Social ConventionsSocial attitudes, like administration and architecture, tend to echo that of British towns. However, the optimistic attitude, laid-back manner and wonderful sense of humor of the Bajans is well appreciated by many tourists. Casual wear is acceptable in most places. Dressing for dinner in hotels and restaurants is suggested. Smoking is generally unrestricted. Topless bathing is frowned upon. Certain homosexual acts are illegal.
International Travel:Getting There by AirBarbados does not have a national airline but many airlines operate
regular direct flights there.
American Airlines (website:
www.aa.com) fly from the USA.
British Airways (website:
www.britishairways.com) and
Virgin Atlantic (website:
www.virgin-atlantic.com) fly direct from London.
Departure TaxBD$25 for all departures. Passengers in transit who will be remaining in Barbados for less than 24 hours and children aged under 12 are exempt.
Main AirportsBarbados (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, bureaux 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 WaterMain ports: Barbados, which has a deep-water harbor at
Bridgetown, is a port of call for a number of British, European and US cruise lines (website:
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. There is a small departure tax.
OverviewThe following items may be imported into Barbados by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 100 cigars, or 50 cigars and cigarettes not exceeding 230g total;
1l of spirits and 1l of wine;
60ml of perfume and 300ml of all other scents;
gifts up to a value of BD$100.
For certain items it is possible, on presentation of airline tickets and travel documents, to obtain duty-free goods any time from the day of arrival in the country. However, tobacco, alcohol and electronic goods must still be bought under the old system immediately prior to embarkation. A permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs in order to import meat and meat products.
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.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirThere are no internal services.
Getting Around by RoadA good network of roads covers the entire island, but there are many potholes (except on the main highway). In rural areas, roads are often in poor condition. Traffic drives on the left.
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.
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.
Taxi: Taxis do not have meters but fares are regulated by the government. It is advised to check the fare before travel, which can usually be paid in US Dollars as well as in Barbados Dollars.
Mini vans: Licensed mini vans, 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, but mini-vans are usually quicker.
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.
Getting Around Towns and CitiesBridgetown has a local bus network and taxis are available.
Journey TimesThe following chart gives approximate travel times from
Bridgetown (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Barbados.
| Road |
| Speightstown | 0.30 |
| Holetown | 0.20 |
| Oistins | 0.20 |
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