Welcome to Barbados 😊
Barbados is a small Caribbean country with a population of approximately 287,000 people. It's known for its beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and vibrant culture. The official language is English, but Bajan Creole is also widely spoken on the island. The island's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, and visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and exploring historic sites like the Garrison Savannah and St. Nicholas Abbey. Barbados also has a rich musical heritage, with genres like calypso and reggae being popular among locals and visitors alike.
Quick Facts About Barbados
- Currency: Barbadian dollar
- Population: approximately 287,000
- Languages: English,"Bajan Creole"
Money and Finances
The currency used in Barbados is the Barbadian dollar (BBD). Coins are available in 1, 5, 10, and 25 cent denominations, and banknotes are available in 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollar denominations.
ATM Network
ATMs are widely available throughout Barbados, particularly in tourist areas and major towns. Many ATMs accept major international credit cards.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Barbados, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted. AMEX is also accepted, but not as widely. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash, as some smaller businesses may not accept credit cards or may charge a surcharge for their use.
Internet and Phones
Barbados has a relatively fast internet with average download speeds of 22.6 Mbps and upload speeds of 8.9 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The major telco companies in Barbados are Digicel and Flow. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around $50 per month. There are no known sim compatibility issues.
Dialling to Barbados
To call Barbados from another country, you need to dial the international access code, followed by the country code (1), and then the local number. The area codes used when dialing within Barbados are 246.
Transport Around Barbados
Air Travel
Barbados has one major airport, Grantley Adams International Airport, located in the southern part of the island near the town of Oistins.
Train Travel
There is no inter-city train network in Barbados.
Metro / Local Trains
There is no metro system in Barbados.
Buses
The bus system in Barbados is extensive and affordable. A single trip costs around $2 USD and journey times vary depending on the destination.
Rideshare
Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft are not available in Barbados. Local taxis and mini-buses are common modes of transportation.
Driving by Car
Driving in Barbados is on the left-hand side of the road. The speed limit is 60 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on highways. Barbados has a well-maintained road network and it is fairly easy to drive in the country.
Local Customs
In Barbados, tipping is generally expected in the service industry, with 10-15% being a common amount. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake or a hug. It is considered polite to address strangers with a friendly 'good morning' or 'good afternoon'. Men and women usually address each other with Mr. or Ms. followed by their last name, unless they are close friends or family.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
Barbados offers a high standard of medical care, but medical services can be costly for non-residents. Most doctors and hospitals require payment upfront and do not accept insurance plans from other countries. Visiting a general practitioner typically costs around $60-$100 USD, and a specialist can cost upwards of $200-$300 USD. Private health insurance is recommended to cover the high costs of medical care.
COVID Situation
Barbados has been implementing strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including mask mandates, social distancing regulations, and travel restrictions. As of October 2021, Barbados has reported a total of 9,700 cases and 88 deaths, with a current daily average of 5 cases per day.
Common Health Risks
The main health risks in Barbados are related to mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and zika virus. Travelers should take measures to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Food and waterborne illnesses are also a risk, and travelers should stick to bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked foods. Sunburn and heat exhaustion are common due to the tropical climate, so it's important to use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
The legal drinking age in Barbados is 18. Alcohol can be consumed in bars and restaurants, but it is illegal to consume it in public spaces or on beaches. Excessive drinking and public drunkenness are not tolerated and can lead to arrest and fines.
Recreational Drugs
The possession and use of recreational drugs, including cannabis, is illegal in Barbados. Offenders can face fines and imprisonment, and drug trafficking is punishable by life imprisonment.
Pre-Marital Relationships
Pre-marital relationships are legal and common in Barbados, and there are no laws prohibiting them.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is legal in Barbados, but same-sex marriage is not recognized. There are no specific laws protecting LGBTQ individuals from discrimination.
Firearms / Guns
Gun ownership in Barbados is strictly regulated, and licenses are required for possession. The use and possession of firearms without a license can result in imprisonment and fines.