Anyone looking for a wonderful Caribbean paradise to call home should have Barbados at the top of their list. Barbados is a well developed and stable commonwealth island located in the Caribbean Sea. This island offers year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a wide variety of entertainment options. Barbados is a great choice for expats.
Climate
Barbados’s climate comes very close to being perfect. Temperatures are comfortable throughout the year and usually fall between 75 and 85 degrees, and the nights are slightly cooler. Trade winds cause the weather to be less hot during the day. Although it rains in Barbados, most rainfall is brief and does not last the entire day. There is plenty of sunshine all year round and the driest part of the year falls between January and June. Barbados can be affected by hurricanes, but the weather is pleasant and comfortable for most of the year.
The water surrounding the island is warm, clear, and blue. It is usually very calm and perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating.
Government
Although an independent state, Barbados is also a part of the British Commonwealth. Barbados has a parliamentary system modeled after Britain’s. Americans only need a passport to visit Barbados. Visitors can stay in Barbados for up to 28 days. In order to stay longer, visitors must complete and submit a request for visa or residency.
For more information on Barbados’s visa and residency requirements, please visit the Barbados Government Information Service.
Tax System
Unfortunately, Barbados is not a tax haven and has one of the highest tax rates in the Americas! The top individual income tax rate is 37.5% and the corporate income tax rate is 30%.
Medical Care
Medical care is considered to be very good. Although public hospitals are available, private hospitals are far speedier and the quality of service is higher. Visitors from the U.S. should ensure that their health insurance plan is accepted in Barbados before going there. Other options include purchasing a health care plan on the island or purchasing travel insurance that includes a health care component. Most private and public healthcare facilities expect payment at the time of service. This may be difficult for those without insurance or significant savings.
Real Estate
Purchasing property in Barbados is relatively straightforward. However, expats should consult a lawyer or real estate agent on the island regarding guidelines that they should follow. Buyers must either have a certificate of compliance or register with the government before a purchase can go through. There are also taxes that are levied on real estate purchases.
Real estate prices are moderate to expensive. For instance, the cost of beachfront properties start at a half a million dollars. Condos and apartments are far more affordable with some costing less than $200,000. There are rental apartments/small houses available for about $600 and up per month. However most average size apartments cost about $1,000 per month.
Shopping
Although shopping can be a great experience for tourists, it may be problematic for long term visitors. Tourist supplies are very easy to find, but household goods are hard to come by. Bargains can be found, but only with alot of hard work. Most items cost more than they would in the US or UK because they are imported and high duties are placed on such products.
Barbados has many great restaurants, clubs, and bars throughout the island. Barbados attracts many tourists year round and there are always fun things to do and see. People who enjoy water sports and beach activities will not be disappointed in Barbados. Some of Barbados’ many water activities are scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, and fishing.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Barbados is moderate to high. Unfortunately, taxes are high not only for individuals, but for companies as well. In addition, real estate prices are higher than in the US and UK, especially for beach front properties. Another reason for the high cost of living is that all goods are imported. Most establishments cater to tourists with money to spend, which makes it difficult for expats with a fixed income or small budget.
Extradition from Barbados
The Extradition treaty between Barbados and the United States of America was signed on February 28 1996
This treaty was entered into force on March 3, 2000
Map of Barbados
