All visitors to Barbados must have a passport and valid return ticket to be allowed entry. Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay in Barbados. Most countries do not require a visa to visit Barbados, so please check to see if one is required for your country.
Remember to take your driving licence on holiday with you if you intend to hire a car while you are in Barbados.
Make sure that your travel insurance covers the full period of your stay and gives adequate cover, particularly if you plan to indulge in any water sports during your holiday.
When provisioning your holiday funds, it may be helpful to consider that Barbados dollars, major credit and debit cards, as well as travelers’ cheques and US dollars are accepted in Barbados. In fact, credit and debit cards are so widely accepted for goods and services that cash is only essential for things such as paying; taxi drivers, buses, bar bills and beach or street vendors.
Should you need to use them, there are a number of different banks that have numerous branches throughout Barbados. Most of these are open between 8am and 3pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 5pm on Friday.
The majority of banks have at least one ATM (“cash machine”) so visitors who possess cards bearing the “Cirrus” logo can use associated ATMs to obtain Barbados dollars at any time. (Personal and bank daily limits and any associated charges for withdrawals will vary of course, do check this with your bank or card provider).
Because the Barbados and US dollar are so closely aligned, you can normally expect an exchange rate of just under 2 Barbados dollars to 1 US dollar. (Incidentally, if you pay cash in US dollars please expect to receive any change in Barbados dollars).
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Knowing the customs regulations for the Caribbean and your home country will help eliminate hassles bringing gifts and souvenirs back from Barbados.
As a visitor to Barbados, you might want to be aware of the following customs tips, before visiting the island.
- All prescription drugs must be accompanied by an official prescription.
- You may bring up to two liters of alcohol and two cartons of cigarettes to Barbados. You may bring a “reasonable” amount of duty-free goods for personal use; anything deemed in excess of “reasonable” may incur an import tax.
- Firearms and recreational drugs are not permitted.
As an island shopper, and before returning home, remember these guidelines:
- Upon departing Barbados, make sure your purchases are easily accessible in case your home country’s customs officials request an inspection.
- You should keep receipts for all items you buy in Barbados.
- If you have any questions or complaints about your customs experience, write to the port director at your point of reentry.
Since customs regulations are subject to change, it is best to check with your country’s specific entry requirements before you leave, and keep your knowledge current using the following contact information:
United Kingdom
HM Customs & Excise
0845-010-9000
www.hmrc.gov.uk
United States
U.S. Customs Service
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20229
877-287-8867
www.customs.gov
Canada
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
800-461-9999
www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca
New Zealand
New Zealand Customs Service
04-473-6099
www.customs.govt.nz
Australia
Australian Customs Service
1300-363-263
www.customs.gov.au
ELECTRICITY
Before Travelling to Barbados, something you must consider is the local voltage. It’s 110V. Most phone/laptop/ipad chargers are dual voltage – i.e. they will charge with 110V supply – you only need to have the correct adaptor plug to plug into the local 110V outlets. These adaptors are not easily available in Barbados so if your appliances are other than US, it’s a good idea to pick up a couple of US adaptor plugs at the airport. These are flat pinned plugs not the round pin European adaptors.
Other voltage electrical appliances like hair dryers will not work on 110V, so there is no point in bringing them.
Please consider the environment and the cost of electricity in Barbados which is very high; it’s appreciated if you can turn off, a/c, lights and fans when they are not required.
With these guidelines in mind it’s sure to be a smooth trip to Barbados. Please download our helpful information travel guide. Print, Save and keep for Reference.
OTHER USEFUL TRAVEL INFORMATION
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Paradise Rentals Barbados
Telephone: (246) 2624505
Freephone: 0208 819 7363
Email: karen.paradiserentals@gmail.com
Website: tomh93.sg-host.com
