Barbados
For men, suit and tie is the normal business attire for nonBarbadians; Barbadian men sometimes wear a "shirtjack," which is akin to a safaritype shortsleeved jacket with matching trousers. For women, a long or shortsleeved suit, or a dress, is appropriate. Business hours are generally from 8:00 am 4:30 PM. Luncheon meetings are common, but breakfast meetings are not. Business appointments are generally required, and punctuality in business affairs is appreciated.
Although security and personal safety are generally not a problem, do not be complacent. Cases of robbery, personal attacks on tourists and other crimes do occur. The main type of incident for which travelers require consular assistance is for lost and stolen passports. Maintain the same level of personal security awareness as in any European or North American country. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Valuables and travel documents should be left, where possible, in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.
Accommodation includes uncompromising luxury and many first-class hotels. Generally the luxury hotels are in the West, while the medium-priced can be found along the southwest coast. The East Coast, due to its exposure to the trade winds and wild Atlantic Ocean has only a small number of hotels and guesthouses. However, it is this area that is chosen by the Bajans for their own holidays. Hotel prices are more expensive in the winter than in the summer. High season is between December 16 to April 15, the low season runs for the remainder of the year. Most hotels have air-conditioning; many have swimming pools and housekeeping apartments. Most rates are for room only.
Telephone IDD service is available to some towns. The country code is 1 809 and the outgoing international code is 011. Hotels have telephones available to both residents and non-residents. Most business offices and hotels have facsimile machines; travelers can generally use hotels, machines on a fee basis. Barbados External Telecommunications Ltd. (BET) has a service whereby that firm can receive facsimile messages at no fee to the addressee, but the senders pay to send faxes. Incoming facsimile messages should have the addressee's name clearly marked, and sent to the following fax number: 246/4294854. Various secretarial service firms will also send facsimile messages for a fee. Post office hours: 0800-1700 Monday to Friday at Bridgetown main office; other branches are open 0730-1200 and 1300-1500 Monday, 0800-1200 and 1300-1515 Tuesday to Friday. Electricity is 110 volts AC, 50Hz. American-style 2-pin plugs are in use
110-115 volts AC, 50Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are in use.
A,B
There are many restaurants offering both international and traditional Bajan cuisine at a variety of prices.
Things to know: An exchange ‘Dine Around’ system is operated between some hotels of the same class and guests can eat at other hotels for no extra cost.
There are numerous bars which emulate the British pub and serve genuine British bitter and stout. National specialties:
• Flying fish.
• Lobster.
• Crane chubb.
• The sea urchin (oursin or sea egg).
• Other specialties include sweet
potatoes, plantains, breadfruit, yams and such fruits as avocados, pears, soursops, pawpaws, bananas, figs and coconuts. National drinks:
• All types of rum-based cocktails, rum punch, planters punch, pina coladas and sangria.
• The two most famous rums are Cockspur’s Five Star and, for the connoisseur, Mount Gay (the oldest rum blend on the island).
• The local beer is Banks. Tipping:
In restaurants or nightclubs, tips are usually 10 to 15 per cent. Porters’ tips are at the customer’s discretion.Nightlife
Nightclubs, discos and bars provide entertainment including limbo dancing, fire-eaters, steel bands and dance bands. There is a small cover charge. As in all Caribbean countries, swinging nightspots tend to come and go with seasons. Coastal boat trips with live entertainment are very popular; most sail twice daily and run buffets, bars and live music. Calypso and reggae will always be in the air, ready to inject the night air with that lively West Indian ambience. Dinner shows are always well attended. The Harbour Lights Extravaganza Dinner Show offers a truly tropical evening of dancing, with a barbeque serving food and free drinks until 0300 (website: www.harborlightsbarbados.com/beach_extravaganza.htm). The Bajan Roots & Rhythms at the Plantation Theater is highly interactive with a party atmosphere but family-friendly, dishing up a traditional buffet for those who have exhausted themselves dancing (website: http://theplantation.bb/).
