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Bridgetown, Barbados 🇧🇧
#1189
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of Barbados, located on the southwestern coast of the island. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-50 Mbps, varying by provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Barbadian Dollar (BBD), with an exchange rate of approximately 1 USD to 2 BBD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 110V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Digicel and Flow; prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport and convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banking options include RBC Royal Bank, CIBC FirstCaribbean, and Scotiabank; credit cards widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hotels, with costs ranging from $50 USD per night in budget accommodations. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Numerous options on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel style stays start around $25-40 USD a night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The historic Garrison area, along with St. Lawrence Gap for nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Hastings or Worthing area, known for coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Greenhouse, a coworking space with reliable internet and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Barbados, known for its relaxed atmosphere and free wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at local cafes and community centers; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Barbados Facebook group hosts regular gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Bridgetown. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooters can be rented from various shops, starting around $15 USD for a full day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Rockley Beach is a popular choice, just a 10-minute drive or a bike ride away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Caribbean Airlines offers regional flights to neighboring islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and British Airways offer multiple flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the ABC Highway connects major parts of the island quickly. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bridgetown does not have a train system; buses and taxis are the main modes of transportation. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Transportation on public buses costs $1 USD, with no specific pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and ferries connect Bridgetown to surrounding areas and islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the island's primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Beach offers beach classes for relaxation and fitness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Flex Fitness Gym offers day passes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats can be found, with services costing around $15-20 USD for wash and fold. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Fast Food Barbados and Zoop on the app stores. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cou-Cou and Flying Fish is the national dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | A few cafes like Just Grillin' offer vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cuz’s Fish Shack for fish cakes and local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Cheapside Market for fresh fruits and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local online shops available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Shop Barbados offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | St. Lawrence Gap is the main nightlife district. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Banks Brewery for local beer tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Shop for local and international selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors sell fish cakes and other fried snacks throughout various areas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Zaccios Restaurant offers a mix of local seafood and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Garrison Savannah and the Bridgetown Synagogue. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Barbados Museum & Historical Society. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The George Washington House. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michael's Cathedral. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Crop Over Festival in July/August attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic Garrison area. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Frank Collymore Hall for live performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Cheapside Market for local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Vibrant local music scene with genres like calypso and soca. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore street murals in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes on traditional Bajan cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery at the Barbados Museum displays local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Parliament Buildings are notable landmarks. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bajan culture includes a rich history of music, dance, and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Harrison's Cave for stunning underground tours. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Barbados Wildlife Reserve offers sightings of green monkeys and other wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path from Hastings to Worthing is scenic and enjoyable. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Gun Hill Signal Station for breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable shipping and delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can fix mobile devices and computers. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers host table tennis clubs. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutions offer English and Spanish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bridgetown Public Library is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Golden Square Freedom Park hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Certain cafes offer gaming consoles for residents. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Rendezvous Casino offers gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $88,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,700 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $162,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system; income earned outside the country isn't taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 17.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, rates based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2.5% of the property's value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on passive income earned outside the country. |