Barbados

Little Britain!

Barbados has the third oldest parliament in the world with 358 years of an uninterrupted parliamentary system of government. The island was granted independence in 1966 but retains the British monarch as its official head of state, represented by the Governor-General.
Research by The United Nations Development Index (1996) showed that visitors highlighted friendliness of Bajans as it´s greatest and most pleasing asset. This is reflected in a very high 39%
repeat rate. The people of Barbados have a history of goodwill, a sound and free education system with an impressive literacy rate of 97%. Bajans are warm, friendly and hospitable people who are genuinely proud of their country and culture and welcome visitors as their privileged guests.
Most of the 260,000 Bajans live in the area around the capital city of Bridgetown, on the southwest coast, or
along the west coast as far as Speightstown in the north and Oistins in the south. Others reside in tiny hamlets in the island's 11 parishes. This exclusive island retains a noticeable British atmosphere, with place names such as Worthing, Hastings and Brighton.

Barbados' Grantley Adams International Airport is on the island's southern coast, 16km (10mi) southeast of Bridgetown. Over the next few years, the airport is undergoing massive expansion. When complete, it will be the main gateway to the south and southeastern Caribbean, especially for flights from Europe. From the North American mainland, - American Airlines, Air Canada, Air Jamaica, Air Sunshine, Continental Airlines and US Airways operate services from major US and Canadian cities. BWIA (British West Indies Air, based out of Trinidad) has flights from London, Frankfurt and Zurich, while British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly to Barbados from London-Gatwick. Condor makes the trip from Frankfurt. Several airlines - including LIAT, BWIA and Caribbean Star - offer flights from Barbados to other Caribbean destinations. In season, a steel band and complimentary rum punch greet arriving passengers; a modest airport departure tax is the island's kiss good-bye.

Few car rental agencies have booths at the airport, but most will pick customers up. Otherwise travellers have a choice of catching a taxi to their destination or simply walking out onto the road and catching a local bus.

Passports and Visas

Visas are required for citizens from the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Pakistan, South Africa and Korea, as well as most Eastern Europeans, non-Commonwealth African countries and all South American countries except Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela. All visitors are officially required to be in possession of an onward or return ticket.

Barbados Dollar (BBD; symbol BD$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of BD$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of BD$1, and 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Bills from restaurants, bars and clubs include a 10% service fee. It is still customary to tip attentive services of waiters, tourist guides, maids and bell boys. Water: Tap water is not recommendable for human consumption. It is advisable to drink only Mineral Water or filtered water.

The climate is tropical with temperatures ranging from 21 to 31 degrees celsius and a rainy season from June to October. Throughout the year the weather is warm and sunny with an average daytime high of 23 - 29 F. The nights are slightly cooler. The weather is one of the major lures of Barbados and rightly so. The consistent weather and extended tourist season mean that Barbados remains an attractive holiday destination when other
Islands are cooler or wetter. Long seasons means more income, which means greater yield and profit for the investor. Tropical rainstorms sometimes occur from June to October, however the rainfall is usually brief and dries off quickly. There has not been a hurricane in Barbados since 1952.

Telephones

Country Dialing Code: +1-246 (Barbados comes under the US dialcode)

Cardphones and payphones are available throughout the island, although it may be better to use cardphones for overseas calls. Local calls are free when calling from a residence.

Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.

Internet

There are Internet cafes throughout Barbados. Wi-Fi is increasingly available, especially in hotels.

Post

Post offices and boxes are found across the island, including at the airport.

If you are interested in art and craft then Barbados is home to many talented artists including potters, sculptors, painters and designers. You will also find a wide variety of craft such as mahogany craft, shell jewellry, batik, dolls, bags of many materials and much more. The selection of fine quality art and craft is endless.
There are many Art Galleries located around the island where you can purchase your piece of 'Barbadian art.' In historic Bridgetown you'll find the Pelican Craft centre which is the largest shopping complex on the island dedicated to the finest local craftwork.
The shopping in Barbados lives up to its reputation as a duty-free haven. The island has many great deals on offer. Luxury goods are in abundance; china, leather, jewellry, perfume, and crystal - all available for up to 40% less than would be found in the UK. Bridgetown offers the most choice and is the best area for duty-free shopping. Broad Street is the place savvy shoppers usually hits first - with several malls and endless boutiques it is difficult to imagine not finding something of interest for every shopping taste. Also Look for the West
Coast Mall for duty-free buys in the Holetown area. However, Barbados shopping is not uniquely dedicated to duty-free. Exclusive local handicrafts can also be purchased in shops all over the island, especially in Bridgetown and Christ Church.

As you discover this paradise, you'll find there's much to do in this charming and culturally vibrant island. The effect of Barbados' history has created a blend of African and European Culture which is uniquely Barbadian. The island has a rich culture and heritage which can be seen in the island's cuisine, architecture, in the indigenous musical art forms such as the Tuk Band and above all the festivals. A visit to the Barbados Museum's various Galleries and Exhibits will show how history has shaped the culture of the people of Barbados of today.
Barbados offers an interesting variety of cultural, historic and architectural attractions so a sightseeing trip is highly recommended. With an impressive collection of old great houses, old churches, monuments and caves, some of which date back to as early as the 17th century are but a few of the many cultural places of interest to see on Barbados.

Many restaurants offer both international and Bajan cuisine at a variety of prices.

Numerous bars emulate the British pub and serve genuine British bitter and stout. Night-time street vendors selling local favourites provide a cheap, non-committal introduction to traditional Bajan dishes.

National specialities:
• Cutters (large flying fish sandwiches, often served with coucou (seasoned cornmeal topped with spiced tomatoes, onion and peppers)).
• Conkies (cornmeal blended with coconut, pumpkin, raisins, sweet potato and spices steamed in a banana leaf).
• Rice'n'peas (made from a local bean and usually flavoured with coconut).
• Sea eggs (devilled sea urchin roe).
• Other specialities include crane chubb, grilled pigtail, conch fritters, plantains and breadfruit.

National drinks:
• All types of rum-based cocktails, rum punch, planters punch and pina coladas.
• Famous rums include Cockspur’s Five Star and Mount Gay, the oldest rum blend on the island.
• The local beer is Banks.
• Falernum (rum, sugar, lime and almond essence).
• Mauby (non-alcoholic, made from the boiled, strained and sweetened bark of a local tree), tastes like an extremely potent sarsaparilla.

Excellent medical facilities are available in Barbados, with both private and general wards. Barbados has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, which entitles UK nationals to free hospital and polyclinic treatment, ambulance travel and prescribed medicines for children and elderly patients. However, prescribed medicines for those other than children or the elderly and all dental treatment must be paid for. To receive treatment, UK nationals must show their UK passport or NHS medical card, as well as their temporary entry permit. Medical insurance is recommended for all other nationals.

Food and Drink

The water in Barbados is considered by some to be the purest in the world; it is filtered naturally by limestone and coral and pumped from underground rivers. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption.

Other Risks

Immunisation against hepatitis B may be recommended for long-term travellers. A low risk of dengue fever exists. Hay fever and asthma can be exacerbated during the sugar cane harvesting season. It is also important to note that there is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, particularly amongst the 20 to 45 age group, of which it is the second-biggest killer. All necessary precautions should be undertaken.

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars, or 50 cigars and cigarettes not exceeding 230g total.
• 1l of spirits and 1l of wine.
• 60ml of perfume and 300ml of all other scents.
• Gifts up to a value of BD$100.

With the right people assisting you, purchasing an overseas property can be an enjoyable and rewarding affair ... one, we at Property Club International are familiar with. If you still have questions having read this section, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Some of the information in the information sections has been supplied by third parties, and Property Club International and its associated companies cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Professional advice should always be sought at the time of purchase.