Lois has just created a website: www.barbadostips.com It has all the same interesting facts she had in her e-mail publication, but this is easier for everyone to access. Check it often as Lois is continually adding new information on a daily basis. Lots of good facts about hotels and restaurants/foods not found on other sites. Lois and her husband just returned mid-October from their 27th island visit. Contact Lois at lois@barbadostips.com with any questions you have. Lois website is based on things she has learned over the years to help people get the best for their money and avoid any problems. Lois and her husband love Barbados and she does this free service just to help others really get the most out of Barbados. Lois constantly updates this as new information becomes available. It is truly a great guide for visitors.


Barbados is warm and sunny all year round with an average daytime high of 75 - 85 F. The nights are usually slightly cooler. The prevailing northeast tradewinds blow steadily so that although it is bright and sunny, it is not unbearably hot. The rain usually comes in quick showers, however there are certain times of the year when we can can rain that can be fairly constant for periods of up to 3 days This is usualy later in the year. The dry season lasts from January to June.



When planning your Barbados vacation remember that the Barbados Dollar is converted at the rate of $1.98 BDS to $1.00 U.S. The Barbados Dollar is fixed to the U.S Dollar and does not fluctuate. Its rate to other currencies fluctuates daily based on their fluctuations relative to the U.S. Dollar. On your travels around Barbados you will find that US currency is accepted across the island, and most stores and restaurants accept major credit cards (VISA and Master standard) and travellers cheques.



General duty free allowances in Barbados. Personal Effects: 1 litre of potable spirits or wine, 200 cigarettes (one carton) or 100 cigars or 50 cigars and cigarettes not exceeding 230 grammes in aggregate. All articles in excess of this exemption are subject to the relevant duty and tax.
Personal effects are passengers' baggage containing apparel and articles for personal use which a traveler may reasonably require during his vacation e.g. clothing, cosmetics and accessories.
Restricted or Prohibited Items. The importation of certain articles are restricted or prohibited in order to protect the community, to maintain animal and plant life, among other reasons. Prohibited articles such as illegal drugs and pornography will be seized and persons may face penalties or prosecution. Restricted items may be released after inspection by the appropriate agency or detained until conditions of the restrictions are met. Receipts are issued for all articles detained by customs. Among the restricted items are:

DUTY FREE ALLOWANCES FOR PASSANGERS
BRITAIN - Duty Free Allowances for Returning British Citizens
Each returning resident over 17 years of age may take back:
* 1 litre of alcohol * 200 Cigarettes or 250g of tobacco * 60cc of perfumes * Up to �145 worth of other goods.

CANADA - Duty Free Allowances for Returning Canadian Citizens
Persons whose stay is in excess of 48 hours can claim up to $100 in each calendar quarter. Persons whose stay is in excess of 7 days can claim up to $300 in each calendar year.
Each returning Canadian resident may take back:
* 40 ounces of alcoholic beverages * 50 cigars * 200 cigarettes * 2 lb. of tobacco * 24 12-oz cans/bottles of beer.

Minimum age for alcoholic beverages vary with port of entry. No duty or GST is charged on purchases under $300. GST charge on entire total purchases. Duty varies on alcoholic beverages. Gifts: Persons while abroad may mail casual gifts (except tobacco and alcoholic beverages) free of duty and taxes, to friends and relatives in Canada, providing the value of the gift does not exceed CAN$40.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Duty Free Allowances for Returning American Citizens

Each returning citizen whose stay is in excess of 48 hours may on his return, take back, free of duty, articles totaling up to US$400 (based on the retail value of the items in the country of purchase). Duty on purchases in excess of the US$400 exemption is 10% on the next US$1000, and thereafter at the rate duty applicable. Duty free liquor is allowed at one litre per person for persons over the age of 21.
Gifts: In addition to the US$400 exemption, each person can mail back gifts valued at $50 each to friends and relatives back home, provided the addressee does not receive more than one gift parcel a day. No declaration is required, and no tax is levied.



Passports and Visas
All visitors to Barbados require a valid passport. Citizens of some countries also require visas.

Drivers License Barbados car rentals are an excellent way to explore our lovely island. If you are considering renting a car on the Island you must travel with your current drivers license




* Bring clothes for the tropics.
* Light cotton dresses and light jackets for formal wear.
* Casual slacks and lightweight sports for the times when you are not in a bathing suit.
* Beachwear should also include sunglasses, sunblock and beach footwear.
* Beaes are not clothing optional tos and bottoms must be kept covered up
* Please note it is illeagal to wear camoflauge in Barbados and it will be confiscated if you are found with it.

While Barbados is a fun holiday island, there are dress codes, and because of 300 years of conservative British heritage, formal attire is still seen at times other than weddings and funerals. Business men wear a shirt and tie and sometimes a jacket. Women wear smart dresses. Bathing suits are best for the beach, beach bars and the pool.


Electricity in Barbados is: 110 volts/50 cycles.
There is a reliable electricity supply, with only the occassional outage.
Standard plug types in Barbados are: (1) Flat blade (2 flat blades) and (2) Flat blades with round grounding pin.