Travel Tips

Passports

Every person entering Barbados, including all North American citizens (Americans and Canadians), should be in possession of a valid passport and a valid return ticket.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend travel insurance. We have a select partner with whom you can arrange insurance for your trip. Click here for more information.

Barbados Currency

When planning your Barbados vacation remember that the Barbados Dollar is converted at the rate of $1.98 BDS to $1.00 U.S. The Barbados Dollar is fixed to the U.S Dollar and does not fluctuate. Its rate to other currencies fluctuates daily based on their fluctuations relative to the U.S. Dollar. On your travels around Barbados you will find that US currency is accepted across the island, and most stores and restaurants accept major credit cards and travellers cheques. Of course most Barbados hotels and other lodging also accept these various forms of payment.

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques

Most Barbados hotels, restaurants and businesses will accept credit cards. Travelers cheques in U.S., U.K. and Canadian funds are also cashable at many outlets. There are many commercial banks in Barbados (mostly British and Canadian) and most have ABMs that will accept credit cards. They all dispense funds in Barbados dollars at the current rate of exchange.

The major credit cards that are readily accepted are

• Visa
• American Express
• MasterCard
• Carte Blanche
• Diners Club
• EnRoute
• Eurocard
• Barclaycard

Barbados Dress

• Bring clothes for the tropics.
• Light cotton dresses and light jackets for formal wear.
• Casual slacks and lightweight sports for the times when you are not in a bathing suit.
• Beachwear should also include sunglasses, sunblock and beach footwear.

While Barbados is a fun holiday island, there are dress codes, and because of 300 years of conservative British heritage, formal attire is still seen at times other than weddings and funerals. Business men wear a shirt and tie and sometimes a jacket. Women wear smart dresses. It's a good idea to wear pants and shirt when visiting the bank, it looks more respectful and gives you a pocket for your wallet. Bathing suits are best for the beach, beach bars and the pool.

Barbados Electricity

Electricity in Barbados is: 110 volts/50 cycles.There is a reliable electricity supply, with only the occassional outage.

Standard plug types in Barbados are: (1) Flat blade (2 flat blades) and (2) Flat blades with round grounding pin. Most Barbados hotels can provide adapters and transformers for hair dryers and other appliances. Alternative energy: The island uses solar power mainly for hot-water systems.

Barbados Drivers License & Permit

You can obtain a Barbados drivers license on producing a valid National or International License. The cost for a visitors permit is US$5 for a 2-month permit and US$50 for a 1-year permit. All authorised car rental companies can issue you a drivers license if you have a valid license.

Police Stations

• Hastings
• Worthing
• Holetown

Licensing Authorities

• Oistins
• Pine
• Holetown