Need cash when I land, best place in US Virgin Islands? Airport or places in the city?
I always carry about $100 USD when flying into islands like this. The currency exchange at USVI airports is a last resort - high markup, limited hours. Best bet is to use a reliable ATM from FirstBank or Banco Popular once in the city. If you’re headed to St. John, cash becomes even more critical since ATMs are few and far between. I usually make my first withdrawal near Yacht Haven Grande - machines there are regularly serviced and well-lit.
We needed cash fast when we landed, and the airport ATM at STT was out of order. Airport staff told us to avoid the exchange counter unless it was an emergency. Once we got to our hotel in Red Hook, we found a Banco Popular ATM nearby and it worked perfectly. I’d recommend getting a bit of cash in advance from your home country or using a bank ATM in town as soon as you arrive.
Don’t bother with airport currency counters - the rate was worse than my home bank by a long shot. I got a way better deal using the FirstBank ATM near Havensight Mall in St. Thomas. Took out $300 with my Revolut card, got hit with a $3.50 fee, but the rate was solid. Airport ATMs were either out of service or sketchy. Best to land with some USD, then top up once you're in town.
The airport currency exchange at Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is honestly a rip-off. Rates are terrible and they charge high commissions. I changed just $40 to cover my taxi, then withdrew the rest from a Banco Popular ATM in Charlotte Amalie later that evening. If your flight lands during banking hours, it's worth heading straight to a city branch or using a bank ATM. I’d also bring some USD in cash as backup - not all ATMs work with foreign cards right away.