Useful facts for your holiday to Barbados

Flight and Transfers

Direct flights to Barbados from Dublin take approximately 9 hours. Indirect flights may stop off in the US, usually in New York or Miami, with varying stopover times.

Our resorts are located within reasonable travelling distance from the airport, but times transfer times will vary from resort to resort. Generally the hotel will be anything from five minutes to just under one hour. If you have pre-booked your transfer arrangements with us you’ll be met on arrival by a Tropical Sky representative who will guide you to your transfer vehicle.

Visa Requirements

No Visa is currently required for Irish passport holders for visits up to 6 months, however you are usually permitted entry for a maximum of 28 days. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the return date to Ireland. All travellers should check full entry requirements prior to travel.

Language

English is the official language and English speakers won’t have any problems. Many locals often converse in Bajan, an English-based creole language blending in West African expressions.

Transportation

The transport in Barbados mainly revolves around the well-developed road network, which has an array of public and private transport options to help you get around

By Taxi: A large fleet of government-regulated taxis are available, offering an excellence compromise between expense and freedom. Taxis here are not metred and tend to charge in the region of £12 per hour. Generally drivers will accept fees in US Dollars, as well as Barbadian Dollars, and are open to negotiation – it’s best to negotiate a price before getting in the taxi. Taxis here are easily recognisable due to the distinctive ‘Z’ on their registration plates.

Buses: Extremely cheap (about 50 pence per person). Private (yellow) and government-owned (blue) buses run across the island. The blue buses go farther and are generally of more use for tourists, though short journeys on yellow buses can be an easy way to get around.

Self-Drive: Renting a car is one of the most expensive ways to get around. Run by local companies, it will usually cost around £60 per day, or as much as £250 a week. However, it does offer you complete freedom with regards to exploring the island. All you will need to drive on the island is a valid driver’s licence and temporary visitor’s permit, available from the car rental agencies for a small fee.

Another option is renting a bicycle or a moped. You’ll pay a deposit (usually around £30 to £60) but daily costs are relatively cheap. Given that many rental cars are not air-conditioned, this can be a less stuffy way to get around, not to mention cheaper.

Barbados is a former British colony and as such driving is on the left as it is in the UK. Speed limits are posted in km/h, with a national speed limit of 80km/h (about 55mph) on highways and 60km/h (about 37mph) on minor roads. Specific lower limits are posted through urban areas.

Alternatives: It’s still possible to charter catamarans and yachts for tours with a full crew to travel around. Also, if you’re interested in travelling around the Caribbean from island to island, your best option would be by plane, while there are a small number of ferry services available.

Currency

The Barbados Dollar is the local currency. In practice, US Dollars are often accepted and credit cards will be taken in hotels and many restaurants and shops.

Electricity

115/230V AC, 50 Hz, three-pin and two-pin plugs are standard.

Vaccinations and Health

There are no specific vaccinations that need to be taken before visiting Barbados, but as health requirements constantly change, check with your GP or specialist travel clinic well in advance of your holiday for specific information regarding your travel and medical history. Additional information can be found by visiting MASTA Travel health.

Barbados has a very hot year-round climate with bright sun most days. As such it is important to use plenty of high factor sun cream, drink plenty of water and even carry an umbrella to shield you from the sun.