Travel Essentials › Barbados
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Type A and B, 115 V. Emergency: Police 211, Ambulance 511, Fire 311. Tipping: 10 to 15 percent if not already included as a service charge. Tap water: Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Type A and B, 115 V
| Police | 211 |
| Ambulance | 511 |
| Fire | 311 |
10 to 15 percent if not already included as a service charge.
Greetings. Say good morning or good afternoon when entering a shop, bus or room. Offer a friendly handshake with eye contact; friends often hug.
Dress. Cover up when away from the beach; swimwear in shops and restaurants is considered rude.
Church and Sunday. Sunday is quiet; many people attend church in their best clothes, and many shops close.
Barbados is safe for visitors; petty theft from beaches and cars is the main issue.
Beach touts. Some sellers and taxi touts are pushy; agree a price first and a polite no is enough.
Valuables in rental cars. Don't leave bags in parked cars or on the beach.
Women travelers. Generally safe; catcalling can happen, so use licensed taxis at night.
Legal · Use Caution
Same-sex activity was decriminalized by the high court in 2022. There is no marriage recognition and attitudes can be conservative, especially outside tourist areas.
| Coffee (café) | BBD 8 | $4 |
| Local bus or metro ride | BBD 3.50 | $1.75 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | BBD 60 | $30 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | BBD 150 | $75 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | BBD 500 | $250 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | BBD 400 | $200 |
2026-09
December to April is the dry, sunny season; June to November is wetter and the hurricane season, but Barbados is rarely hit directly.