Barbados Travel Tips

The currency in Barbados is the Barbados dollar (BD$) which is tied to US dollar, so as to have the same value. Notes are in denominations of B$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 while coins comes in BD$1, and 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Popular hotels invariably offer currency exchange facilities but may not give the best exchange rates. For a better deal, the island’s banks are advisable with branches of the Barbados National Bank, found across the island. ATMs are also commonly available and accept a variety of international cards.

There are no limits on the import of local currency, provided it’s declared on entry to the country. However, the export of the Bahamian dollar is strictly prohibited. Foreign currency can be imported and exported but is limited to the amount declared on initial entry to the country.

Visitors are permitted to bring in or take out 1 litre of potable spirits or wine, up to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 50 cigars and cigarettes not exceeding 230 grams in total.

110 volts/50 Hz Two-pin flat blade plugs are standard.

Those opting to take a holiday in Barbados need not concern themselves too much with health related issues as hygiene standards are high throughout the majority of tourist-friendly places and a high standard of health care is available in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown and the BayView Hospital in St Michael. Tap water is safe for drinking purposes, although some visitors might prefer to drink bottled water in case their stomachs are upset by the mineral composition of the tap water. Should you be unfortunate to fall ill or have an accident that requires medical treatment while holidaying in Barbados, you’ll find facilities of international standard at the above mentioned hospitals. Payment for treatment is not cheap and is invariably demanded immediately so visitors are advised to make sure they have holiday insurance with adequate provision for medical care before embarking on their trip. There are no specific immunisations advisable.

Emergency: 115 / 119

There is little in the way of danger or threats to the personal safety of visitors or risks to their cash and valuables while holidaying in Barbados as the island is exceedingly tourist-friendly and crime towards visitors is relatively low. Like anywhere however, the island has its fair share of undesirable characters and visitors can avoid unwanted fraternisations with such characters by steering clear of seedy areas such as Baxter’s Road in Bridgetown. Watch out also for ‘beachboys’, local characters of ill repute who will try to sell you aloe vera at extortionate prices or drugs even. They are also known for trying to sell sex to white women sunbathing on the beach, so it’s advisable for female holiday makers not to go down to the beach alone. 

Emergency: 112 / 119

Barbados was formerly a British colony and remains a part of the Commonwealth so is to some extent influenced by its history and heritage meaning that as social conventions go, the island offers no extremes and visitors will find things generally relaxed and easy to adjust to. Most locals are fairly devoutly religious so visitors should be aware of that and avoid any excessive or outlandish behaviour that might be likely to cause offence. Topless or nude bathing is not permitted on any beach on the island and is frowned upon so should be avoided at all costs.

Hotels and restaurants invariably add a 10 per cent service charge to bills however if they don’t, then it’s normal to offer a gratuity if 10 to 15 per cent; the same can be offered to waiters while maids should be given one dollar per room and porters, one dollar per bag.

+1 is the primary country code for Barbados although citizens outside of the US and Canada will need to follow it with 246 also. Bridgetown and Christchurch are the best places to find internet cafés although most reputable hotels have their own internet facilities for the use of paying guests.

GMT -4

Citizens from the majority of countries can enter Barbados and stay for up to six months without a visa; others are permitted for either 3 months or 30 days depending on their origin. All passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to the country.