Bridgetown, Barbados 🇧🇧
#1189
13.097783, -59.618418
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bridgetown is the capital city of Barbados, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 110,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BBD ≈ 0.50 USD, most banks accept a variety of international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage 110V, Frequency 60Hz, 🇧🇧 Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Digicel and Flow are popular mobile providers offering prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | RBC Royal Bank and CIBC FirstCaribbean are commonly used by expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments are common. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, along with Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO). |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include The Hostel and The Barbados Beach Club. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Collective, located on Broad Street. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Blue, known for its good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out the Barbados Entrepreneurial Network events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Barbados' host regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Mango Taxi app for booking rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rental available through companies like Island Scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Carlisle Bay is the closest beach, just 10 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LIAT operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and British Airways are major carriers. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | ABC Highway provides access to various parts of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bridgetown does not have trains; public buses are the main transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Transport Authority provides daily and monthly bus passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and minibuses connect Bridgetown with the rest of the island. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queen Elizabeth Hospital, well-equipped for emergencies. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Barbados offers classes in various styles. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Paradise and PureGym are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Land offers self-service and drop-off laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cou-cou and flying fish is the national dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Like it Raw offers great vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sweetest Sin is a popular bakery known for cupcakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Cheapside Market is great for local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local retailers like Cave Shepherd provide online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | SuperCentre and Massey Stores offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | St. Lawrence Gap is the hotspot for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Banks Brewery offers local beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Shop is a well-known venue for wine tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Oistins Fish Fry is a must-visit for local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Tides offers exquisite international dining. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Barbados Parliament Buildings are a historical treasure. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Barbados Museum & Historical Society is popular among tourists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | St. Nicholas Abbey is a quaint 17th-century plantation house. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of St. Michael and All Angels is a beautiful landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Crop Over Festival in July-August is a vibrant celebration. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Speightstown offers a glimpse into local culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Frank Collymore Hall hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bridgetown is home to Cheapside Market, offering local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at The Dover Beach Hotel and The Hilton. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Exploring the colorful murals in the city center is a delight. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Try cooking classes at The Caribbean Culinary School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gallery of Caribbean Art showcases talented local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Nidhe Israel Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in the Americas. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Black Bess Heritage Site reflects the island's history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Harrison's Cave offers stunning underground scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Barbados National Botanical Gardens is nearby and offers beautiful landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path along the West Coast is perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Bathsheba is breathtaking, especially during sunrise. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is perfect for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas at the beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Fast Stuff offers parcel delivery services on the island. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers mobile repair services in the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Barbados Language School offers English and local dialect classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library in Bridgetown is a good place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Barbados Community College often holds events and courses. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming lounges can be found in St. Lawrence Gap. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Sandals Casino offers gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BBD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BBD 140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BBD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BBD 112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BBD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BBD 192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BBD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BBD 150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BBD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BBD 240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BBD 2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BBD 184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Effective maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 17.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Barbados has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on the market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2.5% standard rate on property transactions. |