The capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, is one of the most visited ports in the Caribbean. It is famous for its stunning harbor, elegant restaurants, busy bars and duty-free shops. Attractions worth visiting include Blackbeard's Castle, Seven Arches Museum and Government Hill. The capital is also home to several yachting regattas during the year.
The nightlife in St. Thomas is the liveliest you'll find in the Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie has some busy bars and restaurants along its waterfront, and Frenchtown also has a number of smaller bars that are popular with tourists. For something a little more American, the bars in Havensight are American-themed and play rock and roll instead of calypso. The resort hotels also have many bars and restaurants to choose from.
St. Thomas benefits from year-round tropical weather due to its position close to the equator. The average annual temperature is around 86 degrees Fahrenheit, changing little with the seasons. The only thing that changes is the humidity which is lower in the winter months. There is no rainy season in St. Thomas, meaning you can come all year round. When it does rain, the downfalls can be heavy, but usually don't last long.
St. Thomas' capital Charlotte Amalie has a reputation as a destination for duty-free shopping. Check out the capital's waterfront and main streets for some of the best stores on the island. Expect prices to be at least 40 percent cheaper than in the U.S. Typical products include perfumes, cameras, china, crystal, leather goods, imported clothes, liquor and jewelry. Cigarettes are often 60 percent cheaper than they are in the U.S.
The U.S. dollar is the currency in the U.S. Virgin Island. For the exchange of other currencies there are many banks on the island. The opening hours are normally 9 a.m. to 2:30 or 3 p.m. Monday through to Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. Some banks also open in the mornings on Saturdays. Tourists to the island will find that most major credit cards are accepted.
