Language: English is the official language.
Currency: 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 travelers 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.
Time: GMT -5.
Electricity: 110 volts, 50Hz.
Most hotels provide adaptors and transformers for hairdryers and other appliances.
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. Mobile phones operate on a GSM network. Cell phones can be rented through a number of companies. Internet cafes are widely available.
Duty Free: Travelers to Barbados do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 227g of other tobacco products; 750ml spirits and 750ml wine; perfume up to 118ml perfume or 237ml of eau de cologne; and souvenirs to the value of Bds$100. Prohibited items include rum, matches, fresh fruit, and articles of clothing or accessories made from camouflage material.
Tourist OfficeBarbados Tourism Authority,
Bridgetown: +1 246 427 2623 or www.barbados.org
EmergencyEmergencies: 119.
Embassies
Embassy of Barbados,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 939 9200.
Barbados
High Commission,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7631 4975.
High
Commission of Barbados,
Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 9517.
Consulate of Barbados,
Auckland,
New Zealand: +64 (0)9 473 5949.
Embassy of the United States of America, Bridgetown: +1 246 436 4950.
British High Commission, Bridgetown: +1 246 430 7800.
Canadian High Commission, Bridgetown: +1 246 429 3550.
Australian High Commission,
Port of Spain,
Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Barbados): +1 868 628 0695.
South African High Commission,
Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Barbados): +1 876 978 3160/4457.
Mission of
Ireland to the
UN,
New York, United States (also responsible for Barbados): +1 212 421 6934.
New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Barbados): +1 613 238 5991.
