Barbados Stay & Caribbean Cruise
£1,649
from
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Exclusive - 4 Star Barbados Stay & Cruise
£1,899
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per person
Barbados Stay & Caribbean Cruise
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from
per person
Frequently Asked Questions
Climate
Constant sea breezes cool Barbados’s balmy, tropical climate but the island is still sunnier and drier than the other islands. During the so-called wet season (July to November), some brief rain showers are likely. Average sunshine hours per day are eight to 10 from November to March and eight to nine from April to October. Tropical storms and hurricanes may occur between June and November.
Required Clothing
Lightweight cottons are advised; beachwear is not worn in towns.
Getting Around
Getting Around by Road
A good network of roads covers the entire island, but many are unpaved and covered in potholes (except for the main highway). Traffic drives on the left. Road safety is a national concern, especially after dark.
Bus: Buses are frequent and provide comprehensive, cheap coverage of the island charging a flat rate for all journeys. They are crowded during rush hours, but easy to catch – just hail one down. Choose from Transport Board Buses, minibuses and ZRs (minivans). Each is signed ‘To city’ into Bridgetown or ‘Out of city’ if heading in the other direction. All pass through the city hub.
Moped hire: Scooter hire is available - you’ll need to pay a small deposit and to wear a helmet, as required by law.
Taxi: Taxis are unmetered but charge fares regulated by the government. Check the rate before travel – it can be in US Dollars as well Barbados Dollars. Special deals apply for a full-day hire.
Minivans: Licensed minivans, identifiable by their ‘ZR’ licence plates, operate around the island and can be flagged down. There are no fixed schedules, but service is frequent. Rates are the same as for buses, although minivans tend to be quicker – but can be a tight squeeze.
Car hire: Anything from a Mini Moke to a limousine may be hired at the airport, at offices in Bridgetown and at main hotels. Petrol is comparatively cheap.
Regulations: Speed limits are 40, 60 and 80kph (25, 37 and 50mph).
Documentation: A Barbados driving permit is required. This can be obtained from car hire companies, the Ministry of Transport, the airport or some police stations. A valid national licence or International Driving Permit and a small registration fee are required.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Bridgetown has a local bus network and taxis are available.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate travel times from Bridgetown (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Barbados.
| Road | |
| Speightstown | 0.30 |
| Holetown | 0.20 |
| Oistins | 0.20 |
Money
Currency
Barbados Dollar (BBD; symbol BD$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of BD$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of BD$1, and 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
The Barbados Dollar is tied to the US Dollar.
Currency Exchange
Commercial banks offer the best rates of exchange. The Barbados National Bank and a range of international banks each have an office in Bridgetown with branches in Hastings, Holetown, Speightstown and Worthing.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in the resorts, but cash is preferred for customs duty payment. ATMs are widely available.
Traveller's Cheques
Accepted by all banks and most hotels. Opt for traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling to avoid additional charges.
Banking Hours
Generally Mon-Thurs 0800-1500, Fri 0800-1700.
Passport/Visa
Passport valid for six months required by all nationals. Visas are not required.
copyright © Columbus Travel Media Ltd 2010 worldtravelguide.net. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
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