The currency in St. Thomas is the U.S. dollar. St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, so there is no exchange rate, no foreign coins, and no money changer to hunt down before you step off the ship. If you can spend it in Florida, you can spend it in Charlotte Amalie.
St. Thomas Currency: The Short Answer
Everything on the island is priced in USD, from taxi fares to rum cocktails. Your own bills and coins work exactly as they do at home, and your bank card works as it normally would (check with your bank if you are unsure about travel notes). Visitors from Canada, the UK, or Europe will need to bring or withdraw U.S. dollars, but nobody needs a special Caribbean currency. If you are still sorting out documents for the trip, our guide on whether you need a passport for St. Thomas covers the other big question.
The U.S. Virgin Islands have used the dollar for well over a century, a fact you can confirm in the overview of the territory on Wikipedia. That is part of why St. Thomas is such an easy first Caribbean stop for American travelers.
Cash vs. Card on a Cruise Day
You do not need a wad of cash, but you do want some. A good rule of thumb is a card for the big stuff and small bills for everything else.
- Cards work at most restaurants, shops, and tour desks in Charlotte Amalie and at the cruise docks.
- Cash is handy for taxis, tips, street vendors, small beach bars, and market stalls.
- Small bills win. Ones, fives, and tens make tipping and paying drivers painless. A driver will not always have change for a hundred.
For taxis in particular, fares are set per person by destination and cash is the easy way to pay. Our breakdown of St. Thomas taxi rates shows what you will actually pay so you can bring the right amount.
Getting Cash: ATMs in St. Thomas
ATMs are easy to find in downtown Charlotte Amalie and near the main shopping areas, and they dispense U.S. dollars. Banks on the island charge fees like anywhere else, and your own bank may add one too, so it is cheaper to grab a modest amount once than to make several small withdrawals. If your ship day is short, pull cash in the morning before you head up the hill rather than at the last minute.
Not sure how far you want to roam from the dock? The walking tour keeps you close to town, and most of what you need is within a few blocks.
How Much to Tip in St. Thomas
Tipping works the way it does on the mainland. For sit-down restaurants, 15 to 20 percent is the norm. Some restaurants add a gratuity or service charge to the bill, especially for larger groups, so check the check before you add more. Taxi drivers, tour guides, and bartenders appreciate a tip as well, and this is exactly where those small bills earn their keep.
- Restaurants and bars: 15 to 20 percent, unless a service charge is already listed.
- Taxi drivers: a few dollars or around 15 percent of the fare.
- Tour guides: a few dollars per person on a short tour is common, more for a full-day excursion.
What Things Cost and What to Budget
St. Thomas is a U.S. destination with island pricing, since much of what is sold arrives by boat. A casual lunch will usually cost more than you pay at home, and cocktails near the waterfront can be pricey. Duty-free shopping on Main Street can stretch your budget on jewelry, watches, and liquor. See our St. Thomas shopping guide for where the deals are. U.S. citizens returning from the USVI generally get a larger duty-free allowance than from other foreign ports, but check current Customs and Border Protection rules before you buy big.
Spending Money at Blackbeard’s Castle
Here is how money works at the castle, so there are no surprises. Jolly Roger’s Restaurant and Pirate Bar is always free to walk into, so you can sit down for lunch or a drink with a harbor view without buying admission. If you want the grounds, the pool, and the historic tower, the day pass is $15 and covers all of the castle grounds, a tour of the 1679 Skytsborg Tower, and a rum room sampling. Kids under 10 are free, and USVI residents get in free with island ID. You can buy a pass ahead of time at our ticket page, and we are open 9am to 9pm daily.
Planning to make a night of it? The hotel sits on the grounds, with harbor views, and you can see rooms and book on our hotel page. And if you want to eat on a budget, Jolly Roger’s is a good place to start.
Money Tips for Cruise Visitors
- Tell your bank you are traveling if it helps avoid a declined card.
- Keep cash split between pockets, and leave extra on the ship.
- Carry a mix of small bills for taxis and tips.
- Check for card fees or minimums at small shops and stands.
- Keep an eye on the all-aboard time and settle up with a driver before you walk away.
For more on staying comfortable and aware during your visit, read our honest guide on whether St. Thomas is safe.
St. Thomas Currency FAQ
What is the currency in St. Thomas?
The U.S. dollar. St. Thomas is in the U.S. Virgin Islands, so prices and payments are all in USD.
Do I need to exchange money before going to St. Thomas?
Not if you carry U.S. dollars. Visitors from other countries should bring or withdraw USD, since local shops do not typically accept foreign currency.
Do they take credit cards in St. Thomas?
Yes, at most restaurants, shops, and tour desks. Carry some cash for taxis, tips, and small vendors.
How much should I tip in St. Thomas?
Plan on 15 to 20 percent at restaurants, unless a service charge is already added, and a few dollars for drivers and guides.
Are there ATMs near the cruise port?
Yes. You will find ATMs in downtown Charlotte Amalie and near the main shopping areas, and they dispense U.S. dollars.
Bring your cards, pack some small bills, and then enjoy the climb. When you are ready to see the harbor from the top, grab your $15 day pass and come see us.
