ABCs of Moving to Barbados

Congratulations on your decision to move to the island paradise of Barbados, renown for its calm Caribbean seas, sandy white beaches, year-round warm temperatures, rolling green countryside, lively culture, exciting nightlife, low crime rate, and great quality of life. Of course, these aren’t the only reasons why people relocate to Barbados. In addition to the glossy exterior, Barbados boasts a stable political environment, a booming real estate market, a warm and caring populace, a modern healthcare system, a 99% literacy rate, reliable transportation, scores of tourist sites, fish markets and festivals, natural coral reefs for deep sea diving and snorkeling, fantastic duty free shopping, and English as the local tongue.

Moving to BarbadosTarikB / Beach Photos / CC BY-NC

 To help your relocation go smoothly and to ensure that you fit right into the laid back Barbados lifestyle, here are some of the ABCs of moving to Barbados.

Immigration Paperwork

Whether you are permanently retiring or moving to Barbados or are temporarily relocating for work or study purposes, you’ll need to have your official immigration paperwork in order.  To work in Barbados, for example, you need a work permit issued by the Barbados Immigration Department; moreover, a work permit is required to register your children in school in Barbados, and your passport will be endorsed for the period of your issued work permit. If you are only visiting the island, be sure you have a valid passport, visa, and return ticket.

As far as customs is concerned, anyone moving to Barbados can import their household goods and personal effects duty free for up to three months after their arrival. Conveniently, the Grantley Adams International Airport is located only 20 minutes from the capital of Bridgetown and was recently upgraded to feature an expanded immigration processing area, a large baggage claim area, and new arrival halls. For a free shipping quote for the items you’re planning to take to Barbados, visit www.nyshipping.com.

Health Care

Ranked #31 on the Human Development Index (HDI), Barbados healthcare services are of the highest caliber and the best in the region. There are eight free government-run clinics, two private emergency clinics, childcare facilities, five geriatric hospitals, and two large hospitals: the government-run Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where healthcare is available to all, and the privately run Bayview Hospital.

Transportation

For the best deals on flights, be sure to check out Barbados on Trip Advisor. Once you arrive in Barbados, you’ll have at your disposal a reliable transportation system helping you get around the island with ease. In addition to buying or leasing a car, Barbados transportation includes:

• Government-Owned Blue Buses
• Private Yellow Mini-Buses
• Private White Mini-Vans
• Taxi Services
• Chauffer services

Education

Boasting the highest educational standard in the Caribbean, education is free (and mandatory) in Barbados for children aged 4 to 16. In addition to primary and secondary
co-educational schools across the island, there are also private schools, as well as a slew of higher education facilities, including the Barbados Community College, Erdiston Teachers College, Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic, and the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus.

A great way to help your kids feel at home and to start mingling with the natives is to sign the whole family up for the recreational activity of their choice. Barbados offers everything from arts, sports and martial arts to tennis, books clubs, summer camps, toddler groups, continuing education classes, and more. There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities to help you get to know your local community.

Real Estate

Whether you are interested in long-term or short-term buying or renting, the real estate scene in Barbados is constantly developing, with exciting new opportunities available. Real estate options include apartments, houses, condos, villas, and even palaces offering a luxury lifestyle.

The strip known as the Platinum coast, which extends from the capital of Bridgetown through St. James and St. Peter, is home to a high volume of multi-million dollar oceanfront mansions owned by billionaires, while the west side of Barbados is also experiencing a development explosion due to high demand for its exclusive properties. You will find many of the locals residing in the Southern parishes, including the more relaxed St. Philip parish and Christ Church, which is famous for the annual Fish Fry at Oistins and the trendy St. Lawrence Gap. Finally, on the eastern coast, there are empty land lots available to purchase as well as those with pre-designed homes.

Festivals

Now that you have made the move to Barbados, don’t miss out on the exciting lineup of year-round music, food and art festivals, as well as popular carnivals and concerts. Here is a sampling of the island entertainment you can look forward to:

• Barbados Jazz Festival
• Holetown Festival
• Holders Season
• Oistins Fish Festival
• Crop-Over
• Kadooment Parade
• Bridgetown Market Street Faif
• Pic-o-de-Crop Calypso Competition
• Visit this Top 10 list of things you must experience in Barbados.