Any particular taboos I should be aware of when visiting the Virgin Islands?
Virgin Islanders are quite conservative, so it is seen as an insult when visitors walk around in swimwear (for ladies) or without shirts (for the gents) if not on the beach or poolside. This situation can be seen in the main ‘tourist shopping areas’, particularly in Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas as it is a popular cruise ship port of call. Visitors clad in only a bikini top and shorts or bareback with shorts are likely to receive a surly response from customer service in stores. Be respectful and wear shirts and beach cover ups when everyone else besides the beach and pool. A long standing tradition in the Virgin Islands is greeting someone before any transaction of any kind starts. So it is strongly recommended to say Good Morning or Good Afternoon before asking ‘how much is this’ or ‘how do I get to such and such place’. And Good Morning is the suggestion… not Hello or Hi – they don’t have the same effect. Saying ‘Excuse Me, how much is this’ rather then ‘Good Morning, waiting for
Virgin Islanders are quite conservative, so it is seen as an insult when visitors walk around in swimwear (for ladies) or without shirts (for the gents) if not on the beach or poolside. This situation can be seen in the main ‘tourist shopping areas’, particularly in Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas as it is a popular cruise ship port of call. Visitors clad in only a bikini top and shorts or bareback with shorts are likely to receive a surly response from customer service in stores. Be respectful and wear shirts and beach cover ups when everywhere else besides the beach and pool.
