Holetown, Barbados 🇧🇧
#1190
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Holetown is a vibrant beach town located on the west coast of Barbados, known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,600 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Barbadian Dollar (BBD). 1 USD ≈ 2 BBD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, but it's advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 50Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include Digicel and Flow. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as CIBC FirstCaribbean and Scotiabank are widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels and guest houses are available, like The Legend Garden. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachfront area near Holetown is popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas around the West Coast, particularly Holetown, provide good amenities and access to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Haven is a popular coworking space known for its friendly environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bar Carizma offers a good atmosphere for working with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Digital Nomads Barbados organizes regular meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Many Facebook groups for expats in Barbados facilitate social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | The Uber app operates in Holetown, providing convenient transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Holetown offers scooter rentals, such as Island Safari. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The stunning Sandy Lane Beach is just a short walk away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LIAT (Leeward Islands Air Transport) serves regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and British Airways frequently fly to Barbados. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The ABC Highway provides access to the rest of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Transportation is primarily by bus; there is no train service. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus service offers affordable fares, generally around $2 BBD. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Barbados has established bus services that connect to other areas on the island. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the main healthcare facility on the island. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Breathe Yoga offers various classes close to Holetown. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The gym at The Club offers good fitness facilities for residents and tourists. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Washing machines are available in most accommodations; laundromat services are also available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats operates effectively in Holetown. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Must try 'Flying Fish' served with cou-cou, a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Good Life caters well to vegetarian and vegan diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sweet Place offers delicious local sweets and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Holetown markets provide fresh produce and local products at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Barbados, and local stores have online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Popular grocery stores like Massy offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife in Holetown is vibrant, particularly around the beach bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Banks Brewery offers tours and tastings of their local beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Windsor Wines provides an excellent selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors around the beach area offer delicious street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Spaghetti House serve a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The St. James Parish Church is a notable historical site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Barbados Museum is a great place to learn about local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Holetown Monument commemorates the first settlement. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the nearby St. James Parish Church for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Holetown Festival in February celebrates the island's heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Arts and Crafts district near Holetown features local artisans. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Frank Collymore Hall hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Holetown has local markets featuring crafts and food goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in many bars and restaurants along the coast. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local street art can be seen throughout Holetown and nearby. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes in local kitchens offer insights into Barbadian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery of Caribbean Art displays works by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Holetown Heritage Centre showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The area is steeped in the history of Barbados' colonial past. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Animal Flower Cave offers stunning sea views and rock formations. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a must-visit for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The West Coast boardwalk offers scenic views for walkers and cyclists. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Gun Hill Signal Station provides panoramic views of the island. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Welchman Hall Gully is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas allow bonfires but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Couriers like FedEx and DHL operate within Holetown. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local services are available for phone and gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Barbados Language Institute offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library Service can be accessed in Bridgetown for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Holetown community center hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes host gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Princess Casino offers a fun night out for gaming enthusiasts. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BBD 500,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BBD 20,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BBD 350,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BBD 14,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BBD 600,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BBD 36,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BBD 450,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BBD 27,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BBD 750,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BBD 60,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BBD 600,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BBD 48,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Local tax regulations apply to worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Effective maximum rate can reach 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is applicable based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% property transfer tax when acquiring property. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on income sourced outside of Barbados for non-residents. |