USVI-On-Line

I was hoping I could get opinions from a few of the local residents and repeat visitors on Etiquette. I have traveled outside the US for years so I get that you need to know local Etiquette before arriving if possible...so I'm asking...

I understand the "good morning", "good afternoon", "good evening" greetings, got it. I understand things go slower than stateside and that I need to be patient....(like most non-mainland destinations...).

My questions-
1) Is there a dress code for casual restaurants and bars? No tank tops or bathing suit bottoms for guys, no bikini tops for gals, etc??
2) Anything else that would help us blend and not be obvious first timers?

Thanks in advance for the free Etiquette lesson!

DELETED

Nice Avatar.. trying to tell us something

sherban wrote:
My questions-
1) Is there a dress code for casual restaurants and bars? No tank tops or bathing suit bottoms for guys, no bikini tops for gals, etc??
2) Anything else that would help us blend and not be obvious first timers?

1) Don't wear beachwear in town or to a any restaurant. Tank tops and flip-flops are fine. Casual dress is accepted most places (at least off-season). Caneel used to have a collared-shirt/long pants(jackets at one time) for guys in the evening, but that too may be relaxed.
2) Stay left when driving

Would it be acceptable to wear a bikini top under a tank top while in town? I sure hope so

Carebare wrote:Would it be acceptable to wear a bikini top under a tank top while in town? I sure hope so

Not a problem at all. Not from personal wearing habits but observing my wife over the years.

Here is my list:

1. While you may be on vacation, not everyone around you is.
2. Do not walk around in your beach attire. Cover up. What would you think if someone walked into a store in your hometown in just a bikini or with no shirt on?
3. Do not expect things to be like they are at home. That is why you are there. It is different. Respect the differences.
4. Lighten up. This is vacation on a tropical island. Don't take yourself so seriously. Let your guard down and enjoy yourself
5. While having fun,be smart. Drunk people having fun is one thing, drunk people making smart ass comments about others, swearing, and probably offended people is another. Just because you spent your day on the most beautiful beach in the world does not make this Disney World and you are not immune to crime. Be smart and be careful.
6. Respect the island as a whole: Take only pictures, leave only footprints.

WOW XIG! I'd say that sums it up...nicely! Couldn't've said it better myself! I especially like #1!

Well said!

Jen
45& Out...

excellent points x..............

one more thing to add to xisland girl's advice. Many locals are very sensitive to people taking their picture without permission. More then a few people down there are on the lam from somewhere and aren't too keen on the idea of their photo being seen by millions on the net.

Thanks for the suggestions and feedback.
Besides the obvious "code of mutual human respect" I thought I would see if there were any customs or standards specific to STJ so we can try to blend with local culture. I've been places where topless is the norm, nude is ok, prostitution is ok, and there are also places where folks try to cover every inch of bare skin they have with some clothing... We obviously didn't all grow up in the same neighborhood, and standards are not the same everywhere so I like to know and respect the local customs. Thanks again.