Speightstown, Barbados 🇧🇧
#1192
,
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Speightstown is a charming coastal town located on the northwest coast of Barbados, known for its rich history and vibrant local culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 50 Mbps, suitable for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BBD (Barbadian Dollar) ≈ 0.50 USD; ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but bottled water is commonly preferred. |
| 🔌 Power | Electrical supply is 115V, 50Hz, with Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Digicel and Flow, offering competitive prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Republic Bank and Scotiabank accept foreign accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options from beachfront apartments to local guesthouses, found on Airbnb and local listing sites. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals are available via platforms like Airbnb, with rates starting from $80 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses such as The Newedge offer budget-friendly stays starting from $50 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachfront area near the historic Speightstown Square. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The residential area west of Speightstown, which is quieter and offers longer-term rentals. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | A few local cafes offer workspaces, but Coworking Barbados in nearby Holetown is recommended. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Fish Pot is popular among remote workers with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local gatherings often take place at Speightstown's beach bars and events are listed on platforms like Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for expat meetups at local bars or community events through Facebook groups specific to Barbados. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | The local taxi services are available, with an option for Uber in Bridgetown. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local shops; scooters can be rented from Speightstown Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Heywoods Beach is within walking distance and offers crystal-clear water. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LIAT provides regional flights between Caribbean islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue offer direct flights to/from the U.S. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A1 highway connects Speightstown to the rest of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Local bus services operate from Speightstown to other towns, but there is no train service. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Day passes for local transport are available at bus stations. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses (ZRs) provide frequent connections to Bridgetown and surrounding areas. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The nearest major hospital is the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Local yoga classes are available through the Speightstown Wellness Centre. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Radisson Aquatica has a gym for guests and daily passes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats and laundry services are available in Speightstown. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | BitesandBooze offers local delivery from various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Flying Fish and Cou-Cou is the national dish and a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Greenhouse offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try the ice cream from the local favourite, Fisherman’s Pub. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Speightstown Market offers fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local shops often have online offerings through Facebook and Instagram. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Massy Stores offers a grocery delivery service in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The waterfront area is lively, hosting various bars for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Banks Beer is a popular local brew that can be tried at most bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Diamond Wine & Liquor Store has a selection for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for the fish vendors by the shore for quick and tasty snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Royal Grill serves diverse international cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Arlington House Museum and the St. Peter’s Church. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Caribbean Museum of Arts offers local artistic exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Speightstown's colonial architecture, including the old port buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Peter's Church is a significant historical site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Speightstown Festival occurs annually in June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The town center showcases local art and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The nearby Frank Collymore Hall regularly hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Speightstown Fish Market is vibrant and full of local catches. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at local bars is common, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some murals in the area reflect local history and culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes featuring local cuisine are available through local chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gallery of Barbados displays art from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old warehouses by the waterfront have been preserved and restored. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The heritage of sugar cane production is a significant part of local culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Farley Hill National Park is great for hiking and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Barbados Wildlife Reserve offers a chance to see local fauna. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are coastal paths perfect for walking and cycling along the shore. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the cliffs at Cherry Tree Hill for stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around the area are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas offer designated spots for bonfires, particularly during special occasions. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Couriers like DHL and local services operate in Speightstown. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer mobile and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English is the primary language, but local courses for Spanish and French are available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Speightstown Library has study areas for residents. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Speightstown Community Centre offers activities and resources for locals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few local gaming lounges exist; check community notices for pop-up events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The nearest casino is in Bridgetown for those interested in gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $216,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% on profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Barbados taxes residents on income earned locally. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Effective rate can go up to 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 17.5% standard VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC regulations in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax rates vary based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | About 2.5% on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | There are various tax incentives available for foreign income under certain conditions. |