Barbados flights and travel guide

Language

English is the official language.

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Communications

The international access code for Barbados is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 246. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom), no outgoing code is needed to call the US. Mobile phones operate on a GSM network. Cell phones can be rented through Cellcom. Internet cafes are widely available.

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Tipping

Tipping is not necessary if a service charge has already been included in the bill, otherwise it is generally about 10-15 per cent. Tipping is normal in bars.

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Safety

There are no extremist groups or areas of instability in Barbados. Some drug-related organised crime exists, but does not generally affect tourists.

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Health

There are no mandatory requirements regarding vaccinations for visitors to Barbados, however a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas, and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for those aged over two years. There have been occasional outbreaks of Dengue Fever and mosquito repellent is strongly recommended. Medical care is good but very expensive and serious cases areusually transferred overseas (usually to the USA). Health insurance is therefore strongly recommended. Ambulances take hours to respond and attendants may not administer life-saving techniques en route to hospital.

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Electricity

110 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels provide adapters and transformers for hairdryers and other appliances.

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