
The US Virgin Islands, specifically St. Thomas, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. The official currency of the US Virgin Islands is the US dollar.
You can use US dollars to pay for everything from accommodations and activities to food and souvenirs. Credit cards are also widely accepted on the island.
St. Thomas is a US territory, which means that the US dollar is the official currency and is widely accepted. This makes it easy for tourists to exchange their money or use their credit cards.
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Currency Used in U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands use the U.S. Dollar as their official currency. This means you won't have to worry about exchanging currency when you arrive.
Most vendors on the island will accept debit and credit cards, making it easy to pay for goods and services. However, it's still a good idea to carry a small amount of cash with you, just in case.
Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards, and you'll be all set to enjoy your time on St. Thomas.
Types of Currency

The U.S. Virgin Islands use a variety of currencies, including the US dollar, which is the official currency.
One of the most widely accepted currencies in the USVI is the US dollar, which is widely used for transactions.
The US dollar is divided into 100 smaller units called cents, and it's the currency you'll need for most everyday purchases.
You can exchange your money for US dollars at banks, currency exchange offices, or some hotels and resorts.
The US dollar is accepted everywhere in the USVI, making it easy to use for tourists and locals alike.
The US dollar is pegged to a basket of currencies, including the euro, the yen, and the pound, to maintain its value.
US dollar bills come in denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, making it easy to break a larger bill into smaller ones.
Credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are also widely accepted in the USVI, making it easy to pay for large purchases or use for cashless transactions.
Some businesses in the USVI may also accept traveler's checks or other alternative forms of currency, but US dollars are the most widely accepted.
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Currency Exchange

The US Virgin Islands have a unique currency situation, and it's essential to understand the basics before traveling or conducting business there.
The official currency of the US Virgin Islands is the United States dollar (USD). This is the same currency used in the United States.
You won't find any local currency or alternative forms of payment widely accepted on the islands. Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.
Visitors can exchange their currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or some hotels, but be aware that exchange rates may not be favorable.
Many businesses, including shops and restaurants, accept credit cards and debit cards, making it easy to get by without a lot of cash.
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Economy and Financial Challenges
The economy of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, is primarily driven by tourism, which accounts for about 60% of the GDP, with 2.5-3 million annual visitors. This sector is responsible for generating a significant portion of the revenue.

Tourism is a major contributor to the economy, with the leisure and hospitality sector employing an average of 7,333 people, and the retail trade sector averaging another 5,913 jobs. Other sectors, including arts and entertainment, accommodation and food, accommodation, and food services and drink, also employ a large number of people.
The closure of the HOVENSA oil refinery in 2012 had a significant negative impact on the economy, resulting in a 50% drop in manufacturing employment and a 13% decline in GDP. The territory's tax-supported debt load has also been a concern, reaching $2 billion in January 2017, with a per capita debt of $19,000.
A breakdown of the non-farm workforce in the USVI is as follows:
- Leisure and hospitality: 7,333 jobs
- Retail trade: 5,913 jobs
- Arts and entertainment: 792 jobs
- Accommodation and food: 6,541 jobs
- Accommodation: 3,755 jobs
- Food services and drink: 2,766 jobs
Economic Overview
The global economy is facing significant challenges, with a projected 3.3% decline in global GDP in 2020. This decline is largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trade tensions between the US and China have led to a 10% decline in international trade in 2020. The impact of these tensions is felt across various industries, from technology to manufacturing.

Inflation rates have remained relatively stable, averaging 2.5% globally in 2020. This stability is a welcome respite from the volatility of previous years.
The unemployment rate has seen a significant increase, with 225 million people worldwide affected by job losses in 2020. This number is a stark reminder of the human cost of economic downturns.
The global debt-to-GDP ratio has reached an all-time high of 322%, with many countries struggling to manage their debt. This unsustainable debt burden threatens the long-term stability of the global economy.
The decline in economic activity has led to a decrease in government revenue, resulting in reduced public spending and investments. This reduction in spending has far-reaching consequences for social programs and infrastructure development.
Financial Issues
The U.S. Virgin Islands have faced significant financial challenges in recent years. The closure of the HOVENSA oil refinery in 2012 had a major negative impact on the territory's economy.
Manufacturing employment dropped by 50% in May 2012 and by another 4% by November 2012, resulting in a 13% decline in GDP. This was largely due to an 80% drop-off in exports, mostly refined petroleum.

Tourism and some other service industries have been growing, however. A relatively high share of the adult population is in the labor force, with 66% of adults employed, compared to 65% on the mainland and 50% in Puerto Rico.
The islands' tax-supported debt load has been a major concern, increasing to $2 billion by January 2017. This translates to a per capita debt of $19,000, higher than the per capita debt in Puerto Rico at the time.
The government has implemented new taxes, including on rum, beer, tobacco products, and sugary drinks, as well as internet purchases and timeshare unit owners, in an effort to address the structural budget deficit of $110 million in mid-February 2017.
A Debtwire analyst wrote in Forbes that nothing short of a miracle would prevent a financial collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Thomas cash only?
Yes, St. Thomas is a cash-only destination, with the U.S. dollar being the only accepted currency. Be prepared to carry cash for all transactions, as credit cards are not widely accepted.
Sources
- https://caribbaconnect.com/st-thomas-virgin-islands/blog/a-locals-guide-to-st-thomas-know-before-you-go/
- https://visitstthomas.com/island_overview.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Virgin_Islands
- https://www.travelguard.com/travel-resources/destinations/caribbean/virgin-islands
- https://virginislandsthisweek.com/st-thomas/helpful_information/
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