Barbados is a tourist’s dream; it’s a small island with white sandy beaches and blue seas. Many expats who move there will find work in the tourism and off shore financial services industries. The capital city is Bridgetown and this is where most people settle in Barbados. The economy is largely dependent on agriculture with its main exports being sugar, rum and molasses. We have an extensive guide for all expats moving to Barbados right here.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accommodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
You can meet expats online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
British Women's Club of Barbados
British Women’s Club, PO Box 854, Bridgetown BB 11000, Barbados
Email: bwcbnews@gmail.com
More Information: Click here >>
American Women's Club of Barbados
American Women's Club of BarbadosP.O. Box 236, Worthing, Christ Church, Barbados
Email: awcofb@gmail.com
More Information: Click here >>
Canadian Women’s Club of Barbados President
Email:Sheila Wilkinson – sheilaw873@gmail.com Cicely Jobe-Burnham – cicelyjb@yahoo.ca
More Information: Click here >>
International Schools
The Codrington School
The Codrington School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School which is authorized to offer all three of the IB's 'gold standard' educational programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), for children generally aged three through eleven; the Middle Years Programme for students generally aged between 11 and 16; and the Diploma Programme (DP), for young people generally aged 16 through 18.
Curriculum: PYP, MYP, DP
Address: Society, St. John, BB20008, Barbados
Tel: +1 246 423 2570
Fax: +1 246 423 0095
Email: info@codrington.edu.bb
Website: www.codrington.edu.bb/tcs/Public/DEFAULT.ASP
St Luke's Academy
Established as Casa Dei Bambini Montessori School 14 years ago, the school stayed true to the beliefs, theories and mission of Maria Montessori’s teachings. Due to the need for a private primary school with an international curriculum, St. Luke's Academy was established in September 2016. Educating students from 2 years up to 11 years, the school’s mission is to teach how to ask the right questions, think through problems and adjust to situation, enabling students to become critical thinkers.
Curriculum: Montessori
Address: White Hall, St. Peter, Barbados, BB26015
Tel: +1 246 422 0607
Email: info@stlukes.academy
Website: www.stlukes.academy
St. Winifred’s School
St. Winifred's School is a private Government assisted school that offers a curriculum of general studies for students in Prep One (age 3) to Form 5 (ages 16+). The school welcomes students from the entire spectrum of the Barbadian Society, regionally as well as internationally.
Address: Pine Hill, St. Michael, Barbados, BB 11112
Tel: + 1 246 228 1245
Email: secretary@stwinifredsschool.net
Website: www.stwinifredsschool.com/St_Winifreds_School/Welcome.html
Will’s Primary School
Wills Primary School was founded in 1998 as a Private institution dedicated to providing excellence in education. In the 10 years since we first opened our doors, Wills has quickly risen to be nationally recognized as one of the most diverse, unique and academically excelling schools in Barbados.
Address: Elcourt House, Maxwell, Christ Church, Barbados W.I.
Tel: + 1 246 418 9833
Email: willsprimary@hotmail.com
Website: www.willsprimaryschool.com
Combermere School
Combermere School which began as a co-educational institution in 1695, reverted fully to this status in September 1976 with the admission of thirty-eight (38) female students at the first form level and another thirty-one (31) between the fifth and sixth form. The number of females today has grown to about 51% of the school's present population of just over one thousand (1,000 students).
Website: www.combermereschool.com/index.php
Local News in English
Barbados Advocate
This is an English language news site that delivers local news, editorials, business stories, sports and more.
Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com
The Nation Online
Nation Online brings news stories from education, entertainment, environment, health, politics, local and international issues.
Website: www.nationnews.com
Country Information
Location: Caribbean
Capital City: Bridgetown
Other Important Cities:
Currency: Barbadian dollar ($) (BBD)
Language: English
Calling Code: +1-246
Internet TLD: .bb
Electricity: The country runs on 110V 50Hz. Solar energy is becoming popular in the island. Electricity is provided by Barbados Light and Power Company.
Address: P.O. Box 142, Garrison Hill, St. Michael, Barbados, W.I.
Tel: +1 246 626 4300
PBX: +1 246 626 1800
Fax: +1 246 228 1396
Emergency: +1 246 626 9000
Email: customerservice@blpc.com.bb
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 511
Fire: 311
Police: 211
Country Study
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbados
Embassy Information
embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/barbados
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Most countries may enter Barbados visa-free. Please consult your local Barbados embassy, consulate or diplomatic missions to make sure this regulation applies to you. Visa applications are processed in embassies and consulates. Visitors will need to have a valid passport and a return ticket. The official government website does not have information on processing a residential visa, however getting in touch with the immigration department in Barbados should yield some useful information. Their contact details are below:
Chief Immigration Officer
Immigration Department
Careenage House,
The Wharf,
Bridgetown, Barbados
Tel: 246-426-1011
Fax: 246-434-4100
E-mail: Imm-dept@caribsurf.com
Website: www.immigration.gov.bb/pages/Visa_Requirements.aspx
Accommodation
You can find a fab hotel to stay in in Barbados while you’re looking for a long term rental. Renting an apartment is relatively easy and can be done directly through the owner or through an estate agency. Depending on your budget and the area that you choose you can find a two bedroom apartment for anywhere between USD2500-USD5000. A five bedroom villa by the beach with great amenities will cost USD7500 and that includes a gardening service. You will have to become familiar with the areas in Barbados before you choose where to live.
Barbados is very small so there are virtually no “bad” areas and it’s hard to go wrong when choosing a place to live. Some areas may be more heavily populated by locals while expats might favour another area or a specific apartment building. Island Villas is a great website to get you started on your search. It is also recommended to buy property in Barbados as you can later sell or rent it out as long term or holiday accommodation.
Healthcare
Medical treatment in Barbados will be expensive, securing adequate insurance coverage will be important. Dengue fever is prevalent in the tropics so make sure you get preventive vaccinations prior to travelling.
Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Options
Cigna provides international insurance coverage for expats. International medical evacuation is also available in cases where emergency treatment must be sought outside of the host country.
Website: www.cignaglobal.com
Hospitals
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is the country’s primary acute care medical facility. The QEH is also an accredited teaching hospital affiliated with the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus.
Address: Martindale's Road, Bridgetown, Barbados
Tel: +1 246-436-6450
Email: connect@qehconnect.com
FB: www.facebook.com/QEHBarbados
Website: www.qehconnect.com
Bay View Hospital
This is private facility at St. Michael, in Bridgetown. BayView offers medical care in a number of fields, including: ENT Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery, Urologic Surgery, Neurology and Orthopaedic Surgery.
Address: St. Paul's Avenue, BayVille, St. Michael, Barbados
Tel: + 1 246 436 5446
Fax: +1 246 429 3081, +1 246 431 9182
Email: info@bayviewhospital.com.bb
Website (Under Construction): www.bayviewhospital.com.bb
Sandy Crest Medical Centre
This is a 24 hour state of the art health facility on the West Coast offering emergency care, diagnostic tools, ambulatory services and GP services to name a few.
Address: Sunset Crest, St. James, Barbados, BB 24014
Tel: +1 246 419 4911
Fax: + 1 246 432 8859
Email: medicalcentre@sandycrest.net
Website: www.sandycrest.net
The Sparman Clinic
The Sparman Clinic is staffed by a full team of healthcare professionals, including General Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Lab Technicians and Personal Trainers. They have 24 hour emergency services, 7 bed recovery room and 1 private suite, 24 hour ambulatory services and more.
Address: #4 6th Avenue, Belleville, St. Michael, Barbados
Tel: +1 246 62 43278, +1 246 436 5839
Fax: +1 246 624 3275
Email: officeadmin@thesparmanclinic.com
Website: www.thesparmanclinic.com
