Currency: The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 2 BBD to 1 USD. US dollars are widely accepted at that rate. ATMs are common in Bridgetown and along the main tourist corridors.
Language: English is the official language. Bajan Creole is spoken widely in everyday conversation.
Electricity: 115 volts / 50Hz, with North American-style plugs (Type A and B). Visitors from the UK and Europe will need a converter and adapter.
Driving: Barbados drives on the left, as in the UK. A temporary driving permit is required for visitors; your car rental agency will sort this out for a small fee (around BBD 10). Roads are generally good but narrow in rural areas. Watch for speed bumps, which appear without warning on many main roads.
Beaches: All beaches in Barbados are public. This includes beaches fronting the most exclusive hotels — access must be maintained by law, though access routes can sometimes be hard to find. Topless and nude sunbathing is not permitted.
Safety: Barbados is one of the safer Caribbean islands. Exercise normal urban caution in Bridgetown, particularly at night around the bus terminal area. Petty theft does occur on beaches — don't leave valuables unattended.
Health: No vaccinations are required for entry. Tap water is safe to drink — Barbados has one of the cleanest water supplies in the Caribbean, owing to its coral-filtered aquifer. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown is the main public hospital; private clinics are also available.
Entry: Most nationalities do not require a visa. You will need a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. There is a departure tax included in most airfares.
Phone and internet: Mobile coverage is good across the island. SIM cards from local providers (Digicel, Flow) are available and reasonably priced. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and cafés.