Setting up home?

P William Taylor, it doesn't work that way in the USVI. Check out "What to Expect" and other featured categories on this web site.

Some landlords may have the utility accounts set up in their names and will bill you monthly as the invoices come in for your use. Other landlords will expect you to set up your own utilities, which involves waiting in line at various offices and paying your own deposits and connection fees. You will also need quite a lot of paperwork and ID for each utility you set up, including copies of: your lease, driver's license & social security card, plus a mailing address and at least two local phone numbers.

P Willy,

Utilities require deposits regardless of your credit rating. Expect long lines and clerks who want to see you grovel for service; remember to greet the clerk when you reach the front of the line, ask him or her how he or she is doing, listen to their response, empathize with their tribulations, and only then plead for the opportunity to give them money in the hopes that they will connect the desired utility. Remember to bring every form of identification you can muster including, but not limited to, social security card, driver's license, passport, and lease or deed. After you've arranged for utilities it can take awhile before someone gets around to connecting you. If the utility company imagines you've failed to make a payment, in no time at all they will turn your service off so keep your payment receipts. Telephone service is often overloaded in the afternoons and thus unavailable. Cell phone service is spotty and anytime your phone connects through a tower in the BVI you're in for some headaches to get your bill corrected. TV reception can be flaky when there's a breeze or a gecko on the dish. High-speed Internet service can be had if you have line of sight to tower, otherwise you'll be limited to using dial-up. What is included in a lease varies by location. I too recommend you read the moving stories under "What to Expect."

Thank you everyone....alot to consider....I see that patience is a must....can you drink rum while waiting in line...LOL just kidding no need for a response......