Travel basics
Clothing and attire
Be sure to pack clothing of lightweight fabric and natural fibers such as silks, light cottons, and linens for your trip to Barbados. Easy-wearing lightweight fabrics serve the dual purpose of being breathable for the cool sea breezes and providing comfort for lounging.
Currency
The official currency of Barbados is the Barbadian dollar (Currency Code: BBD). Denominated into notes of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 2 BBD, each Barbadian dollar is divided into 100 cents with coins of 1, 5, 10, and 25 cents as well as $1BBD coins. The Barbadian dollar is tied to the U.S. dollar on a rate of exchange that is fixed at $1USD=$2BBD.
Electricity
Electricity on the island is powered by the Barbados Light and Power Company. The electrical service in Barbados is 110 volts/50 cycles, similar to that found in the United States.
Embassies
There are a number of embassies on the islands to assist you especially if you have lost your passport.
Health and medical
Health and medical considerations are always a concern when traveling abroad, but there's little to worry about in Barbados where health care is top quality. If an emergency vehicle is required, dial 511 and/or dial 211 for the police. It is recommended that obtain traveler’s insurance if your insurance policy does not cover medical expenses abroad or if you don’t have medical insurance. It is best that you have any paperwork from your own doctor if you may need it on your travels, including prescription information.
Drinking Water
Drinking water in Barbados is piped-in and treated for sanitation. Piped-in water is usually safe to drink because it is filtered and chlorinated. The island also sells bottled water.
Languages
The official language of Barbados is English, but in informal settings, you will often hear Bajan, which is an English-based Barbadian Creole. A mixture of British and African.
Telephones
The international country code for telephone calls placed to the island of Barbados is 1-246. Once on the island, however, outgoing international calls should be prefaced by the access code 011 and the code of the desired country. Calling the United States requires no international prefix, and should be dialed like a regular long-distance call. Fire alerts will go to the fire department at 311.
Cellular telephone services for the island are provided on a GSM network.
*Remenber all persons entering Barbados must have a valid passport and return ticket. Citizens must determine if the require a visa to visit Barbados. Visas may be obtained from any of Barbados' Missions overseas. Application forms must be completed in duplicate. The form is to be accompanied by two passport photographs. The fees are $25(USD) for a single entry visa and $30(USD) for a multiple entry visa. Contact your nearest Barbados Tourism Authority office for application forms and further requirements.
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