St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados 🇧🇧
#1707
13.067849, -59.574013
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | St. Lawrence Gap is a lively coastal area located on the southern coast of Barbados, known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25-50 Mbps, with many establishments offering Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BBD (Barbadian Dollar) ≈ 0.50 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Safe to drink, but bottled water is commonly preferred. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 115V, 50Hz. Sockets are Type A and B. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Flow and Digicel are the main mobile providers, offering prepaid SIM cards with data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Republic Bank and FirstCaribbean International Bank are commonly used; credit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront hotels to vacation rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept credit cards and some mobile payment options. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals available on Airbnb and local agencies, with prices around $100-$250 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses like the South Gap Hotel offer affordable rates starting from $50 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Gap is a popular coworking space with a vibrant community and amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee boat, a unique floating cafe, offers a quiet ambiance and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular networking mixers and expat meet-ups can be found on local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Barbados Expat Community hosts gatherings and events that encourage socializing and networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Zalika and Go Barbados are popular ride-hailing apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available from companies like Scooter Rentals Barbados. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | St. Lawrence Beach, just a short walk away, is known for its soft white sand. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LIAT operates regional flights from Barbados to several Caribbean islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and British Airways provide direct flights to several international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The ABC Highway provides easy access to other parts of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; local minibuses serve as the primary public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes are available but generally, buses run on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis provide regular services to nearby towns and attractions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the main healthcare facility in Barbados. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Beach offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit Barbados is a well-equipped gym option for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | The Laundry Room provides service washes and self-service options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food Drop Barbados offers a variety of local and international meal delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cou-Cou and Flying Fish is a must-try traditional dish of Barbados. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Puree offers a range of vegan and vegetarian dishes in a casual setting. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sweet Spot serves a variety of local desserts, including coconut tarts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Oistins Fish Fry offer fresh and affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local online shops like Massy Stores offer grocery delivery. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Massy Stores offers online shopping and delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | St. Lawrence Gap is renowned for its vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Banks Beer produces various local brews and offers brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine World has a great selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Oistins Fish Fry has numerous food stalls offering local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Harlequin Restaurant serves a diverse menu with local and global options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Christ Church Parish Church is a historical landmark worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Barbados Museum showcases the island's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | St. Nicholas Abbey is a restored plantation house with rich history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | There are several churches nearby; the most notable is the Christ Church Parish Church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Crop Over Festival, celebrating the end of the sugar cane harvest, occurs annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Gap area is known for its lively cultural scene with music and dance events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Oistins Market is famous for its fish, local crafts, and live music. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in various bars along The Gap, especially reggae and calypso. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Colorful murals and street art can be found around St. Lawrence Gap. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Barbados Culinary School offers cooking classes featuring local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gallery of Caribbean Art displays a diverse range of Caribbean artworks. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The George Washington House is a historic site that highlights Barbados's colonial past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Barbadian culture reflects a rich tapestry of African, Caribbean, and British influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat with a variety of wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Harrison's Cave is a stunning limestone cavern, a must-visit natural attraction. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path from St. Lawrence Gap to Oistins provides scenic views and leisure walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from South Point Lighthouse is a picturesque spot for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Dedham Valley Nature Trust is excellent for observing local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations for designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable parcel delivery services from the island. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Quick Tech Barbados offers electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Social clubs often host table tennis nights; check for local listings. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutions offer English and Spanish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Barbados National Library Service provides study spaces and internet access. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Christ Church Community Centre hosts various cultural events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | PlayStation Gaming Lounge in nearby Bridgetown offers a fun spot for gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Barbados Casino offers gaming and entertainment options. |
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. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $138,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $192,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Under 15% if covered by a tax treaty. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system; only income earned in Barbados is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Effective rates range from 0% to 40% depending on income level. |
| 🧾 VAT | 17.5% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on the rental value imputed on the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2.5% on property purchases. |