Barbados  Information

Population:
260,000

Size:
21 miles x14 miles

Elevation:
Mainly flat; some hills; highest hill is 1,115 feet

Capital city:
Bridgetown, population: 97,000

Language:
English

Government:
independent nation within the British Commonwealth

Major industries:
Tourism, sugar production, oil production
Time Zone:

Atlantic Time Zone. Daylight saving time not observed. During the time the US is on daylight saving time, the time in Barbados matches Eastern daylight time in the US. Otherwise, time in Barbados is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Weather:
Barbados is warm and sunny all year round with an average daytime high of 75 - 85oF. The nights are usually slightly cooler.The prevailing northeast tradewinds blow steadily so that although it is bright and sunny, it is not unbearably hot. Rain usually comes in quick showers. The dry season lasts from January to June. Barbados is not in the direct hurricane path.

Public Holidays:
January 01 - New Year's Day - National Holiday
January 21 - Errol Barrow Day (Prime Minister at time of independence, honored on his birthday, January 21st. )
April 13 - Good Friday - National Holiday
April 16 - Easter Monday - National Holiday
April 28 - National Heroes Day - National Holiday
May 01 - Labor Day - National Holiday
June 04 - Whit Monday - National Holiday
August 01 - Emancipation Day - National Holiday
August 06 - Kadooment Day - National Holiday (The finale to the Crop Over Festival)
November 30 - Independence Day - National Holiday
December 25 - Christmas Day - National Holiday
December 26 - Boxing Day - National Holiday

Health risks:
The little green apples that fall from the branches of the manchineel tree are poisonous to eat and toxic to the touch. Even taking shelter under the tree when it rains can give you blisters. Most manchineels are identified with signs. If you do come in contact with one, go to the nearest hotel and have someone there phone for a physician.
The water on the island is plentiful and safe to drink in both hotels and restaurants. It is naturally filtered through 1,000 feet of pervious coral.
Sunburn or sunstroke can be serious. A long-sleeve shirt, a hat, and long pants or a beach wrap are essential on a boat, for midday at the beach, and whenever you go out sightseeing. Use sunblock lotion on nose, ears, and other sensitive areas, limit your sun time for the first few days, and be sure to drink enough liquids.

Electricity:
Electric current on Barbados is 110 volts/50 cycles, U.S. standard. Hotels have adapters/transformers for guests from the United Kingdom or other countries that operate on 220-volt current.

Business Hours:
Bridgetown offices and stores are open weekdays 8:30-5, Saturday 8:30-1. Out-of-town locations may stay open later. Some supermarkets are open daily 8-6 or later. Banks are open Monday-Thursday 8-3, Friday 8-5 (some branches in supermarkets are open Saturday morning 9-noon), and at the airport the Barbados National Bank is open from 8 AM until the last plane leaves or arrives, seven days a week (including holidays).

U.S. Embassy:
Bridgetown
TEL: 246/436-4950.
FAX: 246/429-5246.

Emergencies:
Ambulance (511)
Coast Guard (246/427-8819; 246/436-6185 for non-emergencies)
Fire (311)
Police (211; 242/430-7100 for nonemergencies)

Language:
English is the official language and is spoken by everyone, everywhere. The Bajan dialect is based on Afro-Caribbean rhythms, with the addition of an Irish or Scottish lilt. The African influence is apparent in names of typical Bajan foods, such as cou-cou and buljol.

Mail:
The general post office, in Cheapside, Bridgetown, is open weekdays 7:30-5; the Sherbourne Conference Center branch is open weekdays 8:15-4:30; and branches in each parish are open weekdays 8-3:15. When sending mail to Barbados, be sure to include the parish name in the address.

Money Exchange:
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are available 24 hours a day at bank branches, transportation centers, shopping centers, gas stations, and other convenient spots throughout the island. You can use major credit cards to obtain cash advances (in local currency) using your usual PIN.

Currency:
The Barbados dollar is tied to the U.S. dollar at the rate of BDS$1.98 to $1. U.S. paper currency, major credit cards, and traveler's checks are all accepted island-wide. Be sure you know which currency you're dealing in when making a purchase. Prices quoted here are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

Taxes:
A 71/2% government tax is added to all hotel bills. A 15% VAT is imposed on restaurant meals, admissions to attractions, and merchandise sales (other than duty-free). Prices are often tax inclusive; if not, the VAT will be added to your bill. At the airport, before leaving Barbados, each passenger must pay a departure tax of $12.50 (BDS$25), payable in either currency; children 12 and under are exempt.

Tipping:
A 10% service charge is usually added to hotel bills and restaurant checks in lieu of tipping. At your discretion, tip beyond the service charge to recognize extraordinary service. If no service charge is added, tip waiters 10%-15% and maids $1 per room per day. Bellhops and airport porters should be tipped $1 per bag. Taxi drivers :a 10% tip.

Passports & Visas:
U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Barbados for visits of up to three months with proof of citizenship and a return or ongoing ticket. Acceptable proof is a valid passport or a birth certificate with a raised seal and a government-issued photo ID; a voter registration card or baptismal certificate is not acceptable.

Passport Offices:
The best time to apply for a passport or to renew is during the fall and winter. Before any trip, check your passport's expiration date, and, if necessary, renew it as soon as possible.

Telephones:
The area code for Barbados is 246. Local calls are free from private phones and some hotels. From pay phones the charge is BDS25¢ for five minutes. Prepaid phone cards, which can be used in pay phones throughout Barbados and other Caribbean islands, are sold at shops, attractions, transportation centers, and other convenient outlets.

Currency:
The Barbados dollar (BD$) is the official currency, available in $5, $10, $20, and $100 notes, as well as 10¢, 25¢, and $1 silver coins, plus 1¢ and 5¢ copper coins. The Bajan dollar is worth 50¢ in U.S. currency. Most stores take traveler's checks or U.S. dollars. However, it's best to convert your money at banks and pay in Bajan dollars. (Just before you leave home, you can check the current exchange rates on the Web at www.x-rates.com.)

Documents:
U.S. or Canadian citizens coming directly from North America to Barbados for a period not exceeding 3 months must have proof of identity and national status, such as a passport, which we always recommend carrying. However, a birth certificate (either an original or a certified copy) is also acceptable, provided it's backed up with photo ID. For stays longer than 3 months, a passport is required. An ongoing or return ticket is also necessary. British subjects need a valid passport.