Barbados has property options to suit almost everyone.
If you are looking for short-term accommodations (i.e. less than six months), it is usually best to look on Airbnb or Vrbo, especially during the low tourism season where you may be able to find a good deal. Some landlords switch to short-term rentals during the high tourism season to maximise yield. In some cases, they will engage a realty agency to manage the property on their behalf.
If you don't want to use Airbnb or Vrbo, take a look at short-term rentals with a realty agency such as Seaside Realty. However, please note that not all realty agencies list or advertise short-term accommodations.
For long-term rentals (i.e. more than six months), realty agents such as Seaside Realty, Key Realty, Ron Karp Realty or Terra Caribbean may be able to help you.
Most landlords renting property on a long-term basis (i.e. more than six months) require a security deposit equivalent to one months' rent. Some landlords also require tenants to pay the last month rent in advance. Deposits are held directly by landlords; there is currently no deposit protection scheme in Barbados.
Frequently asked questions
Barbados operates on a 115v supply voltage at a frequency of 50 Hz, and uses the same plug sockets as North America (types A and B).
If you have an appliance from North America, it should work in Barbados as is.
For an appliance from the United Kingdom or the European Union, you just need an adapter if that appliance can operate at 115v. This applies to most computers and smartphones.
Note: If you need to buy an adapter, make sure it supports the maximum wattage of your appliance. Always check the voltage rating of an appliance before you use it. Some appliances may not function normally or safely in Barbados if they are only designed to operate at 60 Hz.
Please call the Barbados Light & Power Company at +1 (246) 626-9000.
If you are staying in a hotel or Airbnb, reach out to your reception team or host for general assistance.
In the event a power outage has created or is about to create a life threatening emergency, call the emergency services.
Note: Calling the Barbados Light & Power Company from an overseas SIM card or plan may incur call roaming charges.
Persons who need to exchange Barbados Dollars for foreign currency must submit an application via FOREX Online, as the island's currency is subject to exchange controls. This also applies to visitors in Barbados that need to exchange their unused Barbadian currency into foreign currency before they return home.
On the application form, select the local bank branch from which you plan to obtain your foreign currency. Upon submission, the application will likely be sent directly to your selected commercial bank for approval, under delegated authority by the Central Bank of Barbados.
If your application is being reviewed by your commercial bank directly, you should visit your selected bank branch after you submit your application and speak to a teller to get your application approved.
The following hard currencies are typically available at local bank branches in Barbados: US dollars (USD), pound sterling (GBP), euros (EUR), and Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD).
Please note a statutory 2% Foreign Exchange Fee applies when exchanging Barbados Dollars for foreign currency. You may also be charged a fee by the commercial bank to complete the transaction.