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Barbados People Profiles

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Barbados Facts & General Tips

Business Hours
The average business hours in Barbados are usually from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. This might for some organisations, for example 9-5 or 8:30-4:30. Most shops open until 5pm while on Saturdays they may close around 12 noon or go as late as 3:00 pm. Sunday is considered a rest day so most businesses are closed on this day. How ever they are exceptions like Supermarkets and small Village shops and bars who are open. During the Christmas Holidays, some businesses follow the tradition of closing their doors late to boost sales.

Capital
The City of Bridgetown is the Capital of Barbados. It is located in the parish of St. Michael which is on the southwestern coast of the island. In the past it was known as the Town of Saint Michael. Locally Bridgetown is sometimes referred to as "The City", or just simply "Town". It is easily accessible from anywhere on the island

Car Rentals
There are lots car rental agencies, both public and private in Barbados. Rental cars can be identified on the road by their number plates which beginning with H, for hired. To hire a car in Barbados, all visitors must be aged 25 or over.

Churches
The predominant religion is Anglican, the rest are mostly Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Moravian and other religions. There also are small Jewish and Muslim communities.

Climate
Barbados boasts a Tropical climate, with bright sunshine and afternoon showers. The constant cool breezes of the Trade Winds keep average day time temperatures of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, 27 to 29 degrees Celsius. Night time temperatures average 76 degrees Fahrenheit, 23 degrees Celsius.
There is a dry season which runs from December - May and a wet season which runs from June to November.

Clothing
When out in the day it is advised to where light casual clothing. This is most suited for the hot sunny conditions here. You can wear anything you like as long as it is appropriate.

Internet/Mobile Phones
High speed Internet access and cellular service are available. They are several providers and carriers which offer this service to customers. The main Internet and mobile provider is LIME formerly Cable & Wireless. Digicel is the other big fish in the market that provides mobile service, so there is definitely some thing for any person or visitor They are also cellular phone retail companies which sell phones and accessories as well as repairs. With the rise in Wireless Broadband Internet on the island, many hot spots are available for free use. Once you have a device that uses wireless, whether a laptop, a phone or other gadget, you can enjoy the Internet and surf as you wish.

Courier Services
Most International courier companies run their service to Barbados. Getting a package here is quick easy and safe. Companies like DHL, Fedex and UPS are but some who handle the express import and export service.

Currency
Barbados uses its own currency, the Barbados Dollar (BBD). It is denominated into notes of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 2 BBD, each Barbadian dollar is divided into 100 cents with coins of 1, 5, 10, and 25 cents as well as $1BBD coins. The dollar is tied to the U.S. dollar with an exchange rate which is usually $1USD=$2BBD. US money is accepted here as well as credit cards. Lots of shops and business do not accept cheques so you will have to visit the bank to get them changed.

Drinking Water
Barbados boasts the purest water supply you will find anywhere. Rainwater is filtered naturally through natures own coral filter system, and eventually collected underground. You can drink water from the tap anywhere on the island. Bottled spring water is also sold at shops, supermarkets and other outlets.

Driving
Barbados has a good network of roads including a highway which links north to south. Vehicles are driven on left side of the road, therefore the majority of vehicles are right hand drive. A permit must be obtained to drive in Barbados. All visitors must be over 21 and under 70 years of age, and hold a valid drivers license to obtain a permit. The cost of a permit which is valid for a year is $10 BDS or $5 USD (Valid for 3 months). If you are intending on hiring a car most Barbados car hire companies will issue the permit for you. Or alternatively you can obtain a permit from the Ministry of Transport Licensing Offices at The Pine or Oistins. By law you are required to wear a seat belt at all times. To hire a car in Barbados, all visitors must be aged 25 or over.

Drivers License
To drive in Barbados, a Barbados driving permit is required This can be obtained from car rental companies, the Ministry of Transport, the airport or some police stations. You will have to pay a registration fee of $10BDS, and show a valid license from your home country or an international driving permit. It is illegal to drive without a seat belt on, and children under the age of five should be restrained in an appropriate child safety seat. Vehicles are right hand drive and drive on the left side of the road, the same as England

Drugs
Drugs are illegal in the country, You can be arrested and charged if caught with illegal narcotics in your possession.

Duty Free
Lots of Stores offer duty free shopping to visitors. To enjoy this service, you must show your passport and plane ticket. Travellers to Barbados do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 227g of other tobacco products; 750ml spirits and 750ml wine; perfume up to 118ml perfume or 237ml of eau de cologne; and souvenirs to the value of Bds$100. Prohibited items include rum, matches, fresh fruit, and articles of clothing or accessories made from camouflage material.

Electricity
The voltage used in Barbados for electrical items are 220 volts. Some buildings are wired for both 220 and 110 volts to suit North American appliances. Electrical appliances use the two prongs flat plug, just like American devices. Transformers are easily available to reduce the voltage from 220 to 110 volts, however most hotels use 220.

Emergency Numbers
Police: 211 (emergency only)
Fire: 311
Ambulance: 511
Coast Guard and Defense Force: (246) 427-8819

Getting Here
They are two ports of entry to the island, air and sea. The most popular method is air travel. All air traffic arrive at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) which is located on the south side of the island. Barbados has direct flights from the US, Canada and the United Kingdom. Visitors who don't come by plane often visit by cruise ships, yachts and other vessels.

Getting Married
Arranging a wedding in Barbados is relatively simple. Most of the tour operator's or venues will organize everything for you, or alternatively you can use the services of one of the professional wedding planners . The documentation needed is as follows: Valid passports, or original or certified copies of the applicants' birth certificates. If either party is widowed, a certified copy of the marriage certificate and death certificate in respect of the deceased spouse will be required. If either party is divorced, an original Decree Absolute, (not the Decree Nisi) is required. If the Decree Absolute is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a certified translation. Finally, a letter, or written indication from the marriage officer and church to which he belongs, who has agreed to perform the marriage ceremony. To get married in a Roman Catholic Church requires additional documentation to be sent from the Bishop of your Diocese to the Bishop of Bridgetown. Application for a marriage license must be made by the bride and groom, in person at the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs. If neither the bride nor groom is a citizen or resident of Barbados, the license fee is $150 Barbados Dollars cash and a $25 stamp. Return Airline tickets must also be presented.

Government
Barbados has been an independent country since 30 November 1966. It functions as a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, modelled on the British Westminster system. Barbados functions as a two-party system, the two dominant parties being the Democratic Labour Party and the Barbados Labour Party.

Health Requirements
There are no mandatory requirements regarding vaccinations for visitors to Barbados, however a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas, and hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for those aged over two years. There has been an increase in the outbreaks of dengue fever and mosquito repellent is strongly recommended. Medical care is good but fairly expensive. Health insurance is recommended.

Language
The official language is English, there is also a local dialect called "Bajan", which is basically broken English. Barbadians are known for their accent all over the world.

Location
Barbados is located in the Caribbean in the Atlantic Ocean. Co-ordinates are 13 degrees North and 59 degrees West. It is considered the easternmost islands in the Caribbean Sea. The highest point is Mount Hillaby, which stands 1,104 ft.

Medical Services
All visitors to Barbados should arrange their own travel insurance before entry on to Barbados. 24 hour emergency services are available to visitors and residents from 2 major modern hospitals, The Queen Elizabeth and Bay View Hospital. There are also several private medical facilities available.

Passport/Visas
Proof of citizenship is required. A valid passport and return ticket must be produced to gain entry. Entry visas may be required of visitors from other countries, and can be obtained from British Consulate offices. CARICOM citizens can travel on an official ID card, which must bear a photograph of the individual. Visitors must show proof of accommodation and possess sufficient funds to sustain ones self for the length of the visit.

Population
The Barbados population is estimated to be around 280,000. About 90% of Barbados' population is of African descent, 4% European descent, and 6% Asian or mixed. The population growth rate has been very low, less than 1% since the 1960s, largely due to family planning efforts and a high emigration rate.

Post Office
They are lots of postal offices located across Barbados. The main post office, called The General Post Office is located in Bridgetown. There are also red mailboxes conveniently located in walls and various places across the island. There is also an Express Mail Service (EMS) which is designed to give the customers a faster and more reliable service. This service is both local and international and available from any District Post Office.

Real Estate in Barbados
Buying property in Barbados is easy. They are lots of Real Estate companies what can assist visitors in getting property. Barbados has a sound structure and follows a series of steps that ensure that the sale is handled legally and smoothly. When considering a home in Barbados it is essential that you get tax advice and legal representation before you start signing papers. Legal fees generally depend on the value of the home being purchased.

Safety
Barbados has a reputation of being one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. It has a low crime rate and is well light up by its numerous street and building lights for when night come. It is still advised that you take sensible precautions when venturing alone or in unknown areas.

Supermarkets
They are lots of supermarkets located all around the island to provide you with most of your culinary needs. They tend to stay open later than other shops, and some also open on Sundays for varying times. They are also some small supermarkets called Mini Marts which provide just as much as the big boys.

Taxes & Other Charges
Most purchases are subject to 15% tax to all persons on the island including visitors. This tax is called Value Added Tax or VAT. They are stores however who offer duty free shopping, You just show your passport and plane ticket to get the item you are purchasing tax free.

Telecommunications
The international dialing code for Barbados is 1-246, followed by seven digit number. 246 is the area code. When in Barbados, you can dial a local seven digit number without the area code.

Television/Satellite Services
Barbados operate one Television station called CBC TV 8. There is also a cable service called Multi-Choice TV as well as a satellite service called DirecTV that will provide you with channels galore to choose from. Most hotels and guest houses offer cable or satellite TV in their rooms.

Time Difference
Barbados uses Eastern Standard Time and are 4 hours behind GMT (GMT-4), no changes are made for daylight saving, therefore 1 hour ahead of US Eastern Standard Time in the winter.

Tipping
Tipping in Barbados is not necessary if a service charge has already been included in the bill, otherwise it is generally about 10-15%. Tipping is normal in bars.

Transportation
Barbados provide public buses that can take you anywhere on the island. Several bus stations located in primary locations to make public travel easy and convenient. They are private transportation services provided as well, such as Mini Vans, Route Taxis and Taxis. Mini Vans and Route Taxis follow certain routes around the island and use the same fare as the public buses, which is $1.50 BDS. Normal Taxis charge per distance.they'll take you pretty much anywhere.