Barbados Destination Guide
Barbados is a popular tropical Caribbean paradise with real character. The west coast is home to sandy beaches with calm azure waters, such as busy little Paynes Bay, Carlisle Bay and expansive Sandy Lane with its famous hotel attracting the international jetset. These areas are perfect for snorkelling, swimming and watersports, whilst the rugged Atlantic-facing east coast is suited to surfers and hikers.
Generally considered one of the safest Caribbean islands, the bustling capital Bridgetown and only city is worth exploring, either along the Bridgetown Boardwalk where the boats come in, or the Constitution River or pedestrianised Swan St. Sampling the local seafood and rum is a must.
With average year-round temperatures of 25°C, a great choice of Hotels and private villas, Barbados appeals to a broad range of client – families, couples, honeymooners, beach lovers and fans of all-inclusive resorts will all love this Caribbean Island in the sun.
Location
Barbados is a Caribbean Island and is the most easterly Windward Island. Temperatures are dependably hot throughout the year although never unbearable & sea breezes help counterbalance the humidity. Rain falls throughout the year although the wettest months are Jun-Nov. Hurricanes can occur between Jul-Nov
Destination Guide
Beaches
Barbados has excellent beaches, with long swathes of soft, white, coral sand lapped by clear, blue water.
Prohibited/Restricted
Firearms, Fresh Fruits, Ammunition, illegal drugs, pornography and camouflage gear. A permit is required to import meat and meat products. This can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs.
Barbados Geographical Summary
Capital City: Bridgetown
Population: 275,000
Area: 430 square km, 166 square miles.
Language(s): English
Barbados Useful Information
Dialling Code: 1 246
Electricity: 110V AC 50Hz
Emergency: Police: 211. Fire: 311. Ambulance: 511
Driving: Driving is on the left. Barbados Driving Permit requirements are available from car hire companies, Ministry of Transport and Police stations.
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in English. On social occasions, e.g. invitation to restaurants, punctuality appreciated and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. A general ban on smoking in public places is now in place.
Opening Hours Bank: 0800-1500 Mon-Thur, 0800-1700 Fri Office: 0800-1600 Mon-Fri Shops: 0800-1700 Mon-Fri, 0830-1600 Sat (supermarkets open longer)
Money – Currency: Barbados Dollar (BBD 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: BBD: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100
Coins: BBD: 1. Cents: 1, 5, 10, 25
Currency Import – Local and foreign currency equivalent of $10,000BDS and over must be declared upon arrival.
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted but not for the payment of customs duty as cash is preferred.
Public Holidays 2014 01 Jan : New Year’s Day 21 Jan : Errol Barrow Day 18 Apr : Good Friday 21 Apr : Easter Monday 28 Apr : National Heroes’ Day 01 May : May Day 09 Jun : Whit Monday 01 Aug : Emancipation Day 04 Aug : Kadooment Day 01 Dec : Independence Day 25 Dec : Christmas 26 Dec: Boxing Day
Local Time: GMT -4
The following details relate to holders of adult normal passports (requirements for children may be different). If any other type of passport or travel document is held, entry requirements may differ and should be checked with the relevant embassy or consulate. Passports
Required by all.
Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for period of stay.. Visas
Not required by British Citizens subject to a maximum stay of six months
Notes: Entry requirements may change from time to time and should be checked with the Barbados High Commission.
All visitors must hold sufficient funds for maintenance for the period of intended stay, return/onward tickets and documents for their next destination.
Reciprocal health: Yes – Meaning minor emergency treatment is free.Compulsory vaccinations: Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from an area with risk of yellow fever, including travellers who have transited an airport for more than 12 hours in a country with risk of Yellow Fever. Children under 1 year exempt.
Recommended immunisations: Tetanus, Diphtheria & Hepatitis B are recommended to those travelling to Barbados frequently or intending to spend extended time here.
Risks: Dengue Fever – contracted through mosquito bites.
GENERAL INFO FOR ALL TRAVELLERS: Details listed can occasionally change at very short notice and it’s recommended that all travellers seek advice from their Practice Nurse, GP or Travel Clinic when planning a visit to Barbados. It should be noted that some vaccinations and treatments may require one or more visits and should be planned well in advance of travel.
Primary courses and boosters should always be up to date as recommended for life in the UK. This should include vaccines given to special groups due to complications or risk exposure such as Hepatitis B for health care workers, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for the elderly etc.