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Island Tips
Capital
Bridgetown, a bustling Caribbean seaport. Many malls and duty free shops such as:
Department store: Cave Shepherd
T-Shirts: Ganzee, &
Del Sol
Jewelry Stores:
Columbian Emeralds,
Jewelers Warehouse,
The Royal Shop,
Diamonds International, &
Little Switzerland
Politics
Politically stable and ranked by the United Nations as the World's number One Developing Country. The Government is based on the Westminster system. There are two political parties the BLP (Barbados Labour Party and the (DLP) Democratic Labour Party. At present the (BLP) are in power and the Prime minister is the Right Honorable Owen Arthur.
Language
English, Bajan Dialect is also often used.
Population
The population is approximately 265,000.
Geography
The island is 166 square miles,21 miles long 14 miles wide. Latitude: 13.10 N - Longitude: 59.32 W - Time Zone: -4 (GMT)
History
The island was originally inhabited be Amerindians. John Powell an English captain claimed Barbados for King James of England in 1627. Barbados gained independence in 1966 and its parliament is the third oldest in the world.
Climate
Warm and sunny year round, The temperature ranges from mid 70's to mid 80's Fahrenheit or approximately 26 to 20 degrees Celsius.Cooling north-east trade winds keep the island from becoming unbearably hot. The Hurricane season is from June to October, but Barbados is rarely hit. the last direct hit occurred in 1955. The dry season is from January to June.
Emergency Numbers
Police 211
Fire 311
Ambulance 511
Business Hours
Stores normally open from 8:30am to 4:30pm or 9:00am to 5:00pm (Mon-Fri) and 8:30am to 1:00pm on (Sat). Stores are normally closed on Sunday except for in December when there are extended shopping hours.
Internet Access
For all your Internet need's. With two conveniently located stores the Global Business Center is the place to be. Send e-mail to your friends and family. Catch up on what's happening back home.
Visit their website and discover their many services. Internet Access, International Calls, Cell Phone Rentals....
Currency
Barbados Dollar. US $1.00 = BDS $1.98. US dollars are accepted island-wide, and most stores and restuarants accept major credit cards and travelers checks.
Taxes
Airport departure tax is Bds$25.00 or US $ 12.50 this tax is payable before leaving Barbados. 15% VAT is charged on most services including hotels and restuarants, 7.5% on hotel accommodation
Tipping
Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge.
Banking
Banks normally open from 8:00am to 3:00pm (Mon-Thur) 8:00am - 5:00pm (Fri). Some of our Banks include The Mutual Bank, Barclays Bank, CIBC, Scotia Bank, Royal Bank...There are several ATM's throughout the island.
Electricity
110 volts AC 50 cycle.
Cellular Phones
Keep yourself connected rent a cell phone on the island. With two conveniently located stores the Global Business Center will meet all your needs.
Visit their website and discover their many services. Internet Access, International Calls, Cell Phone Rentals....
Sun Tanning
Too much of a good thing can be bad so don't spoil your vacation by getting burnt by the suns rays. The sun is strongest between 10:00am and 3:00pm. Wear lots of sunscreen.
Postal System
There are serval post offices throughout the island. The General Post office is located in Bridgetown. There are also several other convenient locations such as Holetown on the West Coast and one on the South Coast.
Save some time and avoid the long lines. Visit the Global Business Center with two conveniently located stores on the South and West Coast.
Visit their website and discover their many services. Internet Access, Stamp sales, International Calls, Cell Phone Rentals....
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