Best single piece of advice for new resident moving from mainland?

Interesting - didn't have to do that back in the day and the BMV website doesn't note that as a requirement (the website which seems to have temporarily disappeared!). But of course they were also supposed to be hooked up a year ago to the stateside tracking system to get that information when you apply ... I know, I know, I'm stupidly expecting logic and timeliness to to apply! Silly me. 😀

Interesting - didn't have to do that back in the day and the BMV website doesn't note that as a requirement (the website which seems to have temporarily disappeared!). But of course they were also supposed to be hooked up a year ago to the stateside tracking system to get that information when you apply ... I know, I know, I'm stupidly expecting logic and timeliness to to apply! Silly me. 😀

Their website is always down. That's why I called to verify all I needed.

Interesting - didn't have to do that back in the day and the BMV website doesn't note that as a requirement (the website which seems to have temporarily disappeared!). But of course they were also supposed to be hooked up a year ago to the stateside tracking system to get that information when you apply ... I know, I know, I'm stupidly expecting logic and timeliness to to apply! Silly me. 😀

Their website is always down. That's why I called to verify all I needed.

They also removed the price sheets on STX from the lobby.

thanks for the answer. i just dont remember even providing a copy of a driving record at all when i got my local dl

As to best piece of advice: "Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth closed."

Do not stereotype the local people here, some of my best friends here would make my "old" friends in the states run and hide. As others have said learn to slow down, it's all good and it all works out, just takes longer.

Some trivial advice: When guests are about to visit you from the states, they'll ask if you need anything from the states. If you say no (and you're a guy), they'll usually bring you a shirt in a random size and style. Now I tell them to bring me a bottle of (my favorite booze), but to buy it when they get here because it's a lot easier.

In other words, when visitors ask, tell them what gift you want.

Do not stereotype the local people here, some of my best friends here would make my "old" friends in the states run and hide.

Haaa! So true. When I host visitors, they are always amazed at the variety of people - all manner of colors, shapes, sizes, and appearance - that I exchange greetings with as we wander around the island.

In the process of swapping licenses and the web site info definitely required the certified driving record.

In the process of swapping licenses and the web site info definitely required the certified driving record.

I suggest calling the BMV and asking them exactly what they need. They seem to arbitrarily change their minds about what's needed so best to get the info right from the source.

Bring a lot of money and a car with clearance and GOOD suspension.

Think about normal daily needs & if you you can't bring those things with you, ask now about where to get them here. I say this because normal places to get info (like the net or this forum) may not be as readily available here. For instance I might have asked "Where on STX do I get bicycle parts?" & it might not have taken 2 days to replace a broken spoke.

Think of moving to the USVI as a wonderful adventure where nothing will be as you expect. Make friends with as many Crucians as you can. They are a wonderful warm friendly loving people. Accept that their culture and way of doing this is vastly different from what you are used to. The best advice I received upon relocation was, "don't bring your stateside standards here." Look at the stars at night. Take a night time walk when the moon is full, eat like the Crucians do and ask them how to prepare and shop for food. Play games by candle light when the power is out. A spray bottle full of rubbing alcohol sprayed on your body every 15 minutes will deter mosquitoes. It also works if you spray your closets, shoes, clothes and beds to keep mold away. Understand that you will get flat tires and your car will break down but someone will always stop and help you. The Caribbean Sea is second to none. Try and find some time to just go into the sea and float. Be respectful.

I know. Just one single piece of advice. Enjoy the adventure!

Well written Tam...........Daniel