Climate

The yearly average temperature is between 21 and 26 degrees Celsius with mild trade winds from the northeast. At night temperatures do not vary much and there are hardly any differences between the seasons.
There is just enough rain for the abundant vegetation between June and November. Showers do not last very long and due to its privileged location the big seasonal storms are mostly bypassing Barbados.
The time difference to the CET is minus 5 hours in the winter and minus 6 hours in the summer. On Barbados there is no daylight saving time.

General Information

Electricity:
The voltage is 110. Adapters for hair–dryers, radios etc. are available in most hotels.
Tips:
In most hotels and restaurants there is a 10% charge already added to the bill. If not 10% is the usual tip.
Drinking water:
The fresh water on the island is clean and drinkable.
Health and hospitals:
Due to the constantly blowing trade winds, Barbados has a very pleasant climate. The tap water can be safely drunk, since it is well filtered through the geological ground of corals and limestone.
There are various hospitals on Barbados, among them the Queen Elizabeth Hopsital in Bridgetown.
Vaccinations:
If travelling directly to Barbados no vaccinations are necessary. Please get information about possible changes from your health insurance or doctor.
Internet:
There are various Internet Cafes on Barbados. There are also some Hotels where you can use the Internet.
Car rental:
In order to rent a car on Barbados you need a valid national or international driver’s license. For approx. 10 BDS$ you receive a temporary licensing(Barbados Driver’s License). The car rental company or police station will take care of the necessary formalities. This license can also be booked directly from Germany.
Driving is on the left side just like in England.
Religion:
Since there are almost 100 different credoes on Barbados, you will find a church service of your religion in almost every town. The largest church community (70%) is the one of the Anglicans. There are also Catholics, Methodists, Jews and many other confessions.
Taxes:
On most services, including Hotels and Restaurants, there is a 15% VAT (Value added tax).
Taxi services:
There are plenty of cabs available even till late at night. There are fix prices for each trip, since they do not have taximeters. Prices should be asked and agreed on in advance.
Phones:
You can make calls from Hotels or public phone booths. Prepaid cards can be purchased in many supermarkets, stores or service stations. By dialing 813 there is a menu in German through which owners of credit cards will be guided in order to pay with Visa or Master card. A mobile phone with triband is required and a phone company with a roaming partner on Barbados. Mobile phones can be rented locally at Cable & Wireless Ltd. (Enfield House, Upper Collymore Rock, St. Michael), phone: 292 4000, fax: 292 4050.
Luggage:
Systematic checkings for explosive are being done since the beginning of 2003. It is therefore recommended not to lock the luggage. The Transport Security Administration (TSA) has the right to open any luggage by force. They cannot be held responisble for any such dammage or loss. In order not to attract suspicion with the luggage, there are some recommendations for packing: books should not be packed in stacks but side by side, food (for personal use only) should be put into the hand luggage, it is not allowed to bring food into the United States, gifts should only be wrapped after arrival in th United States.
Customs regulations:
For re-entering Europe 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of alcohol and other goods with a value of EUR 150 are allowed for free import. For Transatlantic flights 2 pieces of luggage with 23 kg each and per person are permitted.