British Virgin Islands
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
In brief
About 39.7 thousand people live in the British Virgin Islands, on 151 km². The capital is Road Town.
- Capital
- Road Town
- Population
- 39,732
- Area
- 151 km²
- Official languages
- English
No land borders
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in the British Virgin Islands?
Sockets take plug type A/B, at 110 V and 60 Hz.
That is lower than Europe's 230 V: phone and laptop chargers handle it, but check hair dryers and the like.
What is the emergency number in the British Virgin Islands?
Call 911 for police, ambulance and fire.
Do you tip in the British Virgin Islands?
10–15 %.
Which side of the road do they drive on in the British Virgin Islands?
Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when you cross the street.
What currency is used in the British Virgin Islands?
Prices are in US Dollar (USD).
What language do they speak in the British Virgin Islands?
Official languages: English.
How do I call a number in the British Virgin Islands from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +1.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
