Barbados
Page Updated 31 January 2025
Location and Origin of the Name
Barbados is a small island country located in the Caribbean. Its latitude and longitude co-ordinates are 13.19 degrees north, 59.54 degrees west. Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands. Travelling southwest from the UK mainland towards the Caribbean, Barbados would be the first island you'll come accross. Barbados is 4hrs behind the UK. The flight time between London and Bridgetown is roughly 8hrs 30mins - LGW to BGI. However, some flights between LHR and BGI take around 45mins longer.
The original name was "Los Barbados", meaning "The Bearded One", given by the Portuguese because of the bearded fig trees on the island. However, the "Los" was subsequently dropped and the island became known as "Barbados".
British Connection
Barbados was a British colony until independence on 30 November 1966. Barbados has a parliamentary democracy as in the UK and it has enjoyed stability since independence - a rare achievement amongst the countries colonised by the British.
Although Barbados became a "Republic" on 30 November 2021, there has been very little noticable change in the way the country is governed. By the way, our late Queen did not actually rule Barbados, she was Head of State, (figure head).
Barbados has eleven "Parishes" which are local areas similar to "Counties" or Boroughs" in England. Barbados has no "city". Barbados has four towns - Bridgetown which is the capital, Oistins, Holetown and Speightown - and villages.
Barbados is a developed country. It has good infrastructure - road, communication, power and water supplies. In addition, the education sytem and the health service are comparable to the UK - my opinion! I think the Bajan government deserves an award for the way they managed the covid crisis and for the innovative "welcome stamp".
The People
The nationals of Barbados are called "Barbadians" or "Bajans". The majority of the population are black - descendants of black African slaves. In addition, Barbados has a sizeable number of white, some asian and mixed race population. Majority of Bajans are Christians. English is the official language in Barbados. The local currency is Barbadian Dollar (BBD$). Vehicles drive on the left as in the UK.
Public Transport
Buses only in Barbados . Barbados has no railway or underground transport system. There are three kinds of buses. (1) Government operated "Blue" buses, and (2) "Yellow" buses which are owned by private operators and (3) "White" mini buses, aka "ZRs" which are also owned by private operators.
Which ever bus you use, the fare is the same. It is currently fixed at BBD$3.50 per passenger, per journey. Destinations are displayed and you can ask before boarding.
There are no night buses. Buses stop running from about 10pm depending on the route. Always check with the bus operators regarding last journeys.
If you are staying out late and you need a ride home, it might be a good idea to pre-book a taxi and agree the fare. You can obtain details of licensed taxis from your hotel or from bars and restaurants.
Living in Barbados
Barbados is a great place to study, work, raise a family and to retire. It’s also a great place for vacation. The literacy and numeracy levels are quite high. Bajan people are not aggressive, they are considerate, friendly and peace loving - everyone seems happy with their lot. I find Bajan people pleasant, approachable, polite and respectful - my kind of people. I dare say the mosquitoes are friendly too, they don’t bother me.
If you’re visiting for the first time, it must be for a minimum of two weeks. I would wager that you will be back and you may want to stay. Before covid, I reviewed some hotels, restaurants and bars. However, since covid, a number of businesses have changed management, changed ownership or no longer exist. Good news, notwithstanding the unusual timing of Hurricane Beryl last year, things are picking up. Bajan people are resilient. I hope to publish a guide later in the year.
If you wish to live in Barbados, I would suggest that you contact the Barbados High Commission or Embassy in your home country to get an idea of what you need to do and the process to follow.
The Beaches
The beaches are hard to beat. There are no private beaches in Barbados. All beaches are public and everyone has equal access and entitlement to enjoy. In Barbados, you don’t have vendors harassing you on the beaches. If you wish to buy anything, there are places on the beaches or near by where you can get them. Note that women are not allowed to go topless and there is no nudity. The beaches have places where people can shower, and separate Male and Female toilets.
Entertainment
Almost every bar, restaurant and hotel has something going on in the evenings. Karaoke is still big in Barbados - I wish I could sing! Also there are clubs where you can dance the night away till the wee hours of the morning.
The main entertainment area is St Lawrence Gap, from where most of the hotels are within walking distance. Barbados is not a sex resort. If you’re thinking of coming just for a massage, I’ll tell you now, there’ll be no happy ending.
Oistins is where the action is on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s carnival without the processions. The whole family can attend and join in the fun. You’ll meet people - locals and tourists, and you get the chance to eat different food. On stage you have a DJ, and/or a Singer, and/or a Live Band. It kicks off at about 7pm and finishes by 10:30pm. I will suggest that you start making your way home at around 10pm and if you don’t have far to go, you may get home quicker on foot as it’s always a roadblock.
Cost of Living
Barbados is not cheap. Tourism is the goose laying the golden egg. Just as in other countries, the government needs to collect taxes to pay for services it provides its people. Taxes are levied on goods and services, and to keep out the riffraffs, hence the high cost of living.
How much living in Barbados costs depends on the kind of lifestyle you wish to live. The biggest cost would be for the roof over your head and the associated taxes and bills. You should have some ideas of the “numbers” during the initial stages of considering the type of accommodation you need and the level of comfort you want.
When it comes to grocery and everyday household items, the markets may offer cheaper options compared to the supermarkets. You will find buying in quantities better deal and cooking at home cheaper than eating out. Note that anything imported tends to cost more because of the taxes.
Buses are the only mode of public transport. However, you can have your own vehicle or hire one.
Barbados has a good health care service - non citizens have to pay. If you are not a citizen, you should consider having a good insurance to cover any health care costs should the need arises.