Trying to figure out if buses and metros in US Virgin Islands take cards or if Ill need small cash. Any recent experiences?
I spent two weeks island-hopping between St. Thomas and St. Croix - rode the mini-bus systems daily. No NFC, no gateways, strictly cash. Even the app-based safari taxis I tried didn’t have onboard readers. It’s a holdover from older systems, so factor in carrying small bills - $1, $5, $10. It’s the only way.
Took the “Island Buses” in Charlotte Amalie and realized they were straight old‑school - metal cash box and no scanner. I’d planned to use a card and ended up juggling bills and coins. Probably the most awkward moment of the trip. The best advice? Count out exacts ahead of time and stash ready change in your pocket. Saves you from holding up the bus.
We rode the public van taxis around Cruz Bay and St. Croix last April. Payment was cash only - $2 per person. The drivers didn’t accept change for higher bills, so we bought water or snacks to break our bills at the start. No card terminals in sight, even at bus stops or ferry docks. Definitely carry plenty of small denominations when moving between islands.
There’s no metro in the USVI, just buses and “safari taxis.” You must have cash - exact change in small bills or coins. I rode the VITRAN bus on St. Thomas and the driver wouldn’t take anything except $1 bills. They don’t have machines or card readers. So if you show up expecting to tap, you’ll just get stared at. Bring lots of singles.