Quick answer. The BVI use the US dollar, so there is nothing to exchange. On arrival every visitor pays the $10 Environmental and Tourism Levy. The airport is on Beef Island, joined by a short bridge to the east end of Tortola. Taxis charge fixed government fares, often per person: roughly $25 to $35 for one or two people to Road Town, about 25 minutes. For Virgin Gorda, a ferry leaves from the dock beside the airport. FirstBank opened a 24-hour machine at the airport in 2026; withdraw here if you are heading to the smaller islands, where machines are scarce.
Where to get US dollars at EIS
At EIS there is no currency to change for Americans; the costs are fees. For visitors from elsewhere, a no-FX-fee card is the cheapest way to pay. Figures assume $100 of cash or spending.
| Option | Where | Markup | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-FX-fee card | Resorts, restaurants, ferries | None | $100 |
| FirstBank ATM | Terminal | Operator fee of a few dollars plus your bank's | ~$103-106 |
| US card with a 3% foreign transaction fee | Everywhere | 3% on dollar purchases abroad | ~$103 |
| Accepting 'pay in pounds or euros' | Resorts, shops | +3-7% conversion markup | ~$103-107 |
The machine, the taxi stand and the ferry dock at Beef Island (EIS)
Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport is small, with flights from San Juan, Antigua, St Thomas, St Maarten and a few other Caribbean hubs, and limited direct service from the US mainland. Most visitors connect through San Juan or arrive by ferry from St Thomas instead. The $10 levy is collected at immigration with your entry. FirstBank opened a 24-hour cash machine at the airport in 2026, which dispenses US dollars; FirstBank also has machines at the Road Town ferry terminal and Nanny Cay marina. Other banks, Republic Bank, CIBC Caribbean and Banco Popular, are in Road Town. The BVI are not part of the Global ATM Alliance. Our British Virgin Islands money guide covers charter fees, beach bars and the out-islands.
Arrivals and immigration
Cape Air, interCaribbean and other regional carriers
Pay the $10 levy at immigration. The FirstBank machine in the terminal dispenses dollars around the clock; expect a fee of a few dollars plus your bank's charge.
Taxi stand
Licensed BVI taxis and safari trucks
Fares are fixed by the government and posted; many are per person with a minimum. Confirm the total for your group before loading bags. Most drivers prefer cash.
Trellis Bay and the Beef Island ferry dock
Ferries to Virgin Gorda and the North Sound
A short walk or ride from the terminal. Ferries run to Spanish Town and the North Sound resorts on Virgin Gorda. Tickets by card at the larger operators; carry cash for the smaller ones and for the cafes at Trellis Bay.
Do you actually need cash at Beef Island (EIS)?
Usually yes, for the taxi. BVI taxi drivers prefer cash:
Taxi to Road Town (roughly $25-35 for 1-2 people): About 25 minutes; fixed, often per person.
Taxi to Cane Garden Bay or West End (roughly $40-60 for 1-2 people): About 40-50 minutes over the hills.
Ferry to Virgin Gorda (roughly $20-50 one way): From the dock next to the airport; North Sound resorts run their own boats.
Hire car (roughly $60-90 a day): Drive on the left; temporary BVI licence needed.
⚠ DCC trap. When the ATM or terminal asks if you want to be charged in your home currency instead of the local currency, always decline and choose the local currency. Accepting locks in a 3-13 percent markup that your no-FX-fee card cannot undo. Full DCC explainer →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash to get from Beef Island (EIS) to Road Town?
Usually, yes: taxi drivers prefer cash in US dollars. Bring small notes, or use the FirstBank machine in the terminal. Ferries, resorts and Road Town restaurants take cards.
Can I order US dollars before flying?
Not needed for Americans: the BVI use US dollars. CEI Currency Exchange ships US dollars to a US address in 2-5 days if you are coming from elsewhere and want notes for taxis and the out-islands.
Is there an ATM at the BVI airport?
Yes. FirstBank opened a 24-hour cash machine at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island in 2026. It dispenses US dollars, with a fee of a few dollars. More machines are in Road Town.
How much is a taxi from Beef Island airport to Road Town?
Roughly 25 to 35 dollars for one or two people, a drive of about 25 minutes. BVI taxi fares are fixed by the government and many are charged per person, so a group pays more in total. Confirm the fare before you set off; most drivers prefer cash.
How do I get from Beef Island airport to Virgin Gorda?
By ferry from the dock next to the airport at Trellis Bay, or by the boats of the North Sound resorts, which meet guests. The crossing takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on the destination. Larger operators take cards.