Oistins, Barbados 🇧🇧
#1191
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Oistins is a vibrant fishing town located on the southern coast of Barbados, known for its lively nightlife and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BBD ≈ 0.50 USD, major banks include CIBC FirstCaribbean and RBC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 110V, 60Hz; power plugs are of type A and B. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Top mobile providers include Digicel and Flow. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment methods include credit cards and mobile payments (e.g., Revolut, TransferWise). |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront apartments to Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, but cash is recommended for local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals are available on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Consider staying at the Oistins Hostel for budget-friendly options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Tourists generally prefer the South Coast for proximity to beaches and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area near the Oistins Boardwalk is ideal for digital nomads due to lively atmosphere and coworking spaces nearby. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office Barbados, located in Hastings, offers great coworking facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Bean Café in Oistins provides a relaxing atmosphere with free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look out for meetups organized by the Barbados Digital Nomads community on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Attend weekly fish fry events at Oistins Bay Gardens, popular among locals and expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use the local taxi service or the app called Ride Barbados. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooting around Oistins is easy, with rentals available at Oistins Bike Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Oistins Beach is the closest and is a popular spot for sunbathing and water sports. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LIAT offers regional flights within the Caribbean. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and British Airways provide direct flights to Barbados. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | ABC Highway provides direct access to Bridgetown and other locations. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Oistins does not have a train service; however, local buses connect to Bridgetown. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus passes are available for frequent travelers around the island. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are great options for getting to other towns and attractions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Goddard's Medical Centre is the nearest healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Beach offers classes to both locals and tourists. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Paradise is a popular gym with various fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at Oistins Laundromat. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Use the Foodie app for local delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Oistins fish fry for fresh grilled fish and traditional sides. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Choices include The Greenhouse and Cafe Luna. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cuz's Fish Shack is famous for its rum cake and other local treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Oistins Fish Market offers fresh seafood and local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local stores for other online deliveries. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supercentre provides grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Oistins Bay Gardens is known for its nightlife, especially on Fridays. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Banks Brewery is known for its local beer and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Shed offers a good selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Oistins serve delightful Bajan snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Bella Luna serves Italian cuisine and is well-reviewed. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Oistins Fish Market for local culture and history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Barbados Museum is a short drive away and offers insights into local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | St. Nicholas Abbey, a restored plantation house, is worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The nearby Christ Church Parish Church is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Oistins Fish Festival is an annual highlight celebrating local fishers. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The south coast is rich in local art galleries and cultural workshops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Frank Collymore Hall in Bridgetown hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Oistins Market on Fridays is famous for its vibrant atmosphere. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live calypso and reggae music can often be found at local bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals and street art can be found across the south coast. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available at local schools, allowing you to learn Bajan recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery at the Barbados Community College showcases local talent. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic site of St. Nicholas Abbey is a must-visit. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Oistins is culturally rich with a mix of Afro-Caribbean influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the tranquil Maxwell Beach for swimming and relaxation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is a nearby area for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path from Oistins to Christ Church is scenic and perfect for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The boardwalk in Oistins offers beautiful sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of the Oistins Beach allow bonfires with permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx services are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Barbados Tech offer device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Play table tennis at the Oistins Community Centre. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes in both English and Bajan Creole are offered locally. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Christ Church Library provides a quiet study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Oistins Community Centre hosts various local events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming lounges can be found in Bridgetown. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The nearest casino is located in St. Lawrence Gap. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $95,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $75,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Barbados has a territorial tax system based on source. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 17.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to manage double taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax rate is approximately 2.5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Barbados offers a 12-month Digital Nomad Visa with tax benefits for remote workers. |