Travelling to Barbados for the first time is an unforgettable experience. From chilling out on a Tuesday afternoon in a Bajan rum shop to horseback-riding at sunset, your upcoming holiday can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want it to be.

Did you know? The official name for someone from Barbados is “Barbadian”. However, drop the formality and say “Bajan”. (Pronounced “bay-jun”)

To help you make the most of your first time in Barbados, I’ve created a guide with useful tips and things to know before you go.

Here are 10 things to know before you visit Barbados for the first time for some fun in the sun.

1. Arriving in Barbados airport for the first time

“What airport do you fly into for Barbados?” Barbados Grantley Adams International airport is located in the southern parish of Christ Church.

The airport code is “BGI”.

Bite-sized Bajan History: Sir Grantley Herbert Adams became Barbados’ first Premier in 1953, when the island took charge of its own government. Then in 1966, when Barbados became fully independent from Britain, the title changed from Premier to Prime Minister.

Go online and fill out Barbados’ Immigration and Customs Form before your arrival in Barbados. It will be available 72 hours before your arrival. And don’t worry – if you do not fill it out prior, you will complete it at a kiosk in the BGI arrivals hall. Of course, Plan B lengthens the time to exit the airport.

2. Currency and exchange rate in Barbados

“What currency is used in Barbados?”

The official currency of Barbados is the Barbadian dollar (BBD$).

US dollar notes are also widely accepted in Barbados. Calculating the conversion of Bajan money to US dollars is easy: USD$1 USD = $2 BBD

3. Managing your money in Barbados for the first time

“Is it possible to withdraw money at Barbados’ airport, or would it be better to bring US dollars?”

For exchanging currency in Barbados, there is a global money exchange counter at Grantley Adams airport.

I do not recommend going to a regular bank in Barbados to exchange your currency. While it certainly can be done there, bank lines in Barbados are notoriously long and painfully slow at any time of day. It’d be a terrible waste of holiday hours so do plan ahead.

Credit cards are widely accepted across the island.

Bring cash with you for general day-to-day transactions such as buying refreshments on the beach. The coconut water vendor will not whip out a mobile point of sale device (and hopefully never will).

Travel Tip: when using your credit card to pay for goods and services, always opt to pay in the local Barbadian currency. The conversion fee will be higher if you select to pay in your home currency.

4. Getting from the airport to your hotel or AirBNB

“What is the best way to get from Barbados airport to my hotel?”

There is an official taxi stand outside in the Arrivals after you exit customs with fixed rates to all areas of the island. Give the dispatcher your intended address and he will confirm the price of the taxi ride and assign a car quickly.

“Can you get a bus from Barbados airport?”

Yes, there is bus service from the airport in Barbados. Take either Bus No. 27 or 54C if taking the public Transport Board blue bus.

Check out that bus schedule here.

The cost of the bus is BBD$3.50 or USD$1.75 USD.

If it is your first time in Barbados taking the airport bus, be prepared for a long bus ride – especially if your accommodation is on the west coast. It travels through Barbados’ South Coast and West Coast until completing its route in Speightstown in the northwest of the island.

Of course, this should only be an option if you’re travelling with a backpack or small hand luggage. Otherwise, you should take a taxi from the authorized taxi stand in Arrivals.

5. Hailing a taxi in Barbados using an app

“Is there a rideshare app like Uber in Barbados?”

pickUP Barbados is a local taxi hailing app in Barbados. Be sure to download it from the App store on your smartphone. You will be able to see the rate before confirming the ride.

It’s a really convenient option for hailing a cab to go enjoy diverse activities in Barbados and for enlisting local help to guide you to the hard-to-find secret beaches in Barbados.

6. Driving in Barbados for the first time

“What side of the road do you drive in Barbados?”

You will drive on the left-side of the road in Barbados.

Also, be prepared to navigate the many roundabouts on Bajan roads.

Don’t forget to toot your horn lightly as a “Thank You!” gesture when someone gives way to you.

7. Drinking water

“Can you drink the tap water in Barbados?”

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Barbados.

I recommend carrying a refillable source of water as your constant companion throughout those hot days at the beach and rum-infused evenings! Those sugary / alcoholic drinks will absolutely leave you in a dehydrated state.

8. Walk with bug spray

“What essentials should I pack for Barbados?”

Insect repellent is a handy essential especially if you are travelling to Barbados during the wet season (June to November) when mosquitoes can be a nuisance.

9. Camouflage in Barbados

“Is it legal to wear camouflage in Barbados?”

Camouflage is illegal in Barbados. Clothes, bags, shoes, hats… any camouflage print!

If you are seen wearing camouflage in Barbados, locals will stop and warn you gently. If the police notice camouflage gear on you it is likely that they will take action as it is prohibited by law. Definitely not the “Welcome to Barbados” we want for you!

10. Sounds that may surprise you on a first trip to Barbados

There are 2 animal noises which are white noises to Bajans but you will 100% notice them on your first trip to Barbados! Let’s go by order of day…

First, the sound of roosters crowing early in the morning. Quite possible the most memorable 6am wake up call you’ll ever get.

If memories of early rooster calls while on holiday does not appeal to you, bring ear plugs.

“What animal is making that chirping noise at night in Barbados?”

The chirping of “whistling frogs” is a typical night tune in Barbados from around 6pm onwards. Add a steel drum into the mix and you’ll have yourself a full dinner band.

Bite-sized Bajan History: The Eleutherodactylus johnstonei frog was introduced to Barbados in the 1880’s. The loud chorus of chirps from these “whistling frogs” in Barbados is a prominent night-time sound across the island; a familiar sound that is represents “home at night” to all Bajan ears.

11. Know what number to dial in an emergency in Barbados

“What number do I dial in an emergency in Barbados?”

• 211 is the national Police emergency number in Barbados
• 311 is the national Fire emergency number in Barbados
• 511 is the national Ambulance emergency number in Barbados

I hope this guide has been helpful in answering the questions you have before going to Barbados for the first time.

Happy travels! You’re off to beautiful Barbados.