Barbados Daily Living Tips

Our team of experts are well versed in relocations to Barbados. We understand all aspects of relocating and aim to make your search for your on-island home easy and hassle-free. We understand settling-in takes some time and hope the below tips will help smoothen the process further - making you feel more like a local. 

Barbados Top Tips: 

• Always greet the locals!
• Electricity In Barbados is 110 volts/ 50 cycles. The electrical supply is reliable with occasional outages. The standard plug types are North American two-prong (two flat blades) and three-prong (two flat blades with a round grounding plug).
• Hang out clothes rather than using the dryer to save on your electric bill 
• Leave home before 7.00 am to avoid traffic congrestion.
• Massy supermarkets have free transport to nearby locations once you shop there. There is a shuttle that will take you home.
• Bridgetown has duty free shopping as well as Sheraton Mall and Limegrove Lifestyle Center.
• Roads are very heavily trafficked so be cautious if riding a bike.
• Although Barbados has a very low crime rate according to the 2020 annual report from the U.S. Department of State overseas security council, be mindful of your surroundings.
• Gas stations are not self-service.
• Don’t wear camouflage. It is illegal.
• The right to bear arms is not a constitutional right in Barbados so gun ownership is strictly controlled. Welcome Stamp holders are prohibited from possessing a firearm in Barbados.
• Keep your distance from the monkeys. Beautiful creatures but they can get aggressive.
• We have left-hand driving and the speed limit  is 37 mph/60 kph except on the highways (55 mph/80 kph) and in Bridgetown (20 mph/32 kph)
• You cannot turn on a red light, island-wide.
• Seat belts are compulsory and failure to wear one results in a fine of US$250.00.
• Drinking and driving is illegal.
• It is illegal to drive or operate a vehicle while holding and using a cell phone. 
• No smoking in enclosed areas - That’s the law.
• On a roundabout, the person on the right is always right.
• Bus to City Stops always gets you back to a highway or civilization.
• There is a temporary suspension on the importation and licensing of remotely piloted aircraft systems, also known as unmanned aircraft systems or drones, this has been extended for an additional six months, effective April 1, 2020. 
• Be careful when swimming at any beach where water sports are offered.  Always keep an eye out for jet skis and speedboats, especially when snorkeling.
• Flags on Beach - You may see flags on the beach indicating dangerous currents. The YELLOW FLAG: means proceed with caution. RED FLAG: This is a strong warning that you should stay out of the sea.
• Beware of the caustic Manchineel trees that line the West Coast beaches. They have small dark green leaves and fruit that resemble small yellow/green apples.