LOCATION:

Barbados is the easternmost of the Caribbean Islands. Located at 13.4 degrees north and 69.3 degrees west, it is approximately 4 and a half hours flying time from New York. Barbados is blessed with a warm year-round climate averaging 28 degrees Celsius.

POPULATION:

Barbados is home to more than 250,000 people, with nearly half of them living in the parish of St. Michael. The remainder of the population lives in numerous villages and hamlets scattered throughout the country ranging in size from one hundred to three thousand persons.

GOVERNMENT:

Unlike most Caribbean islands, Barbados never 'changed hands' - British rule of the colony remained constant until the island gained independence in November 1966. Hence, Barbados is often referred to as 'Little England', and her British heritage is deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life. Today, Barbados is a democratic country with three major political parties represented in Parliament.

RELIGION:

About 70% of the population is Anglicans, but there are more than 100 denominations and religious sects on the island.

TIPPING/TAX:

10% - 15% of the bill is the accepted amount for tipping in Barbados, whether it is a taxi ride or restaurant bill. But you will find that most hotels/restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to the bill - so check before you tip additionally. There is also a 15% Value Added Tax added to most bills.

CURRENCY:

The unit of monetary currency here is the Barbados Dollar. We have six paper notes: $100.00, $50.00, $20.00, $10.00, $5.00 and $2.00 and five coins: $1.00, 25¢, 10¢, 5¢ and 1¢.

The 'official' exchange rate is currently USD$1.00=BDS$1.98 for cash and BDS$1.99 for Traveler's Cheques. US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere, but if you want to exchange money this can be done either at a bank, or your hotel front desk. Credit cards and Traveler's Cheques are also widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to confirm this in advance - particularly at restaurants.

ELECTRICITY:

The electric current in Barbados is 110v (50 cycles) - hairdryers and shavers from North America do not need an adapter here. European or Asian appliances will need a converter and this can usually be borrowed from your hotel.

WATER:

The water in Barbados is very pure and completely safe to drink straight from the tap.

SHOPPING:

Duty-free shopping is available on the island - and when you shop for these bargains, don't forget to carry your Proof of Citizenship and airline ticket with you. In general, the largest variety of duty-free shopping, as well as boutiques and other small shops can be found in the capital city of Bridgetown - however, some hotels have branches of the large stores.

The usual shopping hours are:

Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Saturdays 8:30AM - 4:00PM

Sundays/Holidays Closed

TRANSPORTATION:

There are a number of ways to get around in Barbados - and they're safe, reliable and convenient.

TAXIS: are readily available. They are not metered so we suggest setting the fare before you leave.

LOCAL BUSES: run through virtually every part of the island.

Click here for Luxury Transportation information.

DRESS CODE:

The key word here is casual - but swimwear is only for the beaches and poolside. When off the beach, please cover up. Nude and topless bathing are illegal in Barbados.

Evening wear very rarely requires a jacket or tie for gentlemen, but be sure to check the restaurant/hotel or nightclub you're visiting for any special requirements.