Barbados key facts
Airport
Barbados International Airport is 11 km (7 miles) east of Bridgetown.
Climate
The balmy, subtropical climate is cooled by constant sea breezes, but it is sunnier and drier than the other islands. The dry season is from December to June; during the so-called wet season (July to November) some brief showers are likely. Average sunshine hours per day: 8-10 from November to March, 8-9 from April to October.
Credit cards
Readily accepted in department stores, finer restaurants and hotels.
Customs Allowance
Persons of 18 years and over may import the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 1/2 lb other tobacco products; 75 cl spirits and 75 cl wine; 1/4 pint perfume or 1/2 pint other scent; gifts up to a value of Bd$ 100. The import of the following goods is prohibited: foreign rum, matches, fruit and vegetables, articles made from camouflage material. There is no limit on the amount of local or foreign currencies imported; non-residents may not export local currency.
Electricity
As the current is 110 V, 50 cycles, you may need a transformer for your appliances.
Holidays
January 1: New Year's Day
January 21: Errol Barrow Day
May 5: Labour Day
August: Kadooment Day (first Monday)
November 30: Independence Day
December 25-26: Christmas
Moveable: Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday
One of the most colourful festivals is Cropover, held in July and August: parades and calypso competitions celebrating the sugarcane harvest.
Media
The main dailies are The Barbados Advocate and The Nation. The Miami Herald, USA Today and The New York Times are also available.
Shops
Generally open Monday to Friday 8 a.m.-4 or 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-to 1 p. m.
Time
GMT-4 in winter, GMT-5 in summer.
Tourist Information
The Barbados Tourism Authority is located on Harbour Road in Bridgetown.
www.barbados.org
Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended.
