Helpful Barbados Tips you can use on your Caribbean vacation

Barbados Tips to help you have a great time during your vacation in Barbados. I have put together some helpful tips to make your visit more enjoyable.

Banking Hours - An important Barbados Tip

• Banks are open from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. (Mon. - Thu.) and 8.00a.m to 5.00 p.m. (Fri).

• There are several ATM's on the South and West Coasts, and in Bridgetown.

Store Hours

• Stores normally open from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. or 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (Mon.- Fri.), and 8.30 a.m. to 1.00 or 2.00 p.m. (Sat.) They are normally closed on Sundays.

Taxes

• There is a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) charged in stores and restaurants, and 7.5% in hotels. There is a good selection of tax free shopping, especially in Bridgetown.

Currency of Barbados

• Barbados has it's own currency the Barbados Dollar which is fixed to the US dollar at the rate of BBD $1.98 = 1 US dollar.

• US dollars are accepted island wide also most stores and restaurants accept major credit cards and travelers cheques.

Proper Dress

• Swimsuits are for the beach and it is not good etiquette to go shopping or into a bank without covering up a bit.

• Restaurants are casual but elegant and shorts are acceptable in most - except the very exclusive ones.

Illegal Drugs - A very important Barbados Tip

• The penalties for illegal drugs are severe, even for softer drugs like marijuana - that helpful fellow making an offer to you might be an undercover cop - don't take the chance.

Electricity

• Electricity in Barbados is 110 volts/50 cycles. The electricity supply is reliable with only occasionall outages.

• An alternative source of power is provided by solar panels which are getting more popular.

Emergency Telephone Numbers - An important Barbados Tip

• Police - 211

• Ambulance - 511

• Fire - 311

• A good private clinic is FMH Emergency Medical Clinic - 228-6120.

• Collins Ltd. in Bridgetown is an excellent pharmacy in case of illness.

Water

• The islands water supply is extremely clean and safe to drink as it is filtered by coral and captured in underground aquifers.

• Please conserve water as the islands water supply is limited.

Postal System

• The General Post Office is in Bridgetown at Cheapside, and there are seventeen district post offices island wide.

• Stamps can be bought easily from most hotels and a variety of stores.

Size of Barbados

• The island is 21 miles (34 km.) long and 14 miles (22.km.) wide and the area is 166 square miles (424 square km.).

• It is divided into eleven parishes.

Government of Barbados

• Barbados is an independent country (since 1966) with it's own flag and coat of arms. The head of state is the Prime Minister.

• As it's based on the British system there are two parliamentary houses - the House of Assembly and the Senate.

• The country is still a member of the British Commonwealth.

Language

• The official language of Barbados is English, but the Barbadians frequently speak in "Bajan", a dialect that is difficult but understandable.

Population

• The population of Barbados is approximately 270,000, the ethnic mix is as follows:

• 92% African descent

• 3% European descent

• 4% Indian and Asian descent and a good number of mixed races.

Religion in Barbados

• The main religion is the Anglican religion, but there are over a hundred different religious denominations. Barbados remains a very religious society.

Safety - One of the most important Barbados Tips

• Serious crime in Barbados is not common, but common sense rules as in your home country should be followed.

• Do not leave valuables in rental cars

• Stay in well lit areas at night

• Remember to lock your hotel doors

• Swimming on the east coast is very dangerous and should be avoided.

• Manchineel trees found along many Barbados beaches are poisonous they bear a fruit that resembles a small apple that is extremely dangerous if eaten. Do not shelter under these trees when it's raining the water running off the leaves can cause blistering of the skin.

Driving

• Barbados driving is on the left hand side of the road.

• When approaching a round about always give way to the vehicle on the right.

Sun Care - An important Barbados Tip

• Barbados is very close to the equator so the sun is extremely strong and precautions need to be taken.

• There's nothing worse than the pain of a bad sunburn - it can spoil your vacation.

• The sun is strongest between 10:00 a.m and 3.00 p.m.so be sure to use strong sunscreen during these hours.

• You can still get burned in the morning and the afternoon and overcast days are deceiving the ultraviolet rays penetrate the clouds and cause sunburn.

Mosquitoes

• Beware of Mosquitoes at any time of the year. Although Barbados island has no Malaria risk, Mosquitoes can ruin your holiday by biting your ankles and legs particularly.

• Always take a good mosquito repellent and use it before 10am and after 4pm or when you are in a dark shaded area (all day).

Return from Barbados Tips to FAQs

Return from Barbados Tips to Best Barbados Beaches homepage