usvi-on-line
How long to clear Customs
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Tim from Chicagoland
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Mon Jun 07, 2010 2:48 am
- Location: Highland, IN
How long to clear Customs
We will be arriving Thur. 12/02 or Fri. 12/03 at 4:20. What time should I schedule a private taxi for pickup. Carry-ons only.
Could you reccommend someone?
Tim
Could you reccommend someone?
Tim
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stjohnjulie
- Posts: 570
- Joined: Fri Sep 19, 2008 10:34 am
- Location: St. John VI
There is no need to arrange for a private taxi, there are plenty of drivers and a dispatcher waiting for you right outside of baggage claim. You tell them where you want to go, they point you to a van, and you just wait until they fill it up and you are on your way.
You do not clear customs when entering the USVI, you do that on the way out. As far as how long that takes, well it really depends. Sometimes there is a long line, sometimes there is no line. Sometimes the customs officer wants to ask lots of questions, sometimes they don't. On your way out you must be to the airport at least on hour prior to the departure of your plane or they will not let you through, so make sure you allow yourself enough time to get to the airport when you are leaving.
You do not clear customs when entering the USVI, you do that on the way out. As far as how long that takes, well it really depends. Sometimes there is a long line, sometimes there is no line. Sometimes the customs officer wants to ask lots of questions, sometimes they don't. On your way out you must be to the airport at least on hour prior to the departure of your plane or they will not let you through, so make sure you allow yourself enough time to get to the airport when you are leaving.
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Tim from Chicagoland
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Mon Jun 07, 2010 2:48 am
- Location: Highland, IN
Hey Tim,
I'm thinking out loud here, but generally speaking, I'll shop a bit on STT if I've rented my car on STT and plan to take the car barge. I shop on STJ if I'm renting my car on STJ. If you hire a private driver (at an extra cost) you may negate all or some of the savings of shopping at Cost-U-Less. Plus, the hassle of schlepping all of your newly purchased groceries onto the ferry and then to the rental car seems a bit much. Plus, the ferry will charges per suitcase; not sure what they'll charge for bag of groceries.
So, in the past, I've rented at Dependable on STT and shopped at Cost-U-Less or I've rented at Bougainvillea on STJ and shopped at Dolphin or Starfish.
Hope this helps.
Lovermont
I'm thinking out loud here, but generally speaking, I'll shop a bit on STT if I've rented my car on STT and plan to take the car barge. I shop on STJ if I'm renting my car on STJ. If you hire a private driver (at an extra cost) you may negate all or some of the savings of shopping at Cost-U-Less. Plus, the hassle of schlepping all of your newly purchased groceries onto the ferry and then to the rental car seems a bit much. Plus, the ferry will charges per suitcase; not sure what they'll charge for bag of groceries.
So, in the past, I've rented at Dependable on STT and shopped at Cost-U-Less or I've rented at Bougainvillea on STJ and shopped at Dolphin or Starfish.
Hope this helps.
Lovermont
Hi Tim,
A lot of us use Rachel Brown, 340-771-2986, for private taxi services. She's a very kind, friendly woman and will be waiting for you with a sign and a smile.
Her rates are $25/pp for 2 and $20/pp for 3 or more (not sure if there is another drop). I don't know if there is a surcharge if she needs to wait while you shop.
Have a great trip.
A lot of us use Rachel Brown, 340-771-2986, for private taxi services. She's a very kind, friendly woman and will be waiting for you with a sign and a smile.
Her rates are $25/pp for 2 and $20/pp for 3 or more (not sure if there is another drop). I don't know if there is a surcharge if she needs to wait while you shop.
Have a great trip.
janet
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Tim from Chicagoland
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Mon Jun 07, 2010 2:48 am
- Location: Highland, IN
Thanks Lovermont, makes a lot of sense. I think we'll carry-on frozen steaks, scallops, gulf shrimp?, and spices. Get whatever else we need on island.
What rental company would you rent from that's not too far of a walk? Don't really care about a parking lot. I'll pay to park if I have to. How far in advance would you reserve?
Also thank you Jayseadee. I saw that womans' taxi service mentioned before & just got dizzy trying to find out where I saw her mentioned. Figured someone would mention her. Sounds like the ride with her will be enjoyable.
Twenty bucks a person sounds like a deal to me. After 9+ hrs. of traveling we'll spend a little extra to have a ride to ourselves. Do you usually tip her?
Tim
What rental company would you rent from that's not too far of a walk? Don't really care about a parking lot. I'll pay to park if I have to. How far in advance would you reserve?
Also thank you Jayseadee. I saw that womans' taxi service mentioned before & just got dizzy trying to find out where I saw her mentioned. Figured someone would mention her. Sounds like the ride with her will be enjoyable.
Twenty bucks a person sounds like a deal to me. After 9+ hrs. of traveling we'll spend a little extra to have a ride to ourselves. Do you usually tip her?
Tim
Our trip with Rachel Brown over to the ferry is an important part of every STJ trip we take. She's become a real friend over time. If you are able to use her, I really believe you'll be pleased with that opportunity to know her. She's also extremely convenient.
You may PM me if you need any other info.
You may PM me if you need any other info.
