Attractions · Our pick in Barbados
Barbados essentials and fun facts
The back story
About Barbados essentials and fun facts
Before you go, a handful of practical facts and a few curiosities about the island.
Money
The Barbados dollar is pegged to the US dollar; Visit Barbados gives the rate as US$1 = BDS$1.98, and US dollars are accepted island-wide.
Power and water
Electricity is 115/230 volts, 50 cycles. Visit Barbados says the standard plugs are two flat blades, or flat blades with a round grounding pin, and that most hotels provide converters. The water service is reliable, and the water is safe to drink.
The water supply is safe and refreshing to drink.
Emergency numbers
Police 211, ambulance 511 and fire 311. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown is the main public hospital, and Bayview is a private hospital in town.
Eleven parishes
Barbados is divided into 11 parishes: St. Michael, home to Bridgetown, Christ Church, St. James, St. Peter, St. Lucy, St. Andrew, St. Joseph, St. John, St. Philip, St. George and St. Thomas. You will see them in every address.
Green monkeys
The green monkeys you see in the gullies and woods are not native to Barbados, as Andromeda Botanic Gardens explains. Good places to see them are the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where they are most numerous at the afternoon feeding, and Welchman Hall Gully between 10.30am and noon.
The Garrison Savannah
The Garrison Savannah was a parade ground and cricket ground before it became a racecourse in the 19th century, and it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why it's on our list
- Money
- Power and water
- Emergency numbers
- Eleven parishes
- Green monkeys
- The Garrison Savannah
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Barbados essentials and fun facts before you go.