Holetown, Barbados 🇧🇧
#1190
13.185614, -59.637289
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Holetown is a vibrant town located on the west coast of Barbados, known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, but can vary depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BBD (Barbadian Dollar) ≈ 0.50 USD. ATMs are widely available and accept major debit and credit cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink in Holetown. |
| 🔌 Power | Standard voltage is 115V, 50Hz, with type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Digicel and FLOW, offering affordable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Royal Bank of Canada and First Caribbean are widely accessible. Online banks such as Revolut are also used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation options include hotels, Airbnb, and villa rentals. Prices range from $70 to $300 per night, depending on the season. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted, particularly in tourist areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term rentals in Holetown. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses and hostels such as The Palm Garden Hotel offer affordable lodging, starting around $50 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Space Barbados in Holetown offers excellent facilities for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Barbados is a popular spot for freelancers, offering free Wi-Fi and cozy seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are organized by the Barbados Digital Nomad Community on platforms like Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events for expats are frequently organized at The Mews, a local restaurant and bar. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Z Vehicle is a popular ride-hailing app used in Holetown. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | The Eco Bike Shop offers bike rentals for exploring the area. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mullins Beach is just a few minutes away and is highly recommended. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LIAT is the main regional carrier connecting various Caribbean islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and British Airways provide direct flights to Barbados. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The ABC Highway connects Holetown to other major towns across the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains in Barbados; however, the public bus system is an efficient way to navigate the island. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport passes are not common; paying per trip on buses is typical and costs around $1. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and vans are the primary means for regional travel, connecting to nearby towns efficiently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the main healthcare facility in Barbados, located about 30 minutes away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Beach offers classes for all levels near Holetown. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Barbados Gym is a local favorite, with monthly memberships starting around $60. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | The Laundry Basket in Holetown provides laundry services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodies is a popular app for food delivery in Holetown. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Flying Fish is a must-try local dish, typically served with cou-cou. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Naked Fish Bar and Grill offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dubbed as the best, St. Nicholas Abbey offers delicious rum cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | SuperCentre in Holetown has a range of grocery options at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon ships to Barbados, but local merchants also offer online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Fresh to You provide grocery delivery in Holetown. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Limegrove Lifestyle Centre has a lively bar scene with several options nearby. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mount Gay Distillery offers tours and tastings of Barbadian rum. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar at The Cliff serves a well-curated selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around Holetown serve local snacks like fish cakes and pudding. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Tides Restaurant offers an international menu along with Caribbean favorites. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | St. James Parish Church is a must-visit landmark in Holetown. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Barbados Museum is a short drive from Holetown. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The site of the first landing of the English in 1625 is located in Holetown. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. James Parish Church, built in 1780, represents historical architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Holetown Festival is celebrated every February with music and cultural events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Holetown itself is rich in culture, featuring several art galleries and markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Frank Collymore Hall hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Holetown Market hosts local artisans and food vendors every weekend. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at several bars and restaurants, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be seen around Holetown, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Bajan Culinary Experience offers cooking classes focusing on local dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gallery of Caribbean Art is located nearby for art enthusiasts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Holetown monument commemorates the first settlers. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The culture of Holetown reflects a blend of Afro-Caribbean traditions remaining strong. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Harrison's Cave offers stunning limestone formations and guided tours. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Wales Park National Park is about a 20-minute drive away and is perfect for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path along the west coast is popular for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Cherry Tree Hill offers breathtaking views of the shoreline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many of the beaches in the area have designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx services are available for parcel delivery in Holetown. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iRepair offers tech repair services for smartphones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers occasionally host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various private tutors offer English classes for non-native speakers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Holetown Library provides quiet study spots for reading and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The St. James Community Center hosts various events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer Station in nearby Bridgetown is an option for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Barbados Casino in Hastings is the closest gambling venue to Holetown. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $180,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $128,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $228,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $156,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $256,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $192,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Generally favorable with rates around 5.5% for offshore companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The standard rate is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest income tax rate is approximately 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | VAT is set at 17.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules for taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, there is an annual property tax assessed at 0.1 to 0.25%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The property transfer tax is set at 2.5%. |