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Barbados Entry Requirements: Passports
Every person entering Barbados, including all North
American citizens (Americans and Canadians), should
be in possession of a valid passport and a valid return
ticket.
Cruise Ship Passengers
Visas are not required for passengers on cruise ships
with the exception of citizens of the C.I.S., Eastern
European countries, People's Republic of China, Taiwan,
South Africa and Korea.
For a complete Barbados Cruise guide for cruise visitors,
crew and management, please visit the Barbados
Cruise Tourism website.
Drivers License
You can obtain a Barbados drivers license for $10.00
Bds on producing a valid National or International License.
All authorised car rental companies can issue you a
drivers license if you have a valid license.
Police Stations
Hastings
Worthing
Holetown
Licensing Authorities
Oistins
Christ Church
Pine
St. Michael
Folkestone
Apparel:
Swimwear is excellent for the beach, however, it is
not considered proper apparel for shopping or dining.
General attire for dining out in the evening is casual
but elegant, walking shorts are acceptable in most restaurants
(some exceptions in upper scale dining establishments).
ATMs:
Several on South Coast, West Coast and Bridgetown
Only one on the East Coast (in Belleplaine, St. Andrew)
General Business Hours:
Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00/2:00 pm
Sunday Closed
Currency:
Barbados Currency is dollars.
US $1.00 = BDS $1.98
Electricity
110 Volts AC 50 cycle
Geography:
Length: 34 km (21 miles)
Width: 22 km (14 miles)
Area: 425 square km (166 square miles)
Barbados is divided into 11 parishes.
West Coast:
Caribbean Sea (calm ideal for swimming)
East Coast:
Atlantic Ocean (rough - swimming not recommended)
South and South-East Coast:
Ideal for swimming as well, with South-East Coast having
larger waves.
Safety:
The crime rate in Barbados is very low, however, simple
precautions should always be taken.
Please stay in well-lit, familiar areas at night
Do not leave valuables unattended
Lock your doors
Do not swim on the East Coast
Time:
Winter: GMT minus 4 hours
Summer: GMT minus 5 hours
Telecommunication:
Pay Phones
Internet Cafes
Cellular Phone Rental |
Visas required for Barbados
Please check with your local Barabdos Consulate to see
if you require a visa to visit Barbados.
Duration of Visit to Barbados
Visitors coming to Barbados be in possession of valid
return tickets.
Extension of stay
Visitors wishing to extend their stay should apply
to:
The Chief Immigration Officer
Immigration Department
Careenage House, The Wharf
Bridgetown,
Barbados
Tel: (246) 426-1011
Credit Cards and Travelers cheques
Most of the hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments
will accept credit cards. Travelers cheques in U.S.,
U.K. and Canadian funds are also cashable at many outlets.
There are many Banks in Barbados (mostly British and
Canadian). Most have ABMs that will accept credit cards
and Interac. They all dispense funds in Barbados dollars
at the current rate of exchange.
The major credit cards that are readily accepted are:
American Express
Carte Blanche
Diners Club
EnRoute
Eurocard
MasterCard
Barclaycard
Visa
Banking
Information:
General Banking Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sunday Closed
Major Banks:
Barbados National Bank
First Caribbean
Royal Bank of Canada
The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)
Bank of Butterfield
Capital:
Bridgetown is located in the parish of St. Michael.
Climate:
Temperature: 24 to 33 degrees (74 to 83 Fahrenheit)
approximately
Rainy Season: June to November
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Police 211
Fire 311
Ambulance 511
Government:
Barbados is Independent, with a Prime Minister.
Barbados is also a member of the Commonwealth, with
a Governor General.
Language:
Official Language: English
However, Bajan dialect is commonly spoken.
Population:
Population: 266,000 approximately
Taxes:
Stores and Restaurants 15% VAT tax
Hotels 7.5% VAT tax
There are several tax-free shopping areas throughout
the island, particularly in Bridgetown.
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