St. Thomas, the most populous of the four major U.S. Virgin Islands, is located 50 miles east of Puerto Rico. Though “discovered” by famed explorer Christopher Columbus on his second journey to the New World in 1493, and a popular port for pirates in the two centuries that followed, the earliest inhabitants of St. Thomas were indigenous tribes such as the Ciboney, Arawaks and Caribs.
Today, the picturesque white beaches, idyllic climate, rich history and natural beauty of St. Thomas attract visitors from the world over. From ample fine dining and duty-free shopping, to the plethora of active outdoor adventures such as kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, sport-fishing and more, the tropical playground St. Thomas offers tourists the finest life has to offer.
Duty-Free Shopping
U.S. citizens who travel to St. Thomas are allowed a duty-free shopping quota of $1,600--twice that of any other island in the Caribbean and three times that of European countries. A flat rate of six percent duty is charged on purchases over your $1,600 allowance. Besides your personal exemption, you can mail friends and relatives at home an unlimited number of gifts (other than perfume, liquor, or tobacco) worth $100 or less per gift.