The straightforward and common sense guide to driving in Barbados

Barbados is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. With beautiful beaches, lush rainforests and many restaurants visitors come here to enjoy some rest and relaxation. If you’re planning on driving during your vacation in Barbados, there are a few things you should know first when traveling around the island.

Here’s a quick guide to getting behind the wheel in Barbados:

Things to know before you arrive in Barbados

Photo by Tom Jur on Unsplash

Being a small island, it’s easy enough to get around in Barbados, but it’s still a good idea to have a basic knowledge of the road rules before driving here. The main thing to know is that, as a former British colony, they drive on the left here.

Important tips for driving in Barbados

The legal age for driving in Barbados is 18 years old.
Before visiting a Barbados car rental, you should ensure you are over 21 years old and have at least 2-5 years of driving experience.
Drivers who will be 75 or older must provide evidence of good health with an official medical certificate from their physician.
Some important emergency services numbers are the Royal Barbados Police Force at 211, the Barbados Road Safety Unit at 511, and Fire Service at 311.
The speed limit is stated in kilometers per hour and not miles per hour. 1 kilometer converts to 0.62 miles. Make sure to look at posted signs indicating the speed limit so that you don’t go over it.
Seatbelts must be worn by all drivers and passengers in a vehicle.
The local rush hours are 7:00 – 9:00 am and 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
Drivers in Barbados must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, even if there is no stop sign or traffic light.
It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving, except to make emergency calls.

When you see a police vehicle, ambulance, fire truck, or tow truck, use caution and pull over to the side to let them pass. They’ll stop traffic while they respond to an accident or call. Don’t try to beat them to the scene; wait for them to arrive. Outside of that, enjoy cruising in the sun!

Road conditions

Most roads are in good condition, but watch out for pockmarks and puddles when you’re driving in the countryside. Road surfaces vary widely depending on location. Most roads are paved with asphalt and some in concrete. Watch out for potholes.

Additionally, when approaching roundabouts it can be intimidating for those who are new to the concept. However all you need to do is take caution and always yield right of way as cars will pass through these intersections without stopping first so slow down!

Driver’s License in Barbados

Driving in Barbados requires a driver’s license but you will need to get a Visitor Driving Permit.

The Ministry of Transport & Works/BRA is responsible for issuing Visitor Driving Permits. To apply for a Visitor Driving Permit, you will need to show your valid driver’s license from your home country, as well as your passport. Your car rental company will provide this permit when you collect the vehicle. The process usually takes less than 15 minutes.

If you’re looking to get the Visitor Driving Permit, you can also head over to any Barbados Licensing Authority/BRA Office at The Pine in St Michael, Oistins – Christ Church, or Holetown – Saint James locations. The licensing Authority Offices are open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays. You will pay $10 for the Permit which is valid for 2 months.

Car insurance in Barbados

Car insurance before driving in Barbados. Your home country’s insurance may not cover you here. Car insurance is mandatory in Barbados.

The minimum amount of coverage is $500,000 per person and $1,000,000 per accident. You can buy car insurance at the rental company or through a local broker. You will need to show your driver ’s license and car registration.

Gasoline prices in Barbados

Photo by Dawn McDonald on Unsplash

The local currency is the Barbadian dollar (BBD). Gasoline is relatively expensive in Barbados, so it’s a good idea to fill up your tank before driving around the island.

There are gas stations dotted around the island, but they aren’t always open. It’s a good idea to fill up your tank whenever you see an open station.

Driving around with kids in Barbados

Barbados law states that children under five years old cannot ride in the front seat unless they are properly restrained. They must sit in a rear-facing child restraint system. For those aged 5 to 12, there is no age restriction.

Why are they honking at you?

In Barbados, honking is used to greet friends and family members, thank someone for helping you, ask for directions, express surprise, show appreciation, let others know that you see them, or just say hello. Honking is also used to indicate that you want to pass another vehicle.

Drivers flash their headlights to warn other drivers about road hazards like pedestrians, animals, debris, potholes, speed bumps, vehicles stopped ahead, and other traffic conditions. This is especially important during rainy weather.

When you are stuck behind another vehicle, flashing your lights indicates that you are willing to give way and wait for the other vehicle to move over. If you are unable to do so, honk your horn repeatedly.

If you are waiting for someone else to cross the street, flashing your lights indicates to the person that you are ready to go. You can also use your phone to call the person to tell him/her that you are crossing the street.

Be careful with the speed limit in Barbados!

The speed limits in Barbados are posted on road signs. For example, typically the speed limit in city areas is 40 km/h, in rural areas is 60 km/h, and on major highways is 80 km/h.

However, it is important to note that most people don’t abide by the speed limits. Many drivers go over the speed limit, especially during rush hour traffic. This is why you see police officers speeding around town looking for motorists breaking the law.

Parking in Barbados

Always park in well-lighted areas and avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. Do not leave anything in plain sight inside your car. Thieves love easy pickings.

Parking signs are posted throughout the island. But some streets aren’t signed properly, so check road conditions carefully before you pull into a spot. Parking meters are common in urban areas. Pay attention to the meter number, as some are automated. Keep an eye on the clock, too. Many parking meters are timed, so you must pay within a certain period of time.

When Rum keeps the party going

Bajan Rum isn’t just a drink, but a way of life on the island, but the last thing anyone needs when they’re on vacation is a car accident. We all know drinking and driving is never a good idea. On this island, it’s always the right idea to have a designated driver or to call one of our reliable taxis if you’ve had too much to drink.

Things to Bring with you

The Ministry of Transport advises drivers to carry certain items while travelling in Barbados. They include:

International driving permit. You must take one of these with you when driving on the Caribbean island.
Insurance document. If you are insured in another country, it is advisable to bring along proof of insurance.
Take a local road map as there are many roads that can be confusing to navigate if you are unfamiliar with the area.

A few final thoughts

Driving in Barbados is relatively easy. The island has a good road network and there are plenty of signs to guide you. However, there are a few things to be aware of, such as the speed limit, Honking culture, and parking. Be sure to bring your driver’s license and proof of insurance when driving on the island.

While planning ahead before heading down under on holiday accommodation searches, the perfect getaway awaits you at one of our vacation rental in Barbados. We have luxury villas and other holiday homes that are sure to meet your needs for any length of time. We will be more than happy to help you find your perfect vacation rental home in Barbados.

Common questions about driving in Barbados

Is it safe to drive in Barbados?

Yes, it is safe to drive in Barbados. The island has a good road network and there are plenty of signs to guide you. However, there are a few things to be aware of, such as the speed limit, Honking culture, and parking. Be sure to bring your driver’s license and proof of insurance when driving on the island.

What to do if you get pulled over?

If you are pulled over by the police, remain calm and be respectful. The police here are generally friendly and helpful. Show them your driver’s license and registration. If you don’t speak English, ask to speak to a translator.

What to do if you have an accident?

If you are involved in an accident, call the police immediately. Do not move your vehicle until the police arrive. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles. Exchange insurance information with the other driver. Get the contact information of any witnesses.

What side of the road do people drive on in Barbados?

In Barbados, motorists drive on the left side of the road, following the British driving system. Ensure you familiarize yourself with this rule and the local traffic signs to have a safe and enjoyable driving experience on this beautiful island.

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15 WAYS TO ENJOY A MORE FULFILLING VACATION

By Spotzer Spotzer • September 25, 2025

With over 25 years experience in luxury travel industry, we have seen it all. To help you enjoy your next trip to the fullest, the ZenBreak’s team has compiled the best and worst travel experiences and extracted the lessons we learned from the past. Our recommendations applies to business trip, short weekend get away or long escape on the beach. If you like staying in luxury hotels or are planning to go backpacking for a while, any of the following will apply. BOOK AHEAD Yes, there are tons of flight comparison websites, and you’ve just spent the last hour looking for the best deal possible. However you’re not the only one searching and those internet cookies leave crumbs behind. Next time you go back online, the probabilities are that the price you loved today will be higher. Time flies! Book that trip before the price goes up or you might regret it. DON’T BE FLASHY Never underestimate the eyes of pickpockets. Wearing a fancy watch, or even an unnoticeable bracelet might not seem like something to think about when you travel. However, you never know who’s watching you. Being discreet is the best way to avoid embarrassing or unfortunate situations. Don’t show off and remain anonymous. KEEP A JOURNAL Met someone special? Had an interesting or unusual chat? Writing down how you were affected by certain experiences creates a better platform for reflection at a later date. Souvenirs may not always be photos, words carry your emotions much better sometimes. Remember that by writing what you experienced, you drastically increase the probability of remembering what you lived in the future. WRITE THINGS DOWN Just had directions explained to you in a strong hard-to-understand accent? Not sure you’ll remember the details of which way to go? Just write it down. Take that extra minute to recap and make sure you don’t miss the essentials. It may save you, valuable time later on. MORE TIME, FEWER PLACES Would you rather know a limited amount of information about many different places, or really experience and immerse yourself in a few areas? The world is huge and it’s just impossible to go everywhere. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you can only remember how clean or dirty airports or trains were. Try dedicating a full week to explore a large city. I was once forced to increase my stay in Bangkok from 2 days to 7 due to the SARS virus in Hong Kong. It turns out to be one of the best experiences I ever had. ALWAYS ASK HOW MUCH ($) You’ve just got in a cab, and you’re asking yourself if you’ve got enough cash? Don’t put yourself in a situation where you don’t know how much something costs, and don’t be afraid to ask for the price before committing. If it’s too much, feel free to find another option. This applies to taxi, but also to excursions, restaurants, bars and hotels. Many unscrupulous institutions will inflate their prices when a foreigner show up at their door. Be sure not to be the sucker they all remember. If you feel the pressure to commit, just walk out. LEARN SOME BASIC LANGUAGE Hallo! Ciao! Hej! Namaste! Bonjour! xin chào! It may not be the best, but at least you’re making an effort. It may sound rude only speaking your own language, show you are considerate and learn a few simple words on the way to a foreign country. There are no better ways to make friends. PUT YOUR MOBILE PHONE AWAY Why would you travel thousands of miles to stay hooked on your phone? Forget about social media and various apps during your stay and enjoy a little more of the world around you. Rediscover what it is to live disconnected. You may realize you don’t miss your phone at all! TRY THE STREET FOOD Restaurants are nice, but street food is the real deal. Nobody ever died from eating skewers or local specialties from street vendors. Cheap, fast and authentic, eating outside can only do you good. They will leave you with unbelievable memories. DON’T COMMUTE TOO MUCH Yes, you may feel like there is so much to do! And no, unfortunately your holidays won’t last forever. But is it really worth trying to reach every single town of a country you are only just discovering? Take the time to really explore the town you’re in, you can always come back for a future vacation. ALWAYS SAY THANK YOU! Politeness is universal and enjoyed by all. Don’t be rude, even with the insistent seller at the market, culture varies from one place to the other, what may seem like an aggressive sale pitch may just be the norm where you are. Show appreciation to locals, and earn their respect. This may lead to more chances to say thank you! REMEMBER TO CARRY WATER Don’t risk getting ill from tap water because you forgot to pack a bottle in your bag. A little flask is your best friend for hydration. Don’t forget to wash your hand regularly, or if no fresh water is available, to use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. LEAVE REVIEWS Try to leave a short review on commonly used platforms such as TripAdvisor or Google My Business. Do it, whether your experience was incredible, average or poor? Statistics show that those platforms are the number driver when you pick a service or a restaurant. If we don’t leave negative comments to avoid hurting someone, the owner may not find out that you were unsatisfied and the next traveller will not be informed of your experience. On the other end, if your experience really exceeded your expectations, don’t hesitate to mention the individual who provided outstanding service. They may get rewarded. SLOW DOWN, STOP AND OBSERVE Do you feel that you rush around too much in your everyday life? Take the time to look at all the interesting and different things around you. If you enjoy taking pictures, you are sure to find many things to shoot if you slow down a little. Discover the local day-to-day life, this is where the true beauty hides. GET UP EARLY The early bird catches the worm. Rising early gives you more time for exploring, miles traveled and a better overall experience. Early birds enjoy their time off even more! …and finally, to get the best vacation possible, nothing better than saving some money, enjoy the best price guaranteed on your vacation rental with ZenBeak.com

ACCEPT DOGS IN YOUR HOLIDAY HOME ANDINCREASE YOUR BOOKINGS.

By Spotzer Spotzer • September 25, 2025

Did you know that on Airbnb, ‘pet-friendly’ is the fourth most popular request when looking for an apartment or a villa? The top three in order are: Free parking A full kitchen Pool Being dog friendly ranks even higher than wifi. Accepting dogs in your vacation rental will increase your income. For many, dogs aren’t seen as pets but as family members. They are often our best friends, they bring joy wherever they go. No home feels quite right without your pet, so why not bring them with you? 48% of American families own a dog. The number of guests traveling with dogs is increasing every year. According to a TripAdvisor survey, 53% of pet owners take their furry friends on the road with them. However, less than 25% of vacation properties welcome pets with their owners.This ratio plays a big role in favour of those who open their holiday home to dogs. With so many potential customers looking for pet-friendly properties, offering this service is likely to increase your bookings and will allow you to increase your stay costs. Being pet-friendly when renting out your home or villa means that your potential clientele will increase greatly, resulting in a higher occupancy rate. After analyzing the statistics of our partners, such as Airbnb and Homeaway, we found that pet-friendly vacation rentals generated higher rental income and occupancy than those that did not accept dogs – between 10% and 20% more. Accepting dogs will generate repeat rentals from the customers. Paying someone to feed, walk and watch your dog every day can be very expensive for the owner, not to mention the anxiety and stress of separation for both parties. By providing dog-friendly accommodations, you allow patrons to create memories with the whole family, which is likely to generate a return for your visitors in the years to come. Man’s best friend will also allow you to increase the length of the stays of the travelers. When a traveler wants to relocate for a long time, it becomes essential for them to find a property that will accept their faithful companion. Asking their friends and families to keep Fido for a week or two, can work, but when the stay stretches over 3 weeks or more, family and friends become scarce and the cost of institutional care becomes prohibitive. Do not worry about the condition of your property. Worried about the damage that Fido could cause you to your rental property during his visit? Statistics show that tenants of short term rentals that accommodate dogs and those who refuse them show the same cleanliness score and the same house conditions when the visitors leave. Dog or no dog, you won’t tell a difference. You will increase the off-season rental occupation. Looking to fill slow rental periods? Opening your doors to pets will increase rentals during times of low traffic. We found that occupancy rates were much higher in dog-friendly houses during the slow season. Note that guests book more last-minute trips out of season. With a small window between the reservation and the stay, it can be difficult to find a place to keep the dog. Competition for dog-friendly homes is lower at this time of year, guests can both book the perfect accommodation and be accompanied by their dog. In conclusion Open your doors to pets, especially dogs. By accepting dogs in your holiday home, you will increase bookings throughout the year and you will also see increased returns from past clients. The risk of damage is far outweighed by the increase in income, which in addition will not prevent you from increasing cleaning costs when a client reserves with a pet, a practice widely accepted by dog owners. So, make the right decision and increase your income, say: Good boy Fido, good boy!