Electricity

The electric current in Barbados is 115 volts, 50Hz. US-style plugs are in use, with two flat pins that sometimes have a third round grounding pin.

Language

English is the official language in Barbados.

Money

The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of BBD 2 to USD 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.

Tipping

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.

Health

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

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. Manchineel trees grace many of the beaches on Barbados, and other Caribbean islands, providing welcome shade to tourists, but be aware that the fruit is highly poisonous and even contact with the bark can cause a nasty rash. Although the risk of hurricanes is very small, as they normally pass to the north of the island, tropical storms may occur between June and November. The western side of Barbados is exposed the wild Atlantic Ocean, and though it is popular with experienced surfers, it is not safe for swimming.

Local customs

Barbados has a vibrant culture, with a mix of British and West African values. The locals have a laid-back attitude to life, but retain strong Christian and family values. Visitors should dress modestly, and swimwear should not be worn away from the beach. Cover up when entering churches and dress up when going to restaurants. Nudity is illegal.

Doing business

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.

Duty free

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.

Communications

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.

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.

Entry requirements

US nationals require a valid passport but do not require a visa for a stay of up to six months.

British nationals require a valid passport, but do not require a visa for a stay of up to six months.

Canadian nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays up to six months.

Australian nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to six months.

South African nationals require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to six months.

Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to six months.

New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to six months.

Useful contacts

Barbados Tourism Authority, Bridgetown: +1 246 427 2623 or www.barbados.org

211 (Police), 511 (Ambulance), 311 (Fire).

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of Barbados, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 939 9200.

Barbados High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (246) 431 2200.

High Commission of Barbados, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 9517.

Barbados High Comission, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6270 6666

Barbados High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 421 7500

Consulate of Barbados, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 09 473 5949.

Embassies / consulates in Barbados

Embassy of the United States of America, Bridgetown: +1 246 227 4000.

British High Commission, Bridgetown: +1 246 430 7800.

Canadian High Commission, Bridgetown: +1 246 629 3550.

Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Barbados): +1 868 822 5450.

South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Barbados): + 1 876 620 4840.

Mission of Ireland to the UN, New York, United States (also responsible for Barbados): +1 212 421 6934.

New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Barbados): +1 613 238 5991.