1270 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10020; (212) 332-2222. The Visitor's Bureau is located in the Grand Hotel building in Charlotte Amalie. 

St. Thomas Guide

About St. Thomas

St. Thomas is the most developed of the U.S. Virgin Islands and it has much to offer the vacationer! more

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