Going to à la Barbade: Formalities and administrative steps
Organize your stay à la Barbade
Money à la Barbade
The local currency is the Barbadian dollar, BBD in our guide. Its parity is fixed to the US dollar (1 BBD = 2 US$). The US dollar is also widely accepted as a means of payment. In terms of exchange, 1 BBD is more or less equivalent to 50 euro cents. Rates are announced on the spot in BBD (or their equivalent in US$) or simply by the acronym "$".
Budget & Tips à la Barbade
Barbados enjoys a relatively high standard of living for the region, although inequalities remain glaring. Being a small island, many goods have to be imported, so prices are high at almost every level.
For those on a budget, expect to pay between 180 BBD and 300 BBD per day for a double room in a small hotel, B&B or vacation rental (which will allow you to cook for yourself). Street-food stalls (such as Cuz's Fish Shack), small informal restaurants and even Chefettes can get you by for less than 100 BBD per person. As for activities, the beaches are all free and accessible, and your accommodation may even provide you with a free mask and snorkel for diving. Take advantage of other activities that don't cost a thing (strolling the streets of Bridgetown and discovering historic sites, hiking). And for transportation, take the local buses (3.50 BBD a way).
Medium budgets should get by with mid-range hotels (and even some all-inclusive hotels) between 400 BBD and 600 BBD per night. Cafés and small restaurants will be your allies. Count on at least 160 BBD per person for the 3 meals of the day (140 BBD if your hotel offers free breakfast). Use public transport whenever possible, but for a few jaunts around the island, car rental prices start at 100 BBD for a small city car.
Budget travellers are spoilt for choice: 4 or 5 star hotels, great houses converted into hotels or vacation villas... Luxury hotels, especially in low season, start at around 800 BBD and go on to infinity and beyond. Treat yourself to gourmet restaurants and cafés in luxury properties, with daily prices of up to 550 BBD. Renting a comfortable car should cost around 200 BBD. For private excursions or a round of golf, you'll need to spend between 200 and 500 BBD.
As a guide: a meal in a small, inexpensive restaurant per person: 40 BBD; 3 courses for two in a mid-range restaurant: 200 BBD; a glass of rum: 8 BBD; a local beer (Banks or Deputy): 5 BBD; a liter of petrol : 4.22 BBD; a visit to a botanical garden: around 30 BBD; a snorkeling trip in Carlisle Bay: from 70 BBD; a catamaran trip: from 160 BBD (3h, without lunch) or from 200 BBD (5h, with lunch).
Passport and visas à la Barbade
European Union nationals do not need a visa for a stay of up to 3 months within a 6-month period (Canadian or Swiss nationals can stay up to 6 months without a visa). A passport valid for the entire duration of the trip is required, as well as a return ticket.
The Embassy of the French Republic in Castries, Saint Lucia, has jurisdiction over Barbados: Nelson Mandela Drive - Vigie GPO, Private Box 937 Castries, Saint Lucia - Tel: +1 758 455 6060 - Cell phone number of duty officer (in case of emergency) +1 758 484 3167 - https://lc.ambafrance.org
Honorary Consul of France in Barbados: Mr. Don Chee A Tow - Tel: +1-246 427 7859 - +1 246 284 4414 - [email protected]
The Belgian Embassy in Jamaica is responsible for Barbados: 6 St Lucia Avenue, 5 Kingston
Swiss nationals should contact the Embassy in Venezuela: Centro Letonia
Torre Ing-Bank, piso 15, Av. Eugenio Mendoza y San Felipe, La Castellana, Caracas 1060 Venezuela - Tel : +58 212 267 95 85 - [email protected] - www.eda.admin.ch/caracas
The High Commission of Canada in Barbados handles a number of consular tasks (passports, marriages, etc.): Bishop's Court Hill, St. Michael, P.O. Box 404 Bridgetown, Barbados BB11113 - Tel: +1 246 629 3550 - [email protected]
Driver's license à la Barbade
Renting a car is not a problem in Barbados, and rental companies are plentiful. Of course, you'll need a valid driver's license to obtain your visitor's permit. This is issued by car rental agencies or by the Barbados Licensing Authority at a cost of 10 BBD. The license is valid for two months from the date of issue. To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old and have had your license for at least 2 years. Please note that, as a former British colony, driving is on the left. Seatbelts must be worn, and please note that speeds are limited to 40 km/h in town, 60 km/h in rural areas and 80 km/h on main roads.
Health à la Barbade
Tap water in Barbados is perfectly safe to drink.
There are few health risks, with the exception of mosquitoes, carriers of dengue fever and Zika. Don't forget to pack a strong mosquito repellent. Some hotels, especially on the east coast, are also equipped with mosquito nets.
In the forest, beware of the centipede, whose bite can be painful, especially for children, and can provoke allergic reactions.
In the water, beware of jellyfish and sea urchins, and admire coral from a distance. Not only can touching it damage it, but a certain species, the fire coral, recognizable by its orange color, can cause severe pain through its sting, which can last several days.
Watch out for mancenillium too. It's tempting to shelter under its foliage when you're at the beach, but this tree is entirely poisonous, from the fruit to the bark to the leaves. In rainy weather, water dripping from its leaves can cause burns. On busy beaches, the trunks of mancenillium trees are usually marked with red paint and a warning sign.
Mandatory vaccination à la Barbade
In most cases, no vaccination is required. However, depending on your country of origin, you may be required to show proof of vaccination against yellow fever if you come from a high-risk area.
Security à la Barbade
Barbados is a safe destination for the region. Just be on the lookout for pickpockets and remember, even if you're offered one, that drug use is illegal here. Finally, only use official cabs (marked with a "Z" on the license plate).
Time difference à la Barbade
Barbados is in the Atlantic Standard Time (UTC-4) time zone all year round. There is no time change between winter and summer. The time difference therefore varies from country to country, depending on which country observes daylight saving time.
For Western Europe, the time difference is 5 hours less during winter time and 6 hours less during summer time.
For Canada, there is no time difference with Barbados during summer time, i.e. when it's noon in Bridgetown, it's also noon in Ottawa or Montreal. During winter time, Barbados is one hour ahead of Canada.
Spoken languages à la Barbade
The official language of Barbados is English (the British version, with a few local peculiarities). In everyday life, Barbadians tend to use Bajan, a Creole dialect derived from English.
Communication à la Barbade
Barbados is very well covered by an efficient telephone network. You'll have no trouble accessing Wi-Fi (in hotels, restaurants and even on certain beaches and public places). The two cell phone operators on the island are Flow and Digicel. Both offer prepaid SIM cards (eSIM in the case of Digicel) for tourists. If you're used to using mobile data at home, don't forget to deactivate dataroaming before arriving in Barbados to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Electricity and measurements à la Barbade
Electricity. The standard is 150 V (50 Hz). Sockets are either double-blade flat (type A) or double-blade with round grounding plug (type B). If you're coming from Canada, no problem - plugs and voltage are similar. If you're coming from Europe, you'll need an adapter. Also, check that your appliances are compatible with the voltage (which is 220 V in France). If not, you'll need a converter.
Weights and measures. Barbados uses the metric system, as in Europe (grams, liters, kilometers).
Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius.
Luggage à la Barbade
Barbados enjoys a warm climate all year round. So pack light clothes in natural, breathable materials (cotton, linen) for optimum comfort, to which you can add a more elegant outfit for evening outings, as well as a small vest for cooler nights.
If you're planning to hike, remember to pack pants to protect you from scratches and mosquito bites, as well as "tropical force" repellent, a pair of sneakers or hiking boots.
For the beach, don't forget your swimsuit, beach bag, mask and snorkel. For the last two, if you don't want to take on too much, check whether your accommodation offers them for free hire.
Don't forget to bring a water bottle (to stay hydrated), sunscreen and aftersun (for sunburn) and a compact umbrella, raincoat or poncho in case of rain (especially during the wet season).
Barbados is blessed with a particularly clear night sky. Don't hesitate to download a free application like SkyMap on your smartphone for a journey through the stars.
In case you run out of anything, supermarkets and mini-markets will be happy to help.
Daily life à la Barbade
Hello? à la Barbade
Please note that there are stillroaming charges in Barbados, for phone calls and mobile data. Remember to deactivate roaming before landing.
The international code for Barbados is +1 246 (the Barbados area code, which is always part of your correspondent's number) followed by a 7-digit number.
To call from France to Barbados: 00 + 1 + your correspondent's number (e.g. 00+1+246+123 4567).
Calling from Barbados to France: 011 + 33 + your correspondent's number without the 0.
Calling from Canada to Barbados and vice versa: 1 + your correspondent's number.
Calling from Barbados to Barbados: 7-digit number of your correspondent
Accessibility à la Barbade
While government buses have reserved spaces for the elderly, pregnant women and strollers, accessibility remains the black spot of tourism in Barbados. A handful of the BTB's new buses are accessible to PRMs (although you have to be able to get on them); however, there are cabs and tourist companies equipped to welcome disabled travellers, which can be found on the tourist office website: https://urlr.me/Dy89P.
The larger hotels are very well equipped (ramps, accessible rooms and toilets, etc.).
You can also find information on the Fully Accessible Barbados Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FullyAccessibleBarbados/
Health à la Barbade
Tap water in Barbados is perfectly safe to drink. You can fill your water bottle without worry.
There are no major health risks, apart from protection against mosquitoes that could carry dengue fever, Zika or chikungunya. On the east coast, if you're visiting botanical gardens or hiking, wear pants (to avoid insect scratches and bites such as those from the scolopendre) and spray yourself with a strong repellent.
In the event ofillness or accident, contact the French Honorary Consul (France has no embassy in Barbados). He'll be happy to help and accompany you, and will provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, he or she will also inform the family and decide on repatriation.
Barbados has a good health care system. The island's general hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, is located in Bridgetown. Given its status, patience is often required for medical treatment.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. In the event of health problems or accident, you'll be well covered (check if it's not already included with your credit card).
Emergency numbers à la Barbade
Emergency numbers to know on site are :
Ambulances: 511.
Fire department: 311.
Police: 211.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital: 436 64 50.
Securty à la Barbade
Barbados is a generally safe destination and tourists are rarely victims of violent acts, theft being the type of petty crime you are likely to encounter. Be careful with your belongings, don't wear ostentatious signs of wealth, leave your papers and valuables in your accommodation safe if you don't need them, and keep an eye open at the cash dispenser. The police number is 511.
LGBTQ à la Barbade
The rights of LGBTQIA+ people are progressing at a very slow pace. Same-sex relationships were decriminalized only recently, in 2022. There is currently no recognition of same-sex unions, nor any possibility of adoption. Nevertheless, the debate on the issue is open, and the government is considering allowing civil unions and putting the question of marriage to a referendum.
Despite a deeply religious society, tolerance towards the LGBTQIA+ community is growing among the population. However, as concerned travelers, remain cautious when it comes to showing your affection in public.
Embassies and consulates à la Barbade
Honorary Consul of France in Barbados: Mr Don Chee A Tow - Tel: +1-246 427 7859 - +1 246 284 4414 - [email protected]
The Embassy of the French Republic in Castries, Saint Lucia, has jurisdiction over Barbados: Nelson Mandela Drive - Vigie GPO, Private Box 937 Castries, Saint Lucia - Tel: +1 758 455 6060 - Cell phone number of duty officer (in case of emergency) +1 758 484 3167 - https://lc.ambafrance.org
Mail à la Barbade
Postal service in Barbados is provided by the Barbados Postal Service. The main post office is located in Bridgetown, in the Cheapside district (open from 7.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). You'll also find other post offices in Warrens, Oistins, the airport, Speighstown, Holetown, etc.
Sending a postcard to Western Europe requires a 2.20 BBD stamp. The postal service also offers a dozen prepaid, pre-stamped postcards at a rate of 4 BBD. The advantage of these postcards is that they can be sent anywhere in the world and are not subject to price increases.
Check with your hotel, too. Many of them sell stamps and can arrange to send your postcard with their outgoing mail.
Local media à la Barbade
Daily press. The Barbados Advocate is the oldest daily newspaper in Barbados, since 1895 (www.barbadosadvocate.com). The Daily Nation is the other major daily, since 1973 (www.nationnews.com).
Public service media. The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) operates a television channel (CBC TV8) as well as several radio stations: FM 94.7 (general interest), 98.1 The One (music), QFM 100.7 (music and talk shows).
Private media. The two major private media groups are Barbados Broadcasting Service and Starcom. BBS operates the following channels: BBS FM (music and news) and Faith 102 (religion). Starcom owns 4 radio stations: Voice of Barbados (music, news and sports), Hott 95.3 (music, aimed at young people), Life 97.5 (religion) and The Beat 104.1 (commercial music).
Online media. Barbados Today (barbadostoday.bb) is the island's leading online daily newspaper, while What's On In Barbados (whatsoninbarbados.com) lists the island's full calendar of events.
