Frequently Asked Questions
Got A Question?
Totally Barbados Frequently Asked Questions helps you find all the answers about Barbados. In addition to the below questions and answers, another great way to find what you are looking for is to use our search box in the top right-hand corner of any page on our website.
You’ll find links to all kinds of other interesting information to make the most of your stay on the island and soak up all that Barbados has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Barbados?
- Do I need a visa for Barbados?
- What is the Language of Barbados?
- Where can I stay on the island?
- What’s the weather like in Barbados?
- What about the nightlife?
- Where can I go shopping in Barbados?
- Which are the best beaches on the island?
- What else can I experience in Barbados?
- What is Totally Barbados?
1. Where is Barbados?
Affectionately known as the ‘jewel of the Caribbean,’ Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean island chain. It sits just above South America, northeast of Venezuela. The Caribbean Sea lies west of the island and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Don’t forget, it’s a small island (and often tricky to spot on even the most comprehensive atlas!), with a total land area measuring just 166.4 square miles (431km2).
2. Do I need a visa for Barbados?
When you arrive in Barbados, Immigration officials will grant you a 28-day ‘visitor’s visa,’ however, you may also be required to present an ‘entry visa,’ depending on your nationality.
To confirm your visa requirements, check out the website of the Barbados Immigration Department and our Immigration Requirements page for more in-depth Barbados Immigration information.
3. What is the Language of Barbados?
British English is the official language of the island; however, in more casual settings, a more unique ‘Bajan dialect’ is spoken.
This face-paced slang can often be challenging to understand, especially if you’re a visitor to Barbados. However, it’s commonly used and accepted as ‘native tongue,’ island-wide.
Read more about the Language of Barbados and the Dialect of Barbados on these pages.
4. Where can I stay on the island?
There’s an abundance of accommodation options available in Barbados.
You can stay in high-end luxury, have a no-frills budget experience, and everything in between. There are hotels and resorts, condos and villas, apartments, guesthouses, and even beach cottages. There’s an accommodation style to suit all budgets and tastes in Barbados!
5. What’s the weather like in Barbados?
As Barbados is a tropical island, temperatures are relatively consistent. Temperatures range from 80 -86 degrees Fahrenheit (27 – 30 degrees Celsius) and 70 – 76% humidity all year round.
There are two distinct ‘seasons’ – wet and dry. It is during the wet season that hurricane season begins. However, Barbados has escaped the wrath of a severe hurricane for over sixty years.
For more information, see our Barbados Weather page.
6. What about the nightlife?
If there’s one thing Barbados has, it’s the nightlife. If you’re looking for a party vacation, you won’t be disappointed.
You can experience everything from a fantastic dinner and dance shows, exclusive nightclubs and bars, live reggae, and karaoke (a local favorite).
Learn more about Barbados Nightlife here.
7. Where can I go shopping in Barbados?
There’s a wide variety of shopping options in Barbados – anything from local market fare to luxury designer brands. There are also many duty-free outlets for those keen on a holiday discount.
You’ll find all the designer brands at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, located on the more glamorous west coast of Barbados.
The nation’s capital of Bridgetown features duty-free shopping, so make sure you bring your passport for any impulse purchases.
8. Which are the best beaches on the island?
Barbados is renowned for its beautiful beaches. And all the beaches in Barbados are public, so you have access to some of the most pristine beaches in the world.
You’ll find that each beach has its charm, some safer for swimming, some suited to water sports, and some best admired from afar due to strong currents. Take your pick!
9. What else can I experience in Barbados?
No matter what your budget, you’ll always find things to do in Barbados.
Why not check out our Top 10 Free Things to Do in Barbados and Luxury pages for ideas to suit your vacation needs. There are also loads of sightseeing opportunities and festivals to keep you entertained on the island.
The most famous festival in Barbados is the Crop Over Festival. It starts in July, running for two months, and celebrates the once-dominant sugar cane harvest with a summer carnival vibe like no other.
You can also take in some local art and craft, especially at Pelican Village Craft Centre, located on the outskirts of Bridgetown.
You can guarantee you’ll never be bored in Barbados.
10. Who is Totally Barbados?
Totally Barbados is your award-winning local resource for all you need to know about Barbados. We have all the insider tips about local events, historical facts, and culture of the island, and so much more.
It’s your one-stop-shop to Barbados – it is Totally Barbados, after all!
By: Brett Callaghan
Last Modified: September 15th, 2020
Published: March 2nd, 2019
Publisher: Totally Barbados
Publisher: Totally Barbados
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