Barbados
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 283 thousand people live in Barbados, on 439 km². The capital is Bridgetown.
- Capital
- Bridgetown
- Population
- 282,623
- Area
- 439 km²
- Official languages
- English and Bajan Creole
No land borders
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Barbados?
Sockets take plug type A/B, at 115 V and 50 Hz.
That is lower than Europe's 230 V: phone and laptop chargers handle it, but check hair dryers and the like.
What is the emergency number in Barbados?
Call 211 for the police, 511 for an ambulance and 311 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Barbados?
10–15 %.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Barbados?
Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when you cross the street.
What currency is used in Barbados?
Prices are in Barbadian Dollar (BBD).
What language do they speak in Barbados?
Official languages: English and Bajan Creole.
How do I call a number in Barbados from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +1.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
