Barbados

All foreign visitors require a passport valid for the duration of their trip, and a return ticket. Very few need a visa for tourist or business visits: since 2022 the exceptions are for citizens of Afghanistan, Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Laos, Libya, North Korea, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Somalia and Syria. All others may enter for a period between 28 days and six months.

The local currency is the Bajan dollar, officially denoted as "Bds$" (ISO code: BBD) but usually just as B$ on local signage (and hence in these pages). US dollars are accepted in almost all shops and restaurants. The exchange rate is fixed at 2 Bajan dollars to the US dollar, but hotels may scalp you for an extra 5% or so.

Drive on the left. The bus system is extensive, cheap and fast if you are headed somewhere on the main route, but a car or mini-moke is the only way to reach the out-of-the-way sights. Buses run by the Barbados Transport Board are blue, and quiet. Private operators include the yellow buses, which play very loud music, and private white mini-vans, which are usually cramped and crowded. The private buses and mini-vans are often driven fast and furious. All charge the same flat fare for any journey: in 2026 it's B$3.50. They accept either B$ or US$, but BTB buses don't give change.

The official language in Barbados is English, but the pronunciation may be high, fast and hard to follow. When speaking with each other, locals may slide between English and Bajan, which is a creole language based on English, Irish and West African Igbo vocabulary and expressions. Look baffled and they'll slow down for you, if they judge it helpful for you to understand. A good start is always to say "good morning", "good evening" etc, even to strangers on the sidewalk.

Barbados remains much safer than many other Caribbean islands, but in the 2020s crime is increasing. Be wary of secluded beaches and non-tourist residential districts away from main roads. Solo tourists, especially women, are most at risk. The most common crimes against tourists include taxi fraud, robbery, and short-changing; rape and assaults are becoming more common.

Your biggest risks are road safety, safety in the sea, and alcohol especially when combined with those. Climate: Beware of the sun. Barbados is only 13o degrees north of the equator and you can burn very easily even if it's cloudy and the sea breeze is keeping you cool. Temperatures often top 32o C (90o F). Seek the shade, use a parasol, wear a wide-brimmed hat and long clothing, and slap on high-factor sun-block: you're aiming for the zinc-nosed cricketer look. Don't be out in the sun unprotected from noon to 3 pm when there's maximum UV and heat. Allow for the high humidity: it can top 90%,…

Using your mobile in Barbados will hit you with international charges. You can buy a local SIM card at the airport, cruise ship terminal, or any tourist strip. Mobile data is expensive. There are two mobile carriers, Flow (formerly Lime) and Digicel. Neither of them care to show a coverage map, and Nperf data doesn't cover the island. In general 4G/Wi-Fi is good in Bridgetown, on the south and west coasts, and along the main highways, so that Bajan motorists can yap to each other about how it sh…

Bajans are fun-loving yet tend to dress conservatively when not on the beach. A bikini will not be appreciated in town and certainly not in church. They appreciate courteous manners, and saying "Good morning" to them, even strangers, goes a long way to earning their respect. Bump into them on the street, let alone tread on their child's toe, you'd better apologise sincerely and real fast.