U.S. Virgin Islands eSIM

Not always. Even though this is U.S. territory, every provider draws its destination boundaries differently: some bundle the Virgin Islands with the mainland, others treat them as a separate destination entirely. The only reliable check is the coverage list on the plan page itself before you buy, and if the U.S. Virgin Islands are not named there, assume they are not included.

Usually not, because they are separate destinations even though the crossing takes under an hour. Once the boat is in British waters your phone tries to attach to networks on that side, which sit outside your plan. If you are staying overnight, look for a plan that names the British Virgin Islands directly; for a there-and-back day trip, many people simply keep data off while on that side and pick it up again back on St. Thomas.

It is normal in the interior valleys. The fix is to download the whole St. John map area before you leave Cruz Bay, save your parking spot and your return time on the device, and tell somebody which trail you are walking. Service usually returns once you climb back onto a ridge or reach the main road, so a silent phone is not by itself a reason to turn around.

Most plans here start when the phone first connects to a network at the destination, so you can install in advance at home and switch it on after landing. Each plan page states its own rule.

No. The eSIM is a second line, so you keep your home number for SMS OTP. Turn off roaming data on the home line and set the eSIM as the data line.