Barbados Flag of Barbados

countryNorth America

Barbados is a COUNTRY in North America.

Barbados, a vibrant island nation in the Caribbean, is a paradise of sun-kissed beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. Known for its friendly locals, lively festivals, and world-renowned rum, Barbados offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Explore the historic Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or dive into the crystal-clear waters to discover vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks. Indulge in the island's culinary delights, from fresh seafood to the national dish, cou-cou and flying fish. Whether you're lounging on the pristine beaches of the Platinum Coast, exploring the lush Harrison's Cave, or dancing to the rhythms of calypso and soca music, Barbados promises an unforgettable experience.

Best time to visit Barbados

The best time to visit Barbados is during the dry season from December to April when the weather is sunny and pleasant, ideal for beach activities and exploring the island. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices. For fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to June or November.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Drizzle
Temperature
31°
Feels like
35°
Humidity
60%
Wind
13 km/h
Precipitation
0.1 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Warm 26-32°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Still rainy

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

BGI

Grantley Adams International Airport

International

0 km away

Getting around

"Getting around Barbados is convenient with various transportation options. Public buses are affordable and cover most of the island, offering a chance to mingle with locals. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive; always agree on a fare before starting your journey. Renting a car is a great option for exploring at your own pace, but remember to drive on the left side of the road. For shorter distances, consider using minibuses or hiring a private driver for a more personalized experience."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+1-246

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Petty crime exists; avoid isolated areas at night.

Night safety

7/10

Petty crime exists; avoid isolated areas at night.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Barbados is a safe destination, but always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables in public."

Entry and health

Visa requirements

"Many nationalities, including US, Canadian, and UK citizens, do not require a visa for stays up to 6 months. Check with the nearest Barbadian embassy for specific requirements."

Health information

"No specific vaccinations are required for Barbados, but it's recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccines. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever can occur, so use insect repellent and wear long sleeves, especially during the rainy season. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available."

Culture

Local customs

"Barbados is known for its warm hospitality and friendly locals. It's customary to greet people with a polite 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon.' When visiting someone's home, it's polite to bring a small gift. Dress modestly when not on the beach, especially when visiting religious sites. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10-15% is customary in restaurants. Respect local traditions and participate in festivals like Crop Over to fully immerse yourself in the culture."
English (official)Bajan CreoleEnglish

Costs and practicals

Currency

Barbadian Dollar (BBD) · $

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$10-20 | a cheap local meal costs around $10

Hotels

$100-200 | budget hotels range $100-200/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Prices are higher in tourist areas; street food is cheaper.

Timezone

America/Barbados -04:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

286,641

Area

431 km²

Government

Parliamentary Democracy under a Constitutional Monarchy

ISO code

BB, BRB

Type

country

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Barbadeän, ބާބަޑޮސް, Բարբադոս, Barbadós, ਬਾਰਬਾਡੋਸ, Pāpeitosi, Barbaduosos, ಬಾರ್ಬಡೋಸ್, ဘာဘေးဒိုးစ်နိုင်ငံ, ᏆᏇᏙᏍ, Barbadhos, 바베이도스, Barabata, Lababad, 巴巴多斯, بربادوس, បារបាដូស, Barbudos, Baabiedoz, 巴貝多, Μπαρμπάντος, Barbâda, ברבדוס, Barbadi, Барбадосин Орн, Барбадос, Barbadosas, Barbata, বারবাদোস, Barbady, Barbåde, Varvado, ประเทศบาร์เบโดส, Baarbeedoos, باربيدوس, Barbados nutome, Barbado, બાર્બાડોસ, Barbadosi, Barbadosa, ბარბადოსი, Barbade, באַרבאַדאס, Barbados, Barɛbadɛ, Барбадас, barbados, බාර්බඩෝස්, Barviada, 巴巴多斯 / 巴貝多, बार्बाडोस, Orílẹ́ède Bábádósì, Barbaus, Барбáдос, ବାରବାଡୋସ୍, பார்படோஸ், Berbbaadoos, Baabados, བྷར་བེ་ཌོས, ባርቤዶስ, باربادوس, バルバドス, Baarbadoos, Barubadosi, Barbadus, Барба́дос, ബാർബഡോസ്, Barabâda, Barbadoso, iBhadosi, ບຣາບາດັອດ, Barbadas, बारबाडोस, Barabadosi, ma Papeto, బార్బడోస్, بارباډوس, বার্বাডোস, باربیڈاس, བཱརྦ་ཌོས྄།, Barbadoos, باربادۆس, de Ensel Barbados, Barbadot, Babadosi, i-Barbados

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