Language
English-speaking travellers will face zero challenges communicating with the locals as English is widely spoken and understood in Barbados.
Tipping & Service Charges
Tipping is not necessary in Barbados as a service charge is usually included. This applies to the overwhelming majority of cases, especially restaurants. However, if you are pleased with the service and quality provided to you, you may just round up, which is quite a common custom here.
Currency
The Barbados dollar (BBD or BDS$) is the local currency. However, the US dollar is widely accepted across the country as well. Nevertheless, most US travellers prefer to change their US dollars to Barbados dollars for more convenience.
Electricity
Barbados runs on 110 volts, which is the same as the USA and the opposite of European and other countries whose power grid is set at 230 volts. So, you may or may not need to bring a special transformer or converter depending on which country you come from. If your country’s electricity is at 110 volts, then your phone charger will also work just fine.
Driving in Barbados
Driving in Barbados might feel like a struggle for many drivers mainly due to the poor road infrastructure that includes many damaged roads and frequent potholes. Plus, if you happen to experience something like a flat tyre, you will probably have to wait for quite some time for a repair. In addition, Barbadian drivers are quite reckless when driving, and there are also a lot of roundabouts.
That aside, driving in Barbados is British style, so on the left side. To rent a car and do your own driving, you must provide a valid driver’s licence, be, at least, 25 years of age, and have an international driver’s permit, which you can purchase from a local rental car agency (if you have not got one already from the country in which you reside).
Of course, you could hire a driver (it is usually arranged through your hotel or villa as part of concierge or complementary services), who will drive you anywhere you wish on the island.
Taxis in Barbados
You will find a taxi around the clock as they operate 24 hours a day in Barbados. You may either hail one in front of your resort or arrange one with your hotel or villa concierge. Kindly note that the Barbados government has set the taxi fees, which is why you won’t see any metered taxis. The total cost of a ride will depend on the size of the taxi and the number of people riding it. It is strongly advised to ask what the price will be prior to hopping in a taxi, though.
Important note: The Barbados taxis do not accept credit cards as the drivers seem to prefer to be paid with US dollars. Also, you will most likely be charged a round-trip fare. If this is the case, then expect the taxi driver to pick you up from the designated pick-up point, give you their card to contact them when you need to leave the place you are headed to, and then come and pick you up to get you back to your villa or hotel.
The Barbados Lifestyle
Expect things to move slower here than what you are potentially used to back home. This means that everything has a wait time, which the locals use to enjoy life in their own way (probably as it is meant to be lived!). Even luxury resorts may deliver their services a bit more leisurely than what you are used to. If you go with the flow and allow your mind to relax and embrace the slower pace of life, though, chances are you will enjoy every bit of your Barbados vacation!
The Atlantic Versus the Caribbean Side
The Atlantic side of Barbados will welcome you with lots of wild waves that are fantastic for activities like surfing, kiteboarding, body surfing, cliff climbing, and swimming, provided that you are careful with the rip tides. Plus, the northeast winds bring a wonderful cool breeze on the eastern Barbados side, which is great, especially when the temperatures climb to 32oC (90oF) or more – thanks to these breezes, it won’t feel as hot.
However, the majority of resorts and rental villas are located on the Caribbean side of Barbados, which means that the majority of tourists and tourist facilities are in that specific part of the country, especially around Holetown. At the same time, the Caribbean coastline is perfect for activities like swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, and even surfing (if you prefer gentler waves).
The Barbados Beaches
Barbados does not have any private beaches, which means that you are free to investigate the entire coastline if you wish, to find the dreamiest shore. Expect impressive long stretches of powdery pinkish and white sand, crystalline waters, swaying palm trees, and also rugged and, at the same time, tranquil shores away from the crowds on the Platinum Coast (aka the west coast). Some of the most pristine beaches here are Reed’s Bay, Sandy Lane Beach, Brandons Beach, and Alleynes Beach.
Now, if your heart beats faster when thinking about the eastern coast and the Atlantic Ocean, then do consider adding Crane Beach to your travel itinerary and be prepared for a spectacular setting featuring a sandy, crescent shore and waves crashing against imposing cliffs. Bottom Bay Beach is a bit further from Crane Beach and is ideal for more private experiences due to its remote location. However, the wildest waves are at the Soup Bowl (aka Bathsheba Beach). Your choice!
Barbados Restaurants
The local gastronomy scene is more than impressive and palate-pleasing. Some of the best restaurants in Barbados with the most exquisite views are on the south coast, particularly around Holetown. Nevertheless, the island’s small size allows visitors to experience the cuisine of both coasts as long as they are willing to make the 45-minute ride to get from one coast to the other.
Taste-wise, you will be pampered with flavours from Asian, Caribbean, and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring lots of seafood and fish dishes. When it comes to dress codes, most restaurants don’t require formal attire. However, it’s best not to show up wearing your beach suit either.
Language
English-speaking travellers will face zero challenges communicating with the locals as English is widely spoken and understood in Barbados.
Tipping & Service Charges
Tipping is not necessary in Barbados as a service charge is usually included. This applies to the overwhelming majority of cases, especially restaurants. However, if you are pleased with the service and quality provided to you, you may just round up, which is quite a common custom here.
Currency
The Barbados dollar (BBD or BDS$) is the local currency. However, the US dollar is widely accepted across the country as well. Nevertheless, most US travellers prefer to change their US dollars to Barbados dollars for more convenience.
Electricity
Barbados runs on 110 volts, which is the same as the USA and the opposite of European and other countries whose power grid is set at 230 volts. So, you may or may not need to bring a special transformer or converter depending on which country you come from. If your country’s electricity is at 110 volts, then your phone charger will also work just fine.
Driving in Barbados
Driving in Barbados might feel like a struggle for many drivers mainly due to the poor road infrastructure that includes many damaged roads and frequent potholes. Plus, if you happen to experience something like a flat tyre, you will probably have to wait for quite some time for a repair. In addition, Barbadian drivers are quite reckless when driving, and there are also a lot of roundabouts.
That aside, driving in Barbados is British style, so on the left side. To rent a car and do your own driving, you must provide a valid driver’s licence, be, at least, 25 years of age, and have an international driver’s permit, which you can purchase from a local rental car agency (if you have not got one already from the country in which you reside).
Of course, you could hire a driver (it is usually arranged through your hotel or villa as part of concierge or complementary services), who will drive you anywhere you wish on the island.
Taxis in Barbados
You will find a taxi around the clock as they operate 24 hours a day in Barbados. You may either hail one in front of your resort or arrange one with your hotel or villa concierge. Kindly note that the Barbados government has set the taxi fees, which is why you won’t see any metered taxis. The total cost of a ride will depend on the size of the taxi and the number of people riding it. It is strongly advised to ask what the price will be prior to hopping in a taxi, though.
Important note: The Barbados taxis do not accept credit cards as the drivers seem to prefer to be paid with US dollars. Also, you will most likely be charged a round-trip fare. If this is the case, then expect the taxi driver to pick you up from the designated pick-up point, give you their card to contact them when you need to leave the place you are headed to, and then come and pick you up to get you back to your villa or hotel.
The Barbados Lifestyle
Expect things to move slower here than what you are potentially used to back home. This means that everything has a wait time, which the locals use to enjoy life in their own way (probably as it is meant to be lived!). Even luxury resorts may deliver their services a bit more leisurely than what you are used to. If you go with the flow and allow your mind to relax and embrace the slower pace of life, though, chances are you will enjoy every bit of your Barbados vacation!
The Atlantic Versus the Caribbean Side
The Atlantic side of Barbados will welcome you with lots of wild waves that are fantastic for activities like surfing, kiteboarding, body surfing, cliff climbing, and swimming, provided that you are careful with the rip tides. Plus, the northeast winds bring a wonderful cool breeze on the eastern Barbados side, which is great, especially when the temperatures climb to 32oC (90oF) or more – thanks to these breezes, it won’t feel as hot.
However, the majority of resorts and rental villas are located on the Caribbean side of Barbados, which means that the majority of tourists and tourist facilities are in that specific part of the country, especially around Holetown. At the same time, the Caribbean coastline is perfect for activities like swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, and even surfing (if you prefer gentler waves).
The Barbados Beaches
Barbados does not have any private beaches, which means that you are free to investigate the entire coastline if you wish, to find the dreamiest shore. Expect impressive long stretches of powdery pinkish and white sand, crystalline waters, swaying palm trees, and also rugged and, at the same time, tranquil shores away from the crowds on the Platinum Coast (aka the west coast). Some of the most pristine beaches here are Reed’s Bay, Sandy Lane Beach, Brandons Beach, and Alleynes Beach.
Now, if your heart beats faster when thinking about the eastern coast and the Atlantic Ocean, then do consider adding Crane Beach to your travel itinerary and be prepared for a spectacular setting featuring a sandy, crescent shore and waves crashing against imposing cliffs. Bottom Bay Beach is a bit further from Crane Beach and is ideal for more private experiences due to its remote location. However, the wildest waves are at the Soup Bowl (aka Bathsheba Beach). Your choice!
Barbados Restaurants
The local gastronomy scene is more than impressive and palate-pleasing. Some of the best restaurants in Barbados with the most exquisite views are on the south coast, particularly around Holetown. Nevertheless, the island’s small size allows visitors to experience the cuisine of both coasts as long as they are willing to make the 45-minute ride to get from one coast to the other.
Taste-wise, you will be pampered with flavours from Asian, Caribbean, and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring lots of seafood and fish dishes. When it comes to dress codes, most restaurants don’t require formal attire. However, it’s best not to show up wearing your beach suit either.