Barbados Travel Guide

Barbados — Travel Tips

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Social Conventions

Many British societal attitudes permeate bureaucratic red tape and architecture, yet when it comes to time-keeping, humor and urgency the laid-back Barbados manner reigns supreme. Barefoot casual attire is de rigour except when dressing up-to-the nines for dinner – or church. As a former slave colony, personal freedom is highly valued.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

Barbados does not have a national airline but many airlines operate regular direct flights there. American Airlines (website: www.aa.com) flies from the USA. British Airways (website: www.britishairways.com) and Virgin Atlantic (website: www.virgin-atlantic.com) fly direct from London.

Departure Tax

US 27.50 ($BD 55). Passengers in transit who will be remaining in Barbados for less than 24 hours and children (aged under 12) are exempt.

Main Airports

Barbados (BGI) (Grantley Adams International) is 16km (10 miles) southeast of Bridgetown, in Christ Church. To/from the airport: There is a regular bus service to the city (journey time – 45 minutes) which departs every 10 minutes, and a 24-hour taxi service (journey time – 30 minutes). Please note that airport porters are ubiquitous and charge for transporting luggage between the luggage claim area and the street. Facilities: Bank, post office, bureau de change, bar, shops and restaurant. The outgoing duty-free shop carries a range of items including jewelry, perfumes, china, crystal, cameras, shoes and clothing.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Barbados’s deep-water harbor at Bridgetown is a port of call for a number of British, European and US cruise lines (www.barbadosport.com). The Bridgetown Cruise Ship Terminal is a multi-purpose marketplace containing duty-free shops, a local goods market, restaurant and bar, customs, immigration, health services and police facilities. Other services include a bureau de change, car hire, ATM and a communications center with telephones, Internet, fax machines and mobile phone hire.

Duty Free

Overview

The following items may be brought into Barbados by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 1L of spirits and 1L of wine.
• 60mL of perfume and 300mL of all other scents.
• Gifts up to a value of BD$100.

Prohibited Imports

Foreign rum and matches, pornography, fresh fruit and vegetables (only if grown in or conveyed through certain areas; contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs for further information) and articles made of camouflage material. A permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs in order to import meat and meat products.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

There are no internal flights.

Getting Around By Road

A good network of roads covers the entire island, but many are unpaved and covered in potholes (except for the main highway). Traffic drives on the left. Road safety is a national concern, especially after dark.

Bus: Buses are frequent and provide comprehensive, cheap coverage of the island charging a flat rate for all journeys. They are crowded during rush hours, but easy to catch – just hail one down. Choose from Transport Board Buses (tel: 436 6820; www.transportboard.com), minibuses and ZRs (minivans). Each is signed ‘To city’ into Bridgetown or ‘Out of city’ if heading in the other direction. All pass through the city hub.

Moped hire: Scooter hire is available - you’ll need to pay a small deposit and to wear a helmet, as required by law.

Taxi: Taxis are unmetered but charge fares regulated by the government. Check the rate before travel – it can be in US Dollars as well Barbados Dollars. Special deals apply for a full-day hire.

Minivans: Licensed minivans, identifiable by their ‘ZR’ license plates, operate around the island and can be flagged down. There are no fixed schedules, but service is frequent. Rates are the same as for buses, although minivans tend to be quicker – but can be a tight squeeze.

Car hire: Anything from a Mini Moke to a limousine may be hired at the airport, at offices in Bridgetown and at main hotels. Petrol is comparatively cheap.

Regulations: Speed limits are 40, 60 and 80kph (25, 37 and 50mph).

Documentation: A Barbados driving permit is required. This can be obtained from car hire companies, the Ministry of Transport, the airport or some police stations. A valid national license or International Driving Permit and a small registration fee are required.