Barbados is one of the most welcoming of islands.  

• They speak English (a product of their British colonization).
• They take US dollars: $US1.00 = BDF $2.00 to. Most establishments accept either Barbados or US dollars.
• The electricity is 110 volts/50 cycles (so you don't need an adapter for US appliances)

Currency
The Barbados dollar is pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of US$1 = BDS$1.98. US dollars are accepted island-wide, and most stores and restaurants accept major credit cards and travelers checks.

Cellular Phone Service
Visitors who bring their cell phones with them on holiday must remember to ensure the roaming feature is activated prior to arriving in the island. Please note that receiving and making international calls on your mobile phone can be quite costly and you may wish to explore the alternative of renting a cell phone locally – contact Cable & Wireless at 1-800-804-2994 or visit them online at www.bmobile.com.bb.

Electricity
115/230 volts 50 cycles. Standard plug types in Barbados are two flat blades or flat blades with round grounding pin – most hotels provide converters for European or Asian appliances. North American appliances will not need converters.

Drinking Water
The Barbados Water Authority, a Government statutory corporation, is the sole provider of water services. The water service in Barbados is reliable and the water supply is safe and refreshing to drink.

Local Laws & Customs
There are severe penalties for all drug offences, make sure you pack your luggage yourself and are aware of its contents. Be aware that it is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.

Grocery Shopping
For those intent on grocery shopping while on-island, here are a few good resources:

Super Center:
5 excellent supermarkets on the south and west coasts of the island renowned for their vast selection of both local and international brands. Free delivery for orders over $50 and their Super Center Shuttle Service can take you back home.

Patisserie & Bistro Flindt:
Chic and exquisite dessert and pastry shops that can pack you picnic boxes for a day at the races or the beach, and also delivers.

Climate
With over 3000 hours of sunshine yearly, the weather is almost always sunny and warm, cooled by the constant northeast trade winds. The average daytime temperature ranges between 84-88 degrees Fahrenheit, 29-31 degrees Celsius. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius)

Language
English, although the Bajan dialect can be heard all around the island.

Time Difference
4 hours behind GMT in the winter and 5 hours in the summer. 1 hour ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the winter and the same during US Daylight Saving Time.

Electricity
115/230 volts 50 cycle. Many hotels provide converters for European or Asian appliances. North American appliances will not need converters.

Water
The water service in Barbados is reliable and the water supply is safe and refreshing to drink straight from the tap.

Dress Code
Outfit yourself for the warm tropical climate: shorts, T-Shirts, wraps and sundresses would be your best bet for daytime wear, and "elegantly casual" wear for evenings. Bear in mind that swimwear should be kept for the beach and suitable attire should be worn when going shopping or dining out.

Telecommunications
Barbados has a modern telecommunications infrastructure with the latest in digital technology and fiber optics systems including international direct dialing, facsimile transfer and satellite telecommunications which allows for the efficient transmission of electronic data. Internet and e-mail services, as well as express mail and courier delivery are also available. The International direct distance dialing code for Barbados is (1-246), followed by a seven digit local number.

Getting Around
Driving in Barbados is on the left side of the road and the majority of vehicles are "right hand drive." The island has an extensive road network of about 1,475 km of paved roads. A highway links the north and the south of the island. There are a number of ways to get around the island by hired car, taxis and buses; all are safe, reliable and convenient.

Currency
The Barbados dollar is tied to the US dollar at a fixed rate of US$1.00 = BDS$1.98. The approximate rate of exchange for sterling is £1.00 = BDS$3.70, for Canadian currency, approximately CAD$1.00 = BDS$1.60 and the Euro is approximately EURO 1.00 = BDS$2.40. US currency is readily accepted everywhere on the island, while most hotels, restaurants and large stores accept travelers checks and most major credit cards as well.

Taxes/Tipping
15% VAT (Value Added Tax) is included on all prices in shops, supermarkets and restaurants. In hotels, 7.5% VAT and 10% service charge will be added to your bill. Usually 10% - 15% is acceptable when tipping - many restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, so you'd be wise to check before tipping additionally.

Business Hours
Shops in Bridgetown are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm and 8:30am- 1:00pm on Saturdays. Malls and out-of town shops and boutiques usually open from 9:00am-5:00pm (Mon-Fri) and 9:00am-2:00pm on Saturdays. Most shops are closed on Sundays, although some supermarkets and convenience stores remain open

>> return to top


What to pack
As the easternmost Caribbean island, Barbados is tropical year round, with temperatures averaging a balmy 75 – 85 o F. A gentle sea breeze alleviates even the hottest days.

So, a bathing suit is a must (or three), sandals, sundresses, a shawl is always a good idea for day into night, shorts, and of course sunscreen. Slacks and sportshirts. In the evening things get a little more dressy: Jackets for men, dresses for women.

>> return to top


Making it memorable
There are so many things to do and see on Barbados, making it memorable is not a problem, however making a decision might be!   So we've made it easier to find the kind places and experiences to share that will be indelibly etched in your memory for years to come.

>> return to top