Barbados Travel Tips

Cruise Ship Passengers: Cruise Pier Location
The cruise pier is located just on the outskirts of the downtown core of Bridgetown.

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Bridgetown: Bridgetown is located south of the pier. Just follow the street along the coast and it will take you downtown. ~ 20-30 minutes walk depending on your speed. It is NOT a 5 minute walk.

Tip: It is hot and no shade along the way: wear sunscreen, a hat, cool clothing and walking shoes.

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Money
Most places and tour operators take both $USD or $BDS and sometimes £GBP. Large grocery stores will usually take $USD / £GBP / $BDS.

Credit Cards
Larger tour operators, restaurants and grocery chains will accept VISA / Mastercard but only a few places take American Express.

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Sundays
Most places downtown will be closed. The only exception is Cave Sheppard department store and a few restaurants.

Tip: Cruise passengers arriving on Sunday - best to plan ahead.

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Holidays
Most places downtown and around island will be closed with the exception of Cave Sheppard and prearranged tours.

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Tip: Cruise passengers arriving on a Holiday- best to plan ahead.

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Safety
Barbados is a very safe island but like any place, it not exempt of crimes. It's quite safe to walk around and women feel safe walking alone in most tourist places but like at home, practice regular safety smarts: don't be flashy, keep an eye on your belongings and don't go to deserted places.

Tip: Use regular safety smarts like you would at home: travel in busy places and stay on main streets. Do not wear flashy jewelry and don't leave personal belongings unattended.

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Shopping
The main shopping area near the pier is downtown about 20-30 minutes walk from the pier. You will see many cheap stores as well as large duty free department stores.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen & hat. Take a bottle of water.

Sunscreen 
Just like anywhere else that's tropical, the sun is very hot in Barbados and sunscreen is recommended.

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Taxis
There are many taxi companies and they will be readily available at the cruise exit and around the island. They can be hired for one trip, round trips, half or whole days. Always best to negotiate BEFORE getting into the cab and pay at the end of the service.

Tip: If planning to go to various locations, best to hire a taxi for the day and negotiate one set price.

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Tipping
It is customary to tip 10-15% in restaurants.

Tip: Most restaurants (not all) include a 10% tip.  Tipping taxi drivers is not common but is appreciated. For those new to scuba diving, captains (boat driver) and dive masters are tipped.

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Water
The tap water is safe to drink. You can easily purchase purified water, soda water and spring water all over downtown and in all grocery stores.