Currency
Please note that even though some of the larger shops may quote their prices in US dollars that the majority of retail outlets quote their prices in Barbadian dollars. Be sure to confirm the currency quoted before transacting a purchase.

The Barbados dollar is permanently tied to the US dollar at $1.98 BDS to $1.00 US. For the UK pound the rate varies daily and will need to be checked at the bank. However as a rough guide it is currently running between $3.50 to $4.00 BDS to 1.00 pound sterling.  

Even though we are allowed to accept US dollars and UK pounds as payment, please note that by law Barbadians are to give change back in our own currency; the Barbadian dollar. Also please try to use smaller bills like 20s as it is often difficult for retailers and in particular small vendors to give change when handed large bills like 50s and 100s.  

Bank Holidays (Public Holidays, National Holidays)
Particularly if you are a cruise ship passenger here on the island just for the day, please note that just about everything - including some of the island’s major attractions -  is closed. The exceptions are the gas station convenience stores and, some of the restaurants and bars will open in the evenings. Please plan ahead to avoid disappointment. Depending on what you might like to do on the island check beforehand what attractions are open and what tours etc. will still operate on these days.  

Cruise Ship Passengers
Sometimes you may not necessarily want to commit to any excursions or activities before you get here. You may want to wait until you get here and then see what you feel like doing. There is a Barbados Tourist Information office inside the cruise terminal where you can ask for information on what to do and see on the island. Please note however that many tours start between 9:00 – 10:00 am and so the later you wait in the day to make inquiries the more likely the disappointment that a tour or excursion that you wanted to book has already started or has been sold out. Some companies do offer afternoon tours but again please note that they will still need some notice especially if the company offers free transportation.  

In addition the cruise ship terminal for security reasons requires everyone entering the facility to have the appropriate identification and to state their purpose on entering. Therefore it is not usual to find representatives of tour companies hanging around on the off chance of last minute walk-ins.  All tour operators that are allowed in the cruise terminal compound are there are to pick up pre booked passengers and then set off on their way. Therefore please do not bank on a walk-in situation either.  

On some occasions and especially after a visit to the beach some male passengers like to walk around with their shirts off.  Please note that all men are required to wear shirts whether re-entering or simply walking around the cruise terminal.  

Nudity on the beach is against the law.  

All Beaches Are Public
At no time will you be required to pay an entrance fee to go on any beach. What you may encounter is a cover charge to enter the beach through a beach bar property or similar and/or to use their equipment for example sun loungers, umbrellas, kayaks etc.
 
In addition there are no legal curfews that state when you must vacate a beach. However even though it may be romantic is not advisable to be on the beach at night unless you are in a lighted area and are in a group.

Beach Vendors
Yes they are persistent but not usually aggressive. A firm but polite ‘No thank you’ is usually all that is needed.  

Jewelry
It is nice to dress up and go out at night. However in any country where you are not familiar with your surroundings it is not wise when club and bar hopping, especially when consuming alcohol, to wear all of your finest jewelry. Barbados is still rated as one of the safest places to visit in the Caribbean but still you should be careful. This applies to the ladies with their hand bags. Please do not walk the streets swinging your hand bags, carelessly off your arms. We want you to avoid any potential unpleasantries and to have a great time while in Barbados.

Appropriate Attire
As much as you are enjoying your holiday and feeling care free please reserve your swim wear for the beach. We are still largely a conservative society and it is frowned upon when people choose to frequent shops and other business places in their swim wear.

The Dolphin served on menus is not flipper but dorado.

Horse riding is prohibited on the popular west coast beaches. As you can imagine it is not the safest situation to have horses trying to pick their way between beach goers.  

Banks operate Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm and on Fridays from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. There is only one bank that opens on a Saturday, RBTT, and they close at noon on that day.