This is a foreign exchange guide to the British Virgin Islands, the United States Dollar currency plus USD transfers and travel tips.
In this the British Virgin Islands currency guide we take a look at :
- United States Dollar info - general info about the United States Dollar
- United States Dollar in the markets - recent USD moves and predictions from the FX markets
- Travelling in the British Virgin Islands - currency & money saving tips
- Buying United States Dollar cash online - travel money for the British Virgin Islands
- Sending money to the British Virgin Islands - save on United States Dollar bank transfers to the British Virgin Islands
- United States Dollar exchange rates - latest & historic exchange rates.
- USD News - the latest United States Dollar related articles from our blog.
United States Dollar (USD) general currency information
What is the United States Dollar currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the United States Dollar is USD and the symbol is $.
Which countries use the United States Dollar?
It is the domestic currency in United States, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands, Turks And Caicos Islands and Zimbabwe.
Read our Guide to the US dollar currency.
United States Dollar (USD) in the markets
The US dollar has held its value this year despite a serious escalation in US-China trade tensions, mainly because the greenback is still considered a safer currency to own than most others. After grim employment data on June-7, the Dollar Index was up 0.5 percent on the year (it had fallen 2 percent from May’s 2-year high).
As in other parts of the world, interest rate cuts are now expected in the US following a drastic shift in economic forecasts. At least two Fed cuts are expected this year, with the first most likely to come in July.
Taking the blame for the economic downturn is US President Donald Trump, whose trade policies have set a ball rolling that could wipe $455bn from global output according to the IMF.
For more details read the full article United States Dollar Forecasts.
The interactive chart below shows the USD to EUR exchange rate and trend for the previous 3 months:
Travel, Currency and Money saving tips for the British Virgin Islands
More than 60 islands –some of them uninhabited and declared national parks– make up this Caribbean archipelago, a paradise of lush rainforests, white-sand beaches and bright turquoise waters. Most visitors travel to the British Virgin Islands between September and November, but winter is still a great time to visit, too. With average winter temperatures around 77 degrees Fahrenheit and average summer temps around 82, there is hardly a bad time to visit, except perhaps August and September when it can be quite hot and many businesses shut down.
Are there ATMs in the British Virgin Islands?
Currency is the US dollar (US$). ATMs are in main towns on Tortola and Virgin Gorda, but not elsewhere. Credit cards accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
How do I get around the British Virgin Islands?
Hitchhiking is the preferred mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike. Since taxis and cars are expensive, many locals just share cars or hitchhike. Do the same. It’s safe and drivers will take groups. If you're going to be hitting a lot of spots on the bigger islands like Tortola or St. Thomas, you're going to find it hard to get taxis in some of the more secluded places (they tend to stick around more crowded locations). It’s better to rent a car on these islands, even at $60-80 USD a day. It will give you more flexibility and, if you're splitting costs with friends, will be cheaper than taxis.
Frequent ferries glide between the islands. Getting around on your own by chartering a boat is also possible. Tortola is the BVI ferry hub, and all boats route through its various docks. If you want to sail, there are three basic options: a crewed boat, with skipper and cook; a ‘bareboat’ sans staff that you operate on your own; or a sailing-school vessel.
Main island Tortola is known for its full-moon parties and sailing prowess. Billionaires and yachties swoon over Virgin Gorda and its magical rocks. Anegada floats in a remote reef and has a hammock waiting for those serious about unplugging.
Travel money for the British Virgin Islands
Save money and time by Ordering your United States Dollar online from Travelex, you get better rates and can pick up the USD cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Another popular option is to use a Pre-paid Travel Card. Your Debit/Credit Card provider will charge you 2% from market mid-rate, but your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash.
For card purchases if offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in United States Dollar otherwise you may get much worst exchange rates.
the British Virgin Islands Trip Checklist
- Compare USD travel cash rates - probably why you are here!
- Lonely Planet - world's best travel guide (coupon and deals)
Sending money to the British Virgin Islands
When searching around for information on how to get a good exchange rate when sending money to the British Virgin Islands you need to start with finding out the latest United States Dollar foreign-transfer exchange rate.
Then compare your bank's exchange rates to several licensed FX providers exchange rate and fees to see how much you can save (we make that calculation easy here).
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to the British Virgin Islands
When sending money to the British Virgin Islands it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or United States Dollar amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted USD amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in the British Virgin Islands.
Use our Send to USD calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more United States Dollar deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Bank Transfers to the British Virgin Islands
USD/EUR - United States Dollar to Euro - Historical Rates
| Period | Change* | USD/EUR | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | -0.72% | 0.8854 | 20 Jun 2019 |
| 1 Week | -1.29% | 0.8905 | 14 Jun 2019 |
| 1 Month | -1.94% | 0.8964 | 22 May 2019 |
| 6 Months | -0.03% | 0.8793 | 23 Dec 2018 |
| 1 Year | +2% | 0.8618 | 21 Jun 2018 |
| 5 Years | +19.49% | 0.7356 | 22 Jun 2014 |
| 10 Years | +23.49% | 0.7118 | 23 Jun 2009 |
*For period to 21-Jun 21UTC when USD/EUR was 0.8790
USD/GBP - United States Dollar to British Pound Sterling - 10 Year History
| Period | Change* | USD/GBP | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | -0.27% | 0.7869 | 20 Jun 2019 |
| 1 Week | -1.18% | 0.7942 | 14 Jun 2019 |
| 1 Month | -0.63% | 0.7898 | 22 May 2019 |
| 6 Months | -0.72% | 0.7905 | 23 Dec 2018 |
| 1 Year | +3.95% | 0.7550 | 21 Jun 2018 |
| 5 Years | +33.58% | 0.5875 | 22 Jun 2014 |
| 10 Years | +28.47% | 0.6109 | 23 Jun 2009 |
*For period to 21-Jun 21UTC when USD/GBP was 0.7848
USD/AUD - United States Dollar to Australian Dollar - Historical Rates
| Period | Change* | USD/AUD | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | -0.1% | 1.4448 | 20 Jun 2019 |
| 1 Week | -0.8% | 1.4550 | 14 Jun 2019 |
| 1 Month | -0.73% | 1.4539 | 22 May 2019 |
| 6 Months | +1.74% | 1.4186 | 23 Dec 2018 |
| 1 Year | +6.46% | 1.3557 | 21 Jun 2018 |
| 5 Years | +35.41% | 1.0659 | 22 Jun 2014 |
| 10 Years | +14.14% | 1.2645 | 23 Jun 2009 |
*For period to 21-Jun 21UTC when USD/AUD was 1.4433