Banks: 08.00 to 15.00, Monday to Thursday; 08.00 to 17.00, Friday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 15.00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 08.15 to 16.30, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 08.00 to 16.00, Monday to Thursday; 08.00 to 12.00, Friday; 08.00 to 16.00, Saturday

Barbados is relatively safe for tourists with few dangers, but there are occasionally incidences of petty theft. It is advised to keep valuables with you at all times or kept in a hotel safe. There are some seedy areas in the district, such as Baxter’s Road in Bridgetown, which attract undesirables and are best avoided.

Women should be wary of local ‘beachboys’ who can be overbearing and pushy with sexual propositions. Keep to the busier areas of the beach and you will be able to relax and enjoy the sun. If you plan on hiring a scooter, make sure you have adequate travel insurance in case an accident occurs and always wear a helmet.

110V, 50Hz, all plugs are two-pin flat blades.

Hospitals on Barbados are adequate with doctors and facilities to treat most problems. It is advised to be up to date with hepatitis and tetanus inoculations before travel. There are numerous clinics on the island for minor illnesses and problems. You will find pharmacies stocked with all common medications in all the major shopping districts. The emergency services are notoriously slow so it is sometimes faster to take a taxi to hospital in the case of an accident.

Bay View Hospital: +1 246 436 5446
Emergency services: 511

The official language of Barbados is English; however, in informal situations you will hear the locals speak Bajan, which is an English-based Barbadian Creole. Although Bajan uses English language, it is hard for non-speakers to understand with its many slang words combined with fast-paced talking.

The currency used in Barbados is the Barbados dollar (BD$). The currency is linked with the US dollar and represents the same value. US dollars are widely accepted for goods and services, however. Note denominations come in BD$100, BD$50, BD$20, BD$10, BD$5 and BD$2 while coins come in BD$1, and 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Visitors to Barbados are permitted to bring in: two litres of alcohol, up to 200 cigarettes or tobacco not exceeding 230 grams in total and a ‘reasonable’ amount of duty free. If travelling in from a yellow fever contaminated country, then proof of a yellow fever vaccination is required.

Although Barbados is a tropical island paradise, it is not appropriate to wear beachwear anywhere other than on the beach. In town and at shops or restaurants, always be sure to wear appropriate attire. Tipping in Barbados is not expected but is common for porter and taxi services. Most restaurants will include a service charge but if not, a 10 to 15 per cent tip is common.

When entering Barbados, tourists may need to show adequate funds for their holiday as well as onward travel plans. For visitors from the UK, elsewhere in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and much of Asia do not require a visa for visits of up to six months. Travellers from other countries or those wishing to stay longer will need to visit a Barbados embassy or consulate to obtain a visa prior to travel.

The closest tourist information office to Christchurch is on Harbour Road in Bridgetown. The office has a wealth of information on local sights and attractions. 
Phone: +1 246 427 2623; www.barbados.org