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Can you bring food from the States into the USVI?
thanks,
Chana
Yes you can - anything you want 🙂
Pia
You can bring food. But why would you. We find that everything is available that one needs in one of the several stores. We went to Cost U Less this year and found the prices nearly the same as stateside (actually found a few things besides alcohol that were less). They have a great selection of almost everything. About the only thing we bring is ground coffee and filters for the first morning at the resort as I can't move without my morning eye opener.
When my father came down to visit me, he brought some nice frozen meets and some BEAUTIFUL, fresh tomatoes from his garden! That was a real treat!
We bring our own meats/chicken/special breakfast items with us. It's a personal preference for us. I don't even buy chicken around here in the major supermarkets. I buy these things from a smaller store.
We also enjoyed not having to do a full shopping order at the stores on STT. We picked up only condiments and bread items.
if you are thinking of bringing anything bring bulky items such as cereral, potato chips, powered milk etc. These items I have found to be much more at stores like Cost You Less than in the main land. Take apple juce. It is about 2-2.50 for a large bottle like sold in Cost You Less for 3.75.. In general I find things to be about 30% more down here but there are execeptions where items cost less down here.
So be selective.
You can get almost anything you would want between Cost You Less, Plaza Extra and PriceMart. If you go to the FoodCenter you wil pay more than at the previously mentioned stores. If you go to Marina Market you will pay a lot more.
Good luck.
Billd
Chana:
How long are you coming down for?
If it's less than two weeks why bother to bring any food.......yes, things are a bit more expensive here, but not that much more expensive than places like the New York City metropolitan area.
F.I.
Cost U Less on STT has a really good selection and I have found their meats and veggies to be very fresh and appealing. I use them for one big run on the first full day on the visit - then pick up things at Marina Market. On STJ, I have found that both Dolphin and Starfish are super-expensive for meats and fish (and most else).
But, it's a vacation. The cost is not something I'll worry about too much. It is the selection of fresh fruits, veggies and meats that drive my choices on where to shop.
We go every year and always take a cold bag full of frozen meats (steaks, burgers and hot dogs)and frozen shrimp etc.
one word of caution though , if you carry on your cold bag, don't have any cheeses ,or butter in it as they will confiscate it at security check-in. You can carry it if you check your bags though.