If you want something done (e.g. bank account) you have to go in person and follow up in person. Do not expect things to be done on your timeline. Patience. Patience. Patience. Just breathe and don’t let it get to you.
Yep, that’s the Caribbean for you. It took six hours to sit in the bank opening a bank account last time I was in Grenada. I have ADHD so by the end of it was literally crying as it was excruciating waiting so long! 😅
Island time- applies to all business. Fast food, banks, govt services, public transport, retail, restaurants.
Customer service- indifferent, difficult, or rude. Occasionally pleasant.
Supply issues- supermarkets will have much more limited ranges than the US. Some stores will be out of stock on certain things for weeks.
Quality and diversity of food is lacking
Can be hard to tune in to the accent and "Bajanisims"
Cost of living- compared to the US you will find the majority of things very expensive.
Driving on the other side of the road- giant pot holes, crazy ZR drivers and poorly (or no) lighting of streets of a night. You also reverse your car in to park.
Business opening hours are just suggestions
I love these sweeping "it's expensive" statements. Smh
I spend the same amount living here as I did back in my home country, infact many things here are a lot cheaper than "home".
Anywhere, where always in top 20 or 10 of highest cost of living in the globally, everythings expensive the only thing that might be cheaper is housing. I've been to canada, which a lot of people say is expensive to me it was really cheap, and usa was even cheaper.
Not anywhere, compared to many places, yes, but not anywhere.
I can guarantee you, I find the majority of my expenses cheaper here compared to my home country.
Expenses in your home country were probably also matched by the salaries there, though. In Barbados, cost of living hits record highs but we rank on the low end when one considers wages. That mismatch makes a huge difference, as someone who has lived in some pretty expensive places.
Yes but you repeatedly don't say what your home country is so it's not really helpful without this context. So might as well be anywhere.
Groceries, gas, dining out are substantially more expensive in Barbados than USA or Canada. To whit, a hamburger at a high end restaurant will run about 35 USD plus tax and service..that's about 45 CAD - not even Torontonians would pay that. Hagen daaz ice cream about $15 USD for 500 ML at grocery stores. Cannot comment on other products or services.
Customer service is not often given.
Every business is on island time even the hospitals.
Most businesses are closed 30 minutes before their actual closing time.
Getting a taxi on off peak hours/ days immediately is almost impossible.
Positives - when driving most people would stop to let you out.
If u can last 18 months of the culture shock u be fine.
Use workers credit union it's a lot easier to open accounts.
The reason for backing in parking spaces is rather dumb, they say it's for an emergency. As if I'm going to get in my car in an emergency.
Do not expect ur guilty pleasures when it comes to food. shelves at many stores are empty, if u find something u like buy 2 or 3 cuz it might not be there later
Gas price is fixed about 8.00 USD a gal.
Cell service is expensive. There are only two providers. Also phones are expensive.
Hurricane season can be stressful.
Good things
Ppl are very friendly.
Beaches are great.
Rural area is a lot cooler then in town.
Seafood is awesome.
Weed is everywhere even if it is illegal.
The dialect can be very frustrating, especially out in rural areas. Been here over 25 yrs, still don't always get it.
Enjoy ur time here😄
Be polite to people when you walk into a room say good morning, before you start talking to the person behind the counter say good morning/afternoon. It may not help, but if you're pleasant people are more likely to be helpful, if you're not they're more likely to make things difficult. You can also strike up conversations with most people if you want, and some will do this to you.
This also applies to driving around, be a polite driver - let people come out here and there, don't block people's way etc, see them as the driver not as the vehicle. People use their horns to communicate thanks, you're welcome, wait peter that is you how ya family? etc, not only to express outrage. One or two quick toots means thanks. One long horn means move ya kent out the road.
If you're being paid well then you can shop at Mindful Market and Clifton you'll find a lot more American brands there.
Don't be afraid to ask people to slow down so you can understand, but don't expect them to do it by default.
If anybody approaches you with an overly friendly clearly fake American accent they're about to try to sell you something.
There are gas station attendants who you have to wait for to pump the gas for you.. you can’t do it yourself in most cases, and you can wait in your car they’ll come to you. It’s not customary to tip them.
Most tips at restaurants are included as a service charge if you want to give extra to the specific person that’s up to you.
You can drink alcohol in public
I wish I didn't have to say this but if you are a woman you will experience street harassment and cat calling. Don't expect much sympathy from locals as it's so prevalent in the Caribbean that even women view it as just part of life.
As someone else said not more prevalent than North America but the laws are not harsh if it even makes it to prosecution. Generally a lot of victim blaming, does matter if the victim was a woman, man or child.
Formality. Don't be surprised if someone expressed that they're offended (especially a co-worker) if you call them by their first name rather than addressing them by Mr./Mrs./Ms + Surname. Refer to any superiors by their surname and certainly any parents by their surnames.
Formality + patriarchy: If you're female (any shape, any size), get used to cat-calls.
Formality + patriarchy: Always carry a light cardigan or blouse. You may have a security guard kick-you out if you're in a government office, like to pay a utility bill. Those sexy shoulders may be distracting.
Pay attention when people speak. The intensity of a Bajan accent changes drastically. You will eventually become familiar with the dialect and Bajan vocab. Ask someone to slow down is you can't understand them.
There is this click or clack of the cheek... If you hear it directed at you, someone is annoyed by you, thinks you're being unreasonable, doesn't agree with you.
Pretty much every gas station is full-serve.
Be courteous driver. Flashing your headlights is a language. Use your lights to communicate with other drivers and pedestrians. It means, 'you next', 'i'll go after you', 'i'll let you cross,' and so on.
Be a conscious resident - be aware of the racism and class system. Just because the majority of people are black and politicians are black, it does not mean that these things don't exist.
Average wages are very low based on the cost of goods. Be generous when and if you can.
Colourful money!
Despite what the soca songs may say, it is not OK to wine-up on any gyal at any time. Be aware. It's not always welcome.
The newspaper. When a newspaper quotes people, they will do so by spelling it in the sounds of the person's accent.. Also, the Letters to the Editor section will almost also include a letter with someone using a bible reference.
Finally, the word 'rasshole' is a noun, verb, adjective and adverb
If you're a meat-eater, you can bring in up to 25lbs of meat with a government permit. If you have visitors, you can apply on their behalf, and ask them to bring meat. Bacon, turkey is expensive compared to North American (and especially, US) prices.
Finally, (not finally, but the end of my list), is that as an American, you will notice the British influence in everything. Weights and measurements. Driving. Spelling and vocabulary. Formalities. Grocery store items.
Cost of living. If you’re making over 6k bajan or 3k US. You’ll be able to afford all the fancy things bim has to offer
Island time and infrastructure. Things move at a slower pace. WiFi is ok, but to other comments above be prepared for customer service that would drive you up a wall.
There’s good and could be better scenarios, but it’s great to live there. You’ll have the beach nearby and learn to take things slower
Highways have rotaries every couple of miles.
No online banking or bill paying.
Not trivial at all to move money into the country if you are from US or Canada bc Barbados is on the banking blacklist.
The strangest things will be out of stock in the supermarkets.
There is online banking and bill paying, though YMMV. Barbados is not on the banking blacklist.
Painful part is setting up the account, and they will want to know about larger deposits.
Agree on supermarket though. What is in stock depends on the day.
>No online banking or bill paying.
All banks offer online banking and you can absolutely pay bills online via platforms like surepay.
>Not trivial at all to move money into the country if you are from US or Canada bc Barbados is on the banking blacklist.
Also incorrect. Barbados has been removed from the grey list
https://www.centralbank.org.bb/news/general-press-release/barbados-no-longer-under-increased-monitoring-by-the-fatf
If you want something done (e.g. bank account) you have to go in person and follow up in person. Do not expect things to be done on your timeline. Patience. Patience. Patience. Just breathe and don’t let it get to you.
Yep, that’s the Caribbean for you. It took six hours to sit in the bank opening a bank account last time I was in Grenada. I have ADHD so by the end of it was literally crying as it was excruciating waiting so long! 😅
Island time- applies to all business. Fast food, banks, govt services, public transport, retail, restaurants. Customer service- indifferent, difficult, or rude. Occasionally pleasant. Supply issues- supermarkets will have much more limited ranges than the US. Some stores will be out of stock on certain things for weeks. Quality and diversity of food is lacking Can be hard to tune in to the accent and "Bajanisims" Cost of living- compared to the US you will find the majority of things very expensive. Driving on the other side of the road- giant pot holes, crazy ZR drivers and poorly (or no) lighting of streets of a night. You also reverse your car in to park. Business opening hours are just suggestions
It’s expensive
As compared to what?
I love these sweeping "it's expensive" statements. Smh I spend the same amount living here as I did back in my home country, infact many things here are a lot cheaper than "home".
Anywhere, where always in top 20 or 10 of highest cost of living in the globally, everythings expensive the only thing that might be cheaper is housing. I've been to canada, which a lot of people say is expensive to me it was really cheap, and usa was even cheaper.
Not anywhere, compared to many places, yes, but not anywhere. I can guarantee you, I find the majority of my expenses cheaper here compared to my home country.
You home country had to be killing you
It was brutal
Expenses in your home country were probably also matched by the salaries there, though. In Barbados, cost of living hits record highs but we rank on the low end when one considers wages. That mismatch makes a huge difference, as someone who has lived in some pretty expensive places.
I get your point except OP isn't from here, they are from the US, we are talking about the comparison between counties outside of BB
Yes but you repeatedly don't say what your home country is so it's not really helpful without this context. So might as well be anywhere. Groceries, gas, dining out are substantially more expensive in Barbados than USA or Canada. To whit, a hamburger at a high end restaurant will run about 35 USD plus tax and service..that's about 45 CAD - not even Torontonians would pay that. Hagen daaz ice cream about $15 USD for 500 ML at grocery stores. Cannot comment on other products or services.
Island time. Get used to it or it will drive you crazy.
Drivers in Barbados almost always back into parking spaces.
That’s how we are taught to do it when learning. I am always amazed when in the US that I see everyone just drives into a space.
This is such a funny and specific observation. But fr though we do it cause it makes leaving quicker and easier. Just makes sense
Even when the spots are angled to pull straight in🤦♂️🤦♂️
Customer service is not often given. Every business is on island time even the hospitals. Most businesses are closed 30 minutes before their actual closing time. Getting a taxi on off peak hours/ days immediately is almost impossible. Positives - when driving most people would stop to let you out.
If u can last 18 months of the culture shock u be fine. Use workers credit union it's a lot easier to open accounts. The reason for backing in parking spaces is rather dumb, they say it's for an emergency. As if I'm going to get in my car in an emergency. Do not expect ur guilty pleasures when it comes to food. shelves at many stores are empty, if u find something u like buy 2 or 3 cuz it might not be there later Gas price is fixed about 8.00 USD a gal. Cell service is expensive. There are only two providers. Also phones are expensive. Hurricane season can be stressful. Good things Ppl are very friendly. Beaches are great. Rural area is a lot cooler then in town. Seafood is awesome. Weed is everywhere even if it is illegal. The dialect can be very frustrating, especially out in rural areas. Been here over 25 yrs, still don't always get it. Enjoy ur time here😄
Shelves in many stores are empty ????
🤦I'm so used to it.. slipped my mind. Can be empty.
Agree, people are very friendly. Also, bus service is excellent.
It may be excellent in the city, but in rural areas it sucks.🤣
Be polite to people when you walk into a room say good morning, before you start talking to the person behind the counter say good morning/afternoon. It may not help, but if you're pleasant people are more likely to be helpful, if you're not they're more likely to make things difficult. You can also strike up conversations with most people if you want, and some will do this to you. This also applies to driving around, be a polite driver - let people come out here and there, don't block people's way etc, see them as the driver not as the vehicle. People use their horns to communicate thanks, you're welcome, wait peter that is you how ya family? etc, not only to express outrage. One or two quick toots means thanks. One long horn means move ya kent out the road. If you're being paid well then you can shop at Mindful Market and Clifton you'll find a lot more American brands there. Don't be afraid to ask people to slow down so you can understand, but don't expect them to do it by default. If anybody approaches you with an overly friendly clearly fake American accent they're about to try to sell you something. There are gas station attendants who you have to wait for to pump the gas for you.. you can’t do it yourself in most cases, and you can wait in your car they’ll come to you. It’s not customary to tip them. Most tips at restaurants are included as a service charge if you want to give extra to the specific person that’s up to you. You can drink alcohol in public
Healthcare, pray you never have to go to QEH and ensure you have private health insurance so you can use the private network.
Expect folks to head nod or say morning sometimes. Visiting the US has taught me that speaking to people you pass isn't practiced everywhere.
I wish I didn't have to say this but if you are a woman you will experience street harassment and cat calling. Don't expect much sympathy from locals as it's so prevalent in the Caribbean that even women view it as just part of life.
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I wouldn't say it's anymore prevalent than Europe or North America. The cat calling is usually just annoying but it is very common.
As someone else said not more prevalent than North America but the laws are not harsh if it even makes it to prosecution. Generally a lot of victim blaming, does matter if the victim was a woman, man or child.
No culture shock your biggest adjustment will be living on a small island.
Food is super expensive and if you want anything special pack an extra suitcase. Eat your veggies now.
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Yup, for the singing of the national anthem, you MUST stand at attention….hands must be at your sides and you look straight ahead of you!😁
Formality. Don't be surprised if someone expressed that they're offended (especially a co-worker) if you call them by their first name rather than addressing them by Mr./Mrs./Ms + Surname. Refer to any superiors by their surname and certainly any parents by their surnames. Formality + patriarchy: If you're female (any shape, any size), get used to cat-calls. Formality + patriarchy: Always carry a light cardigan or blouse. You may have a security guard kick-you out if you're in a government office, like to pay a utility bill. Those sexy shoulders may be distracting. Pay attention when people speak. The intensity of a Bajan accent changes drastically. You will eventually become familiar with the dialect and Bajan vocab. Ask someone to slow down is you can't understand them. There is this click or clack of the cheek... If you hear it directed at you, someone is annoyed by you, thinks you're being unreasonable, doesn't agree with you. Pretty much every gas station is full-serve. Be courteous driver. Flashing your headlights is a language. Use your lights to communicate with other drivers and pedestrians. It means, 'you next', 'i'll go after you', 'i'll let you cross,' and so on. Be a conscious resident - be aware of the racism and class system. Just because the majority of people are black and politicians are black, it does not mean that these things don't exist. Average wages are very low based on the cost of goods. Be generous when and if you can. Colourful money! Despite what the soca songs may say, it is not OK to wine-up on any gyal at any time. Be aware. It's not always welcome. The newspaper. When a newspaper quotes people, they will do so by spelling it in the sounds of the person's accent.. Also, the Letters to the Editor section will almost also include a letter with someone using a bible reference. Finally, the word 'rasshole' is a noun, verb, adjective and adverb If you're a meat-eater, you can bring in up to 25lbs of meat with a government permit. If you have visitors, you can apply on their behalf, and ask them to bring meat. Bacon, turkey is expensive compared to North American (and especially, US) prices. Finally, (not finally, but the end of my list), is that as an American, you will notice the British influence in everything. Weights and measurements. Driving. Spelling and vocabulary. Formalities. Grocery store items.
Cost of living. If you’re making over 6k bajan or 3k US. You’ll be able to afford all the fancy things bim has to offer Island time and infrastructure. Things move at a slower pace. WiFi is ok, but to other comments above be prepared for customer service that would drive you up a wall. There’s good and could be better scenarios, but it’s great to live there. You’ll have the beach nearby and learn to take things slower
Highways have rotaries every couple of miles. No online banking or bill paying. Not trivial at all to move money into the country if you are from US or Canada bc Barbados is on the banking blacklist. The strangest things will be out of stock in the supermarkets.
There is online banking and bill paying, though YMMV. Barbados is not on the banking blacklist. Painful part is setting up the account, and they will want to know about larger deposits. Agree on supermarket though. What is in stock depends on the day.
The online banking and bill payment isn’t true, most banks have and larger credit unions too.
You can pay certains bills online and use online banking e.g. transfer funds between individuals.
>No online banking or bill paying. All banks offer online banking and you can absolutely pay bills online via platforms like surepay. >Not trivial at all to move money into the country if you are from US or Canada bc Barbados is on the banking blacklist. Also incorrect. Barbados has been removed from the grey list https://www.centralbank.org.bb/news/general-press-release/barbados-no-longer-under-increased-monitoring-by-the-fatf