Know before you go
Barbados
General Information
Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean region of North America. Its capital and largest city is Bridgetown. They drive on the left side of the road.
Visa
Holders of a EU passport don’t require a Visa. For holders of a different passport check out this link to see if you are required to apply for a visa or not or contact your ministery of foreign affairs.
Watch Geography Now!
The video will give you a good first overview of Barbados.
Power
Barbados uses Type A and B. The voltage is 115 Volt and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Language
As the official Barbados language, English is used in formal settings and written communications. In informal settings you are likely to hear Bajan dialect spoken. This Barbados language is a combination of British English and various West African languages.
Weather Forecast
Climate
Barbados experiences a wet season and a dry season. The wet season runs from June to November, the dry season from December to May. From December to May the average temperatures range from 21 to 31 °C (70 to 88 °F), while between June and November, they range from 23 to 31 °C (73 to 88 °F).
Average Temperature in Bridgetown
Average Precipitation in Bridgetown
Transportation
Barbados has only one airport: Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) close to the capital Bridgetown. There are busses on the island, however you might consider renting a car to be more independent.
Money, Money, Money
Currency
The currency of Barbados is the Barbadian Dollar, however, US Dollar are also accepted. The Barbados dollar is pegged to the US dollar at US$1 = Bds$2. Check out the currency converter to find out about current exchange rates.
Accommodation
Depending on where you are staying prices will vary of course. Using a middle class hotel, we paid an average of around 50€ per person per night.
Cash
If you are travelling from the US, you can just bring along US $. If you are travelling from any other country, you will have to withdraw money on the island. The big question is: how much will you need? Retrospective I found I needed around 50€ per day. This includes food, transportation, activities and souvenirs. Keep in mind that in Barbados pretty much everything needs to be imported which increases prices.
