Barbados
Travel tips for Barbados: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cards widely accepted. Cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores, but you will still need cash (USD or BBD) for street food, small bars, local markets like Oistins, and some taxis.
Try the food
- Flying Fish and Cou-Cou: Steamed or fried flying fish served alongside a creamy, polenta-like mixture of cornmeal and okra.
- Macaroni Pie: A rich, baked casserole of tubular macaroni, evaporated milk, and sharp cheddar cheese, often spiced with mustard and pepper.
- Pudding and Souse: Pickled pork served with steamed sweet potato that has been mashed and seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Bajan Fish Cakes: Deep-fried, savory fritters made from salted cod, flour, and a blend of local herbs and scotch bonnet peppers.
Essentials
- Voltage
- 115V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- SIM tip
- Purchase a local SIM card from Digicel or Flow at the airport upon arrival, or download a regional eSIM beforehand for instant data access.
Etiquette
Always check your restaurant bill to see if a 10% to 15% service charge has already been added before tipping, and be aware that wearing any form of camouflage clothing is strictly illegal for civilians.