Explore the Paradise of Barbados: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean island and is surrounded by an ancient coral reef. Its exotic resorts and glorious beaches make it the perfect getaway, where visitors can look forward to year-round sunshine. Home to the popular cruise port of Bridgetown, the island has a breathtaking coastline and some of the world’s finest diving, surfing and snorkelling conditions.
Often referred to as the Platinum Coast, the pear-shaped island’s western half is dominated by deluxe beach resorts. The central highlands have some interesting cultural sites (including distilleries and plantations), picturesque villages and some amazing walking and hiking trails. The east gives way to the Atlantic Ocean and is commonly referred to as the ‘Soup Bowl’ because of its big waves. Surfers and backpackers tend to relish the region’s assortment of lively beachside bars and low-cost accommodation.
The locals call themselves ‘Bajans’ and are of West Indian descent, and English culture and customs have to a large extent shaped the island. These influences pervade much of Barbados but are most clear in the stone Anglican churches and in the many cricket games played on village greens. Barbados’s strong ties with English culture have bequeathed it a genial atmosphere and good infrastructure. The sun shines year-round, and the famously friendly locals only enhance the island’s glorious ambience. Barbados is rightly one of the most popular winter-sun vacation stops in the world.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the official language in Barbados.
- Passport/Visa:
Tourists don’t usually require a visa for stays of up to six months but they do require a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and documents for onward travel. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. However, it is recommend that passports always be valid for six months after departure from the destination.
- Currency:
The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of BBD 1.98 to $1 and does not fluctuate. Its rate is relative to other currencies fluctuations based on the particular currency’s relation to the US dollar. US dollars are also widely accepted on the island, and well-known international credit cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants. Banks and ATMs are freely available and cash withdrawals can be made.
- Electricity:
- Electric current in Barbados is 115 volts, 50Hz.
Overview
Barbados has a lot to offer visitors regarding beach life and sightseeing. Resorts in St James and St Peter are dream settings from which to appreciate this tropical paradise, and guests will also find luxury, relaxation and a touch of hedonism on the island’s renowned west coast. On the sightseeing front, Harrison’s Cave and the Jacobean Mansions are certainly worth visiting, as is the little fishing village of Bathsheba, which is favoured by surfers and photographers. Graeme Hall Swamp has even more in the way of unusual sights. The island is indeed an irresistible option for that perfect, sunny, coastal vacation.
Climate in Barbados
The weather is mostly fair and sunny in tropical Barbados, with daytime highs averaging between 75F and 85F (24C and 29C). These hot conditions are tempered by cool, northeast trade winds.
The dry season occurs from January to June and the hurricane season extends from June to October. Hurricanes, however, usually miss Barbados. Instead, the island experiences some spectacular tropical rainstorms. These usually last for short, heavy spells that dry up quickly.
Health Notes when travelling to Barbados
There are no mandatory requirements regarding vaccinations for visitors to Barbados. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas, and hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for unvaccinated travellers who are one year old or older. There has been an increase in the outbreaks of dengue fever and mosquito repellent is strongly recommended; everyone 5 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before visiting. Medical care is good but very expensive and serious cases are usually transferred overseas (usually to the USA). Health insurance is therefore strongly recommended.
Safety Notes when travelling to Barbados
As in most places, crime is not unknown in Barbados, though violent crime doesn’t usually affect travellers. Normal safety precautions should suffice, meaning travellers should watch out for pickpockets in Bridgetown, and hustlers at the entrance to St Lawrence Gap, as well as around south-coast nightlife venues.
Otherwise, beach-goers sometimes encounter Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish in Bajan waters. Fortunately, they’re usually large, slow and easy to spot. Poisonous manchineel trees grow on a few beaches; tropical storms and hurricanes may occur between June and November.
Customs in Barbados
It is an offence to wear camouflage clothing in Barbados as it is reserved for the military. Topless bathing is frowned upon and nudism is illegal.
Duty Free in Barbados
Travellers to Barbados do not have to pay duty on 1 litre of wine or spirits, or souvenirs up to a value of BBD 100. All fruits, vegetables, plants and products may require an import permit and a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine.
Doing Business in Barbados
Bridgetown is generally the centre of business in Barbados. Business protocol is fairly formal, including greetings (use Mr or Ms) and dress, which is smart. Handshaking between both men and women is expected and business cards are handed out on introduction. Punctuality is expected at meetings. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Banks and post offices close at 3pm.
Communication in Barbados
The international access code for Barbados is +1, in common with the US, Canada, and most of the Caribbean, followed by 246. The outgoing code is 011, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). No outgoing code is needed to call the US. Tourists can purchase local prepaid SIM cards; WiFi is available in cafes, restaurants and hotels.
Tipping in Barbados
Tipping in Barbados is not necessary if a service charge has already been included in the bill. Otherwise it is generally about 10 to 15 percent. Tipping is normal in bars.
Passport/Visa Note
Tourists don’t usually require a visa for stays of up to six months but they do require a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and documents for onward travel. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. However, it is recommend that passports always be valid for six months after departure from the destination.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a valid passport but do not require a visa for a stay of up to 6 months.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays up to six months.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British nationals require a valid passport, but do not require a visa for a stay of up to 6 months.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to six months.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to six months.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to six months.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to six months.
Tourist Offices
Barbados Tourism Authority, Bridgetown: +1 246 427 2623 or http://www.barbados.org
Barbados Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Barbados, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 939 9200.
- In Canada:
High Commission of Barbados, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 9517.
- In the United Kingdom:
Barbados High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (246) 431 2200.
- In Australia:
Barbados High Comission, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6270 6666
- In New Zealand:
Consulate of Barbados, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 09 473 5949.
- In South Africa:
Barbados High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 421 7500
Foreign Embassies in Barbados
- American Embassy
Embassy of the United States of America, Bridgetown: +1 246 227 4000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Bridgetown: +1 246 629 3550.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Bridgetown: +1 246 430 7800.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Barbados): +1 868 822 5450.
- Irish Embassy
Mission of Ireland to the UN, New York, United States (also responsible for Barbados): +1 212 421 6934.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Barbados): +1 613 238 5991.
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Barbados): + 1 876 620 4840.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
