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Barbados
Travel Support
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Barbados, the pearl of the Caribbean, is the eastern-most Caribbean island. It is actually an enormous and ancient coral reef that was formed approximately one million years ago. It has been dubbed 'the real fantasy island', an appellation that points to its exotic resorts and glorious beaches. It enjoys 340 days of sunshine a year, numerous well-developed amenities, a throbbing nightlife and friendly inhabitants, making it one of the most desirable holiday destinations.
The island is a pear-shaped, 20-mile (32km) stretch of soft coral, which is permeated by water and over time has formed fascinating underground caverns. The coral reefs enveloping most of the island entice tourists to its picturesque shores.
English is the official language in Barbados.
The weather is mostly sunny and fair in tropical Barbados, with average high daytime temperatures of 75 to 85 F (24 to 29 C). These hot conditions are tempered by the prevailing 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 are usually short and heavy spells that dry up quickly.
Laid-back diners will enjoy nighttime vendors who line both sides of streets and serve local favorites such as grilled pigtail, fried kingfish, pepper-pot, and conch fritters. These informal booths allow visitors to eat while they stroll the streets and beaches. Vendors are also a good way for the hesitant eater to pick and choose among the unusual dishes without making too heavy a dining commitment.
Fast food is even available on the island but with innovative interpretations. Bajan menu items may accompany the traditional hamburger or pizza.
Barbados is drier than many of the islands in the Caribbean, and in the dry season, rain isn't much of a concern, but it's always best to be prepared. Rain showers in the Caribbean usually come up suddenly, come down hard, and then are over fairly quickly, so you need to be prepared with a waterproof jacket or umbrella everywhere you go, especially in the wet season. Opt for attire that is easy to carry around that you can quickly slip on and then put away again when the sun reappears.
Card phones and payphones are available throughout the island, although it may be better to use card phones for overseas calls. Local calls are free when calling from a residence. Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good. There are Internet cafes throughout Barbados. Wi-Fi is increasingly available, especially in hotels.
The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is fixed to the US Dollar at a rate of Bd$1.98 to US$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 and traveler's cheques (best carried in US dollars to avoid additional charges) are accepted in most stores and restaurants. Banks and ATMs are freely available and cash withdrawals can be made.
US nationals require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to six months. All tourists 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.
There are no mandatory requirements regarding vaccinations for visitors to Barbados, however a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age coming from infected areas, and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for those aged over two years.
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