The weather is mostly fair and sunny in tropical Barbados, with daytime highs averaging between 75F and 85F (24C and 29C). These hot conditions are tempered by cool, northeast trade winds.
The dry season occurs from January to June and the hurricane season extends from June to October. Hurricanes, however, usually miss Barbados. Instead, the island experiences some spectacular tropical rainstorms. These usually last for short, heavy spells that dry up quickly.
Grantley Adams International Airport
Location: The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) east of Bridgetown, near Christchurch.
Time: GMT -4.
Getting to the city:
A regular bus service to the city departs every hour, and official airport taxis with fixed rates are available.
Car Rental:
Travellers will find three authorised rental car companies at GAIA: Courtesy Rent-A-Car, Drive-A-Matic and Stoute's Car Rental. Their offices are located in the public area outside Arrivals.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a bank and foreign exchange, a bar and restaurant, duty-free, a business centre, and an information desk. Facilities for the disabled are good.
Parking
There is open-air parking near the terminal, charged at BBD 2 for the first 30 minutes or part thereof, and BBD 24 per day. Car parks are within walking distance of the terminals.
Money:
The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of BBD 1.98 to $1 and does not fluctuate. Its rate is relative to other currencies fluctuations based on the particular currency's relation to the US dollar. US dollars are also widely accepted on the island, and well-known international credit cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants. Banks and ATMs are freely available and cash withdrawals can be made.
Language:
English is the official language in Barbados.
Electricity:
Electric current in Barbados is 115 volts, 50Hz.
Entry Requirements:
US nationals: US nationals require a valid passport but do not require a visa for a stay of up to 6 months.
UK nationals: British nationals require a valid passport, but do not require a visa for a stay of up to 6 months.
CA nationals: Canadian nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays up to six months.
AU nationals: Australian nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to six months.
ZA nationals: South African nationals require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to six months.
IR nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to six months.
NZ nationals: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to six months.
Passport/Visa Note:Visa:
Tourists don't usually require a visa for stays of up to six months but they do require a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and documents for onward travel. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. However, it is recommend that passports always be valid for six months after departure from the destination.
Travel Health:
There are no mandatory requirements regarding vaccinations for visitors to Barbados. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas, and hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for unvaccinated travellers who are one year old or older. There has been an increase in the outbreaks of dengue fever and mosquito repellent is strongly recommended; everyone 5 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before visiting. Medical care is good but very expensive and serious cases are usually transferred overseas (usually to the USA). Health insurance is therefore strongly recommended.
Tipping:
Tipping in Barbados is not necessary if a service charge has already been included in the bill. Otherwise it is generally about 10 to 15 percent. Tipping is normal in bars.
Safety Information:
As in most places, crime is not unknown in Barbados, though violent crime doesn't usually affect travellers. Normal safety precautions should suffice, meaning travellers should watch out for pickpockets in Bridgetown, and hustlers at the entrance to St Lawrence Gap, as well as around south-coast nightlife venues.
Otherwise, beach-goers sometimes encounter Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish in Bajan waters. Fortunately, they're usually large, slow and easy to spot. Poisonous manchineel trees grow on a few beaches; tropical storms and hurricanes may occur between June and November.
Local Customs:
It is an offence to wear camouflage clothing in Barbados as it is reserved for the military. Topless bathing is frowned upon and nudism is illegal.
Business:
Bridgetown is generally the centre of business in Barbados. Business protocol is fairly formal, including greetings (use Mr or Ms) and dress, which is smart. Handshaking between both men and women is expected and business cards are handed out on introduction. Punctuality is expected at meetings. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Banks and post offices close at 3pm.
Communications:
The international access code for Barbados is +1, in common with the US, Canada, and most of the Caribbean, followed by 246. The outgoing code is 011, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). No outgoing code is needed to call the US. Tourists can purchase local prepaid SIM cards; WiFi is available in cafes, restaurants and hotels.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Barbados do not have to pay duty on 1 litre of wine or spirits, or souvenirs up to a value of BBD 100. All fruits, vegetables, plants and products may require an import permit and a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine.
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