Barbados has a fantastic year-round climate making it a perfect holiday destination throughout the year. Temperatures are almost always moderate and can reach highs of 89F with very little seasonal variation. The dry season is from January to June and the rainy season is June to October; trade winds moderate tropical temperatures year-round.
Language
The official language of Barbados is English. The local dialect is referred to as "Bajan" It is a mixture of broken English with an accent inspired by various African languages.
Flight Time
From the UK the average flight time is 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Airports
Barbados has one airport - Grantley Adams International Airport. The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) east of Bridgetown, near Christchurch. Facilities in the airport include a bank and foreign exchange, bar, restaurant, duty-free, a business centre with Internet facilities, and an information desk. There are also disabled facilities.
Currency
The official currency of Barbados is the Barbadian dollar. Denominated into notes of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 2 BBD, each Barbadian dollar is divided into 100 cents with coins of 1, 5, 10, and 25 cents as well as $1BBD coins. In Barbados you will find that US currency is accepted across the island. Travelers cheques are accepted by all banks and most hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, you are advised to take travelers cheques in U.S. dollars. Banks and ATMs are freely available and cash withdrawals can be made.
Telephone Services
Country Code: 246
Outgoing code: 00 + your country code (UK = 44, i.e. 00 44)
Emergency Services
Ambulance: 511
Fire Service: 311
Police: 211
Communications
Card phones and payphones are available throughout the island, although it may be better to use card phones for overseas calls. Most mobile networks have international roaming agreements which enable you to use your mobile phone abroad. Please check with your mobile phone provider before arriving in Barbados. There are Internet cafes throughout Barbados.
Passport Information
A passport is required by all nationals to enter Barbados. All passports must valid for six months.
Visa Information
You will not need a visa for travelling to Barbados if you are staying for less than 6 months. When travelling to Barbados, remember that there will be a departure tax of BDS $50 that must be paid at the airport in cash upon departure.
Health & Safety/Vaccinations
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, Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for those aged over two years. Always consult your doctor/nurse before travelling. Health facilities are generally of a good standard.
Embassy
British High Commission
Collymore Rock
St. Michael, Barbados
246-436-6694
Tourist Offices/Information
263 Tottenham Court Rd
London W1T 7LA United Kingdom
020-7636-9448
Travellers to Barbados do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 227g of other tobacco products; 750ml spirits and 750ml wine; perfume up to 118ml perfume or 237ml of eau de cologne; and souvenirs to the value of Bds$100. Prohibited items include rum, matches, fresh fruit, and articles of clothing or accessories made from camouflage material.
Electricity
110 volts, 50Hz. Plugs in Barbados are: Flat Blade - being two Flat Blades or two Flat blades with a grounding pin. The majority of hotels throughout the island offer adapters and transformers for hair dyers or other small appliances.
Tipping
Tipping is not necessary if a service charge has already been included in the bill, otherwise it is generally about 10-15%. Tipping is normal in bars.
Food & Drink
Food and drinking water are of high quality and safe. Like in all countries different products may be used when preparing foods, to be on the safe side ensure vegetables are cooked and fruit peeled. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot.
Postal Services
Post Offices are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Delivery to the UK can take up to 4 days.
Driving in Barbados
In Barbados you drive on the left. A driving permit is required, which can be obtained from car rental companies, the Ministry of Transport (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), the airport (every day, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) or police stations in Hastings, Worthing, and Holetown. You will have to pay a registration fee of $10(USD), and show a valid license from your home country or an international driving permit.
Taxis and buses are generally safe, but buses are often crowded and tend to travel at high speeds.
Public Holidays
1st January - New Years Day
22nd January - Barrow Day
6th April - Good Friday
8th April - Easter
9th April - Easter Monday
28th April - Heroes Day
1st May - Labour Day
1st August - Emancipation Day
6th August - Kadooment Day
30th November - Independence Day
25th December - Christmas Day
26th December - Boxing Day
