Tourism Board:

http://www.barbados.org/ 

Barbados is both a solace for relaxation and a virtual mecca for active lifestyles and cultural pursuits. Far beyond stretches of sublime beach, our warm hospitality extends to splendid cultural events,sporting activities and historic attractions. Whether you’re planning a family holiday or sportsman’s escape, romantic getaway or business trip, Barbados offers a diverse cross-section of things to do and wonders to enjoy.

Barbados enjoys warm, sunny weather all year round with average daily highs of 75–85 F. Prevailing northeast tradewinds blow steadily and keep conditions comfortable, and the dry season lasts from January to June.Though the hurricane season from June to October brings tropical rainstorms,they usually come in quick showers and are quickly followed by sunny skies.

Just some 40 years after gaining independence from Britain, Barbados has already proven its capacity to excel as a nation. Over the course of its rich history, Barbados has been renowned for political and social stability, successful economy,financial independence and the resourcefulness of its people. It enjoys the integrity of a well-established and diligently managed legal and regulatory system and a solid national foundation built upon sound moral fibre and the high value placed upon the benefits of a well-educated population. As reported by the United Nations Development Programme, Barbados has one of the highest standards of living and literacy rates in the developing world.

With a local population of approximately 260,000 natives, Bajan culture is one of mixed influences. The Spanish, English and Amerindians have all left their indelible footprint here and their customs have been integrated into Caribbean language,crafts and religion. However, there are also an extraordinary number of things unique to this 166 square mile island, including chattel houses, black bellysheep, road tennis, mauby, salt breads, flying fish and cou-cou, zouaves and tuk bands. It is said the people are relaxed, not easily offended and practical, confident and disciplined.

In recent years, the island has also seen more and more exponents of the cultural arts coming to the fore, with Bajan artists, designers, writers, musicians, singers,dancers and chefs all shining brighter than ever. The size of a small town inmost countries, it has supplied the world with a phenomenal array of lawyers,doctors, scientists, economists, civic leaders, artists, musicians, sportsmen,entrepreneurs and professionals in every walk of life. With a definite sense of identity and purpose, many visitors have admired the cohesive social fabric of this land. 
 

Size & Location
Barbados is 166 square miles, divided into 11 parishes. 

Climate
With over 3,000 hours of sunshine yearly, the weather is almost always sunny and warm, cooled by the constant northeast trade winds. The average daytime temperature ranges between 84–88 degrees Fahrenheit, 29–31 degrees Celsius. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).

Language
English, although the Bajan dialect can be heard all around the island.

Time Difference
4 hours behind GMT in the winter and 5 hours in the summer. 1 hour ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the winter and the same during US Daylight Saving Time. 

Electricity
115/230 volts 50 cycle. Many hotels provide converters for European o rAsian appliances. North American appliances will not need converters.

Dress Code
Outfit yourself for the warm tropical climate: shorts, T-shirts, wraps and sundresses would be your best bet for daytime wear and “elegantly casual” wearfor evenings. Bear in mind that swimwear should be kept for the beach and suitable attire should be worn when going shopping or dining out. 

Business Hours
Shops in Bridgetown are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm and8:30am–1:00pm on Saturdays. Malls, out–of–town shops and boutiques usually open from 9:00am–5:00pm (Mon-Fri) and 9:00am–2:00pm on Saturdays. Most shops are closed on Sundays, although some supermarkets and convenience stores remain open.

Telecommunications
Barbados has a modern telecommunications infrastructure with the latest in digital technology and fiber optics systems including international direct dialing,facsimile transfer and satellite telecommunications which allows for the efficient transmission of electronic data. Internet and e-mail services, as well as express mail and courier delivery, are also available. The International direct distance dialing code for Barbados is (1–246), followed by a seven digit local number. 

Getting Around
Driving in Barbados is on the left side of the road and the majority of vehicles are “right hand drive.” The island has an extensive road network of about 1,475 km of paved roads. A highway links the north and the south of the island. There are a number of ways to get around the island by hired car, taxis and buses; all are safe, reliable and convenient. 

Currency
The Barbados dollar is tied to the US dollar at a fixed rate of US$1.00 =BD$ 1.98. The approximate rate of exchange for sterling is £1.00 = BDS $3.70,for Canadian currency, approximately CAD$1.00 = BDS $1.60 and the Euro is approximately EURO 1.00 = BDS $2.40. US currency is readily accepted everywhere on the island, while most hotels, restaurants and large stores accept travelers checks and most major credit cards as well.

Taxes/Tipping
15% VAT (Value Added Tax) is included on all prices in shops, supermarkets and restaurants. In hotels, 7.5% VAT and 10% service charge will be added to your bill. Usually 10%–15% is acceptable when tipping—many restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, so you’d be wise to check before tipping additionally. 

Water
The water service in Barbados is reliable and the water supply is safe and refreshing to drink straight from the tap.