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Documents
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DOCUMENTS/PASSPORTS: Please refer to this site for the most current information regarding international travel: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3013.html
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Time Zone
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One hour ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard time; no daylight savings time.
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Currency
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Barbados dollar: $1.98 BDS to $1.00 U.S. The BDS dollar is fixed to the U.S. dollar and does not fluctuate. Its rate with other currencies fluctuates daily.
Most establishments will accept traveler's checks, U.S. and Canadian currency
Major credit cards are widely accepted
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Electricity
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110 volts/50 cycles - U.S. is 110 volts/60 cycles - hair dryers run slightly slower in Barbados
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Beaches
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Barbados is a relatively flat island with an abundant supply of large, gradually sloping beaches fringing the island
North: Coral and sandstone cliffs rise straight out of the sea
Southwest: Cliffs of 50 - 100 feet rise and fall along the coast separated by small, sandy beaches and bays
West: Flatter; you may walk for miles along unbroken white-sand beaches
Along the shore, large and small beaches are broken by coral formations
All beaches are open to the public but properties that front onto a beach may be private out to the high-water marks
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Climate
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Warm and sunny all year round with an average daytime high temperature of 75 - 85F; nights are usually slightly colder
Eight to nine hours of sunshine every day
Prevailing northeast tradewinds blow steadily so that although it's bright and sunny, it's not unbearably hot
Rain usually comes in quick showers. Dry season normally lasts January - June
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What To Wear
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Bring clothes for the tropics. Light cotton dresses and light jackets for formal wear. Casual slacks and lightweight sports attire for the times when you are not in a bathing suit. Although you are in the tropics, there is a bit of formality due to over 300 years of British influence. Most hotels and restaurants require an "elegantly casual" appearance after 6 p.m., shorts are not accepted. Don't forget sunblock!
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Duty Free Allowances
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One liter of potable spirits or wine, 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars can be brought in - anything over these amounts will be taxed
You may return to the U.S. with articles totaling $400. Duty on purchases in excess of $400 is 10% on the next $1,000. One liter of liquor is allowed for persons older than 21. Gifts: In addition to the $400 exemption, each person can mail gifts to the U.S. valued at $50 per address
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