Barbados

Important Pieces of Advice:

• Before you travel to Barbados, ensure you check the weather first so you know what clothes and key items you need to take with you on your journey. A light jacket or scarf might come in handy for those chillier evenings.
• Travellers’ cheques are very popular not only in Barbados but also across the Caribbean (and the world). Perhaps this is because they can be replaced from nearly anywhere on earth by most merchants, service establishments, and banks within 24 hours if they are stolen or lost.
• Prior to planning your trip to Barbados, you could check whether you have any unclaimed money. If you do, consider claiming it, so that you have extra money to spend for your Barbados vacations!
• Always make use of the safe in the closet of your hotel room or villa to lock your valuables there. Otherwise, do not leave them in your hotel room or villa. Instead, seek a safe place to keep them.
• Making phone calls from your hotel room is probably more expensive than dialling the number you wish from a computer. You will find many shops in Barbados that allow you to use their computer and call whoever it is you want to call for $0.50 per minute, which is a huge saving compared to the hotel charges that range between $5 and $35 to connect you, plus $6 on average per minute! Your cellphone provider will probably charge you between $2-$5 per minute.

Language

As already mentioned in another section of this guide, the official language of Barbados is English, which is widely spoken across the country. However, you will also hear a combination of West African and British English languages, called Bajan Creole, spoken as well (most often in informal settings).

The Food Scene

Bajan cuisine is heavily focused on seafood and fish dishes. So, it comes as no surprise that the national Barbados food is flying fish served with a delicious mix of okra, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and cou-cou (a cornmeal staple). Other Barbados signature dishes include rice and peas, coconut bread, breadfruit, plantains, and, of course, conch fritters. Needless to say, there are plenty of gourmet and sophisticated restaurants serving from Asian fusion to contemporary Italian dishes, alongside a plethora of rustic eateries where you can find the heartiest home-grown food in Barbados.

As for drinks, everybody knows that Barbados and rum are one and the same! In fact, there are more than 100 run shops in Barbados, with Mount Gay being the best-known and oldest blend, where you can pamper your taste buds with the famous tipple.

Communications

Expect the latest in digital technologies and advanced infrastructure of modern communications featuring fibre optic systems and high-speed internet. There are also many Wi-Fi hot spots across Barbados. This means that communicating with the rest of the world and staying up-to-date with the latest in current affairs won’t be a challenge here.

The Barbados phone code is 246.

Clothing & Etiquette

Make sure you pack cool cotton clothes as Barbados is in the tropics and it will get hot and sometimes too rainy (depending on the season you visit the country). That being said, more formal attire is suited to evenings out in town to dine in a more formal restaurant. So a smart dress (for the ladies) and a shirt, tie, and light jacket might have a place in your luggage!

In general, though, let’s not forget that Barbados is an island that has been colonised by the British. So, it comes as no surprise that the conservatism of the British on attire is also evident here. During the day, tourists dress casually, featuring tropical beach attire. After sunset, you will see most men wearing collared shirts and pants, while women fashion skirts and dresses made from lightweight materials, of course. As for the locals (aka Bajans or Barbadians), they will be seen wearing business casual attire most of the time.

Please note that wearing your beach attire to go shopping is seriously frowned upon. Kindly reserve these types of clothing for the beach bars and beaches. Finally, wearing camouflage clothes is forbidden in Barbados. This also includes children. Carrying items made out of camouflage material is also against the law. If you are caught carrying these, they will be forever confiscated.

Dining

The local dining scene is exquisite and you will find plenty of good restaurants in Barbados worth visiting not only for their delicious meals but also their magnificent views. One of these restaurants is the Cliff, situated on the side of a cliff (hence, the name), featuring spellbinding ocean panoramas. Another equally ravishing dining venue is Bellini’s in St. Lawrence Gap, which stands out due to its unique setting and salmon dishes. Tucked inside a charming cove, it is one of the best spots to enjoy a gorgeous sunset in Barbados, while wetting your throat with a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail.

Note: The majority of resorts and hotels in Barbados provide their guests with a book of restaurants on the island with pictures, menus, and prices for each one. Look for them either at the concierge desk or in the hotel lobby area.

Barbados Culture and History

The Barbadians seem to always have reasons to celebrate life, one way or another, which is why the country has no shortage of diverting festivities and events. Of course, the crown jewel of the local celebrations is Crop Over Festival, which is an annual event with an intensely party atmosphere taking place every July and through August. That aside, though, there is also the beloved National Independence and the Food and Rum Festival in November and October, respectively. And, let’s not forget the Old Year’s Night (New Year’s Eve), which is a big deal in Barbados that is celebrated with numerous festivities, including parades, and more. Do check the events occurring during your visit and you will surely get a long list in return!

Public Holidays