In planning mode - how much budget should I keep in mind for British Virgin Islands - any experiences?
I loved the BVI, but it drained my wallet. My usual dinner with fish and rum punch came to $35, and lunch was never under $15. Taxis were $10-12 a ride, and ferries cost about $25 each way. Tips of 15% were standard. My daily spend averaged around $110, and that was without splurging on yacht trips. I’d say $100 daily is a safe baseline, though budget travellers can shave costs by self-catering. Still, it’s more of a splurge destination than a budget one.
Meals: $10-12 in local cafes, $30+ in tourist restaurants. Transport: taxis $8-15, ferries $25-30. Tips: 10-15%. A safe daily figure for meals, local transport, and tips is $90-100. Days on smaller islands can cost less if you self-cater, but nights out with cocktails push it higher. The islands rely on imports, so everything is pricier than the mainland Caribbean. If planning a month, budget generously, as costs add up quickly once you factor in taxis and ferries.
I stayed for ten days and averaged around $120 per day. Meals were $15-20 for lunch and $25-40 for dinners at beachside restaurants. Taxis were $10-15 per trip, and ferries between Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada added another $30. Tips were 15%. With this budget, I enjoyed fresh seafood dinners, bars, and smooth island transfers without worry. The BVI is beautiful but definitely not cheap. $100-120 daily is realistic if you want comfort and still experience the highlights.
The British Virgin Islands aren’t exactly budget-friendly, but you can manage if you eat simple. Street stalls or local eateries serve meals for $8-12, while nicer restaurants run $25-35 per plate. Shared taxis cost $5-10 per ride, and ferries between islands are $20-30 one-way. Tips are Caribbean standard at 10-15%. If you avoid luxury resorts and stick to local food, expect to spend around $70 daily just on meals, taxis, and tips. For anyone wanting to explore multiple islands, ferry costs quickly raise the daily budget.