Dont want to carry too much or too little. Whats the average cash people carry when travelling around US Virgin Islands?
I budgeted $100/day for a five-day trip and it was just enough. Lodging took half of that - I found a basic guesthouse in St. Thomas through Booking. Spent the rest on food, taxis, and beach entry fees. Water taxis and guided tours can hike the cost fast. If you're wondering how much to budget for US Virgin Islands travel, it really depends on how many islands you plan to visit and whether you eat out every day. Bring extra for unexpected costs.
We spent a week split between St. John and St. Thomas in May 2024. Averaged around $250/day for two, including hotel, meals, and activities like snorkeling and a day sail. Taxis, ferry tickets, and meals out (especially seafood) add up fast. We saved a bit by staying at a guesthouse with a kitchenette and cooking breakfast. If you're mid-range travelers, $120-$150 per person per day is a safe estimate without feeling restricted.
Honestly, it’s expensive. I tried doing it on a shoestring - couchsurfing, eating supermarket food, shared taxis - and still spent $70-$80/day. Dorms are rare, hostels almost nonexistent. Ferries between islands are pricey, and food adds up fast. Even a sandwich costs $10-12. If you’re asking “how much money do I need in the US Virgin Islands” - don’t come expecting Southeast Asia prices. You’ll spend more than you think.
I stayed a month in Christiansted, St. Croix in early 2024 and averaged about $90/day living modestly. Airbnb was my biggest cost ($1,500/month), followed by groceries and car rental. Dining out often pushes the budget - even casual beach bars charge $20+ for mains. I worked remotely, so I cooked at home a lot. Budget travelers can scrape by on $70/day if they plan well, but most visitors spend $120+ per day easily. The cost of travel in the US Virgin Islands isn’t cheap.