Living and working in Barbados

Overview

Located in the Caribbean 1,600 miles southeast of Miami, Barbados covers a land area of 166 square miles. It is a coral island and is comparatively flat except for a hilly region in the north east of the Island.

Population

Approximately 259,000 people in Barbados. The capital of Barbados is Bridgetown (population circa 100,000).

Climate

Annual range from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (22 and 30 Celsius). Lying well out in the Atlantic, the Island's tropical climate, tempered by constant north-east trade winds, is probably one of the finest and most healthy in the world. Temperatures vary little over the year in Barbados. The months July to October comprise the wet season.

Economy

The economy in Barbados is primarily dependent on the income derived from tourism and export earnings from sugar. There are no natural resources conducive to the establishment of industry; however, Barbados does produce around half of its annual requirements for oil.

Tourist facilities are outstanding, with superb beaches and clear water, and hotel accommodation ranges from the basic to the truly luxurious in Barbados. Sugar has been the main agricultural industry since the last century and its earnings contribute significantly to the country's earnings.

The Barbados dollar is pegged to the US dollar (Bds$2 = US$1). The US and Canadian dollar are widely accepted locally. The personal allowance for tax purposes is Bds$15,000. The first $24,200 of income is taxed at 25% - thereafter income is taxed at 37.5%.

The cost of living in Barbados is higher than may be expected in North America, but is not as high as certain other offshore locations. Salaries in Barbados are generally geared to allow for this variance.

Accommodation

Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation of a good standard are available for new residents in Barbados. It can be difficult during peak tourist season (December to March) to find the best housing but otherwise it is usually not a major problem.

Prices can vary significantly so it pays to shop around. However, as a rough guide, you might expect to find a one-bedroom furnished apartment including utilities for around Bds$1,200 - $1,800 per month and a two-bedroom furnished for around Bds$2,000 - $3,000.

Transport

There is a comprehensive road system in Barbados with high car density. Public transport is available, but a car is a necessity (you can buy one locally). The speed limit is generally 60 kph in most areas in Barbados.

Government

Barbados became independent from the UK in 1966. It has a Parliament headed by a prime minister and a Governor General appointed by the Queen.

Entertainment

There are a large number of restaurants, offering a wide variety of cuisines, as well as cinemas and nightclubs in Barbados. Recreation is plentiful in Barbados and the climate facilitates much time to be spent outdoors (e.g. diving, swimming, cricket, golf, tennis, soccer, riding, running, hiking, car rallies etc). There is also local television, with many radio, cable and satellite television stations (e.g. CNN, BBC, major networks) available too.

Public holidays

These include: New Year's Day, Errol Barrow day (21st January), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day (1st May), Whit Monday, Kadooment Day, UN Day, Independence Day (30th November), Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Additional information

Images of Barbados
Chamber of commerce
Fun Barbados website
Voice of Barbados, radio
Nation newspaper
Barbados

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