For those of you who are planning on travelling to Barbados, here are some essential pieces of information that may come in handy. You never know when you might to know the following information, print this page off and put it somewhere safe, it is better to be prepared and ready.

Banking

Financial institutions are normally open Monday to Thursday from 8am until 3pm. On Fridays they are open until 5pm. There are also many ATMs scattered around the island.

Business Hours

Most Stores and offices have opening hours from 8.30am until 4.30pm, or 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday. Some places of business are open from about 8.30am to 1pm.

Currency

The local currency which is used is called the Barbados Dollar which is pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of BDS$1 to US1.98. I would only recommend using Barbados and US dollars in shops. Even though UK pounds, the Euro and Canadian Dollars are accepted in many shops, the exchange rate you will be given wont be what it should be.

Safety

Barbados has a very low crime rate compared to many other tourist destinations. You should still remain vigilante and use your common sense at all times, always use your room safe to store valuables, never leave your valuables unattended at the beach, or in sight in a car, and never flash large sums of money.

Telecommunications

Barbados has first-rate telecommunications all over the island. You can call direct any place in the world on fixed lines or on a mobile.

Transportation

Getting around in Barbados is fairly easy, as there is a number of transportation options to chose from.

Which are as follows:

The Government owned buses, which are blue in colour with yellow stripes and carry the letters "BM" on their license plates.
The privately owned mini buses, which are yellow with blue stripes and carry the letters "B" on their license plate.
ZR vans, which are privately owned route taxis, they have the letters ZR on their license plates. Be prepared to be packed in like a sardine when using ZR's.

The fare to ride on all of the above is $1.50 BDS one way.

When you want a bus to stop at the bus stop, you must put out your hand or it may well go past you. ZR's will stop virtually anywhere, you just have to put your hand out when you see one and it will stop for you, and then tell the driver when you want to get off.

Taxis are in abundance in Barbados, and there fares are based upon the distance you travel. You should get an agreed price from the taxi driver before you get in the taxi.

Water

The tap water in Barbados is clean, safe to drink and tastes as good as anything you will get out of a fancy bottle. Because of Barbados's coral/limestone makeup, the water here is one of the purest and best in the world.

Emergency Numbers of Barbados

When you are vocation, you don't want to think of having to call a hospital or the police. But accidents do happen and it is a good idea to keep emergency numbers where you can easily find them.

Police: 211 or 430-7100
Ambulance Service: 511
Fire Service: 311
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, St Michael: 436-6450
FMH Emergency Medical Centre, Belleville, St Michael Centre: 228-6120
Telephone Information: 411