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How bad is crime in Barbados? Our safety expert shares his tips on scams and criminal activity travelers should watch out for.
Photo © iStock/oriredmouse
Most visits to Barbados will be trouble-free. This island destination generally has a lower crime rate than its Caribbean neighbors, BUT it's not without dangers. However, since 2019 there has been an increase in gang-related gun crime, including robberies, shootings and sexual assaults, including in populated and public places.
Here are a few reasons to keep your guard up on your vacation.
How bad is crime in Barbados?
The US Department of State advises its citizens to avoid the following areas: Crab Hill at all times, Nelson and Wellington streets in Bridgetow at night, use added vigilance while on non-reputable nighttime party cruises.
According to the OSAC 2020 Crime and Safety Report for Barbados in 2018, measuring crimes per 100,000 citizens, Barbados had 490 drug-related crimes, 325 residential burglaries, and 44 vehicle thefts.
Although visits are generally trouble-free, tourists are most likely to be victims of petty crime and crimes of opportunity.
Pedlars selling goods on the island are no worse than those in other Caribbean destinations or Mexico, but prepare yourself for the possibility of some intense hassling.
St. Lawrence Gap, on the southern coast of the island, is one place to take care particulary at night.
When driving, don't stop if flagged down, and keep cars doors locked
Travel safety tips for women in Barbados
Women should travel in groups and avoid walking home alone at night. According to several 2017 visitor reports on TripAdvisor, female travelers should look out for harassment while walking on the streets, on the beaches, and particularly on St. Lawrence Gap (The Gap). Harassment includes local men making sexual remarks and sometimes stalking of female tourists.
In 2017, a British tourist was raped at Holetown Beach and another British woman was the victim of attempted rape while jogging near to her holiday apartment in Holetown. The latter victim claimed that her complaint was met with indifference by the local police.
Only use licensed taxis, and agree a fare in local currency before you set off as taxis aren't metred. Don't carry large amounts of cash or wear a lot of jewellery.
Nightlife safety in Barbados
According to 2017 visitor reports on TripAdvisor, The Gap is one place where you can expect trouble. Many reports indicate that at night, this restaurant/bar/nightclub strip tends to attract hustlers who may offer you illegal drugs, and beggars who may pester you for money. Some reports also mention that some areas of The Gap are a bit run down, not well-lit at night, and may not be family-friendly. One visitor on TripAdvisor also mentioned that at The Gap, some taxi drivers can be aggressive and overcharge. Take care when walking alone at night or withdrawing money from ATMs.
Who to call for help in Barbados
If you are in a dangerous situation or fall victim to a crime in Barbados, call 211 for police, 311 for fire, and 511 for an ambulance. Also, you can always call your emergency assistance number on your travel insurance policy.
Drugs in Barbados
While Barbados is safer than the surrounding Caribbean islands, it shares loose border controls with its neighbors, which results in the international drug trade. The Caribbean islands serve as stopover points for illegal drug trading between the United States and Europe.
There are many reports on TripAdvisor of drug dealers approaching tourists on the street and on beaches offering to sell illegal drugs.
Local police in Barbados take the possession and use of marijuana just as seriously as other hard drugs. Also note that you are not covered by your travel insurance policy if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and you have an accident.
Hurricanes and natural disasters in Barbados
Barbados is far less prone to natural disasters than other Caribbean islands. It is subject to the hurricane season from June to November but hasn't suffered major damage since Tropical Storm Tomas in 2010. In 2017 Hurricane Harvey made landfall as a storm, leaving some without power, and a fair bit of destruction in its path.
Barbados is also prone to landslides, mostly affecting the Scotland district in the northeast.
Health risks in Barbados
When it comes to major illnesses, look out for dengue fever, Zika virus, and Chikungunya fever. All viruses are carried by infected mosquitoes. To avoid being bitten, wear strong insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing.
According to the CIA’s World Factbook, in 2016, the adult prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS infection was estimated at 1.3%, with 2,600 persons living with the virus in Barbados.
It's not a joke when people say the biggest natural hazard you'll encounter in Barbados is falling coconuts. Be mindful when walking under a tree bearing the fruit, and never try to climb the tree to get one down.
Culture and customs in Barbados
Generally, Barbadians are friendly and courteous people. In addition to popular holidays, Barbados also celebrates Crop Over in July and August. It's the island's biggest holiday with lots of food, street parades, and soca music.
However, there are some etiquette tips to consider while visiting this Caribbean island:
- When on the beach, wear appropriate swimwear – don't go topless or bottomless, as public nudity is illegal
- Do not wear any clothes with camouflage print, as it's against the law and should only be worn by the military
- The island also has very conservative attitudes when it comes to same-sex relationships, and it is against the law.
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53 Comments
this is a load of bull crap... who wrote this ignorance anyways, prob some idiot that never been there.
your talking about what some travellers say, thats like less than a hungred compare to the hundred thousands that go there every month....
It's got its crime for sure but what country dosent???? name one country in the world that do no have any crimes at all...
Alse the litttle bit of crime in Barbados is the fault of the current local government (DLP) Democratic Labour Party...
I was born and riase there and now live in sydney australia soon to be 3 years.
Ive been almost all around the world in countries that i never thought id ever be in
And what I can honestly say is that there is no place like home.
No, you're wrong there are plenty of Greg riddled Countries like Barbados.
Barbados is a lot like Jamaica with its Drug and gang related problems, ultra violence and bad attitudes between whites and blacks. Name a few white politicians in Barbados! I can't think of any.
When i visited as a tourist i had no problems...the day i moved here my cab from the airport denise maccoon is the driver kicked me out of her cab because she couldn't find my house, leaving my dog and all the stuff i brought in a dark dead end...she knew i had no phone service...i begged her for water for my thirsty dog at least and ahe told me to stop crying and took off...
I grow up Barbados, and I think that it's sad when hear that a Country like Barbados Who's Economy is now base on tourism, and the Island people is currently being ripping off by the Island people and aggresative taxi drivers, if this kind of behavior continue it will bring down the Barbados economy and economic. Is there a drop in employment? I think that Barbados should bring back the sugar cane, and also retrained some Bajans to do the high technical jobs in Barbados today.
The Bajan are very intelligent and this kind of behavior unexcited.
I considered traveling to Barbados for vacation; however, I changed my mind after reading several articles about the opportunistic crime in Barbados. I hope the tourism board, merchants, vendors, resorts and the government realize the importance of tourism to the Barbados' economy. Please crack down on the crime or your service industry will run dry and bankrupt your nation. Respectfully - Derek Barrett
I went there eight years ago for a month with my wife only four times I was approach three in soup bowl and one in maycocks they need to put more presence of police in maycocks seems very quiet there and I was approach to my car by a tall guy if I wanted to buy weed I said no and he kindly back away other than that mind your own buissness and stay way from hanging at night and you should be fine but always have a plan for protection .like anywhere in the world other than that enjoy all the bay's there very quiet and empty totally more than safe.
My husband and I just returned from Barbados. We loved it. Other than getting lost because most roads are unmarked, we didn't experience any crime. We were approached near the Soup Bowl by one gentleman, although I'm not sure what he wanted. We told him we weren't interested and he moved on. Cab drivers in Bridgetown can be a little aggressive trying to pick up fares, but they were all perfectly polite. We stayed on the east side in Belleplaine and explored a lot of the island. We found Bajans to be incredibly friendly and helpful! We are used to watching our backs since we live in New York City, however, so no matter where we go, we stay aware and alert. I would go back to Barbados again and still stay on the east side of the island, where there's no traffic and people are friendly. It's a beautiful place.
Most of this is a load of crock sh#t . I've been visiting beautiful Barbados for 25yr, it is such an addictive place, go once and I guarantee you'll be back year after year. Most of the locals are cool, chilled and very friendly. Sure there is some crime, there is plenty of that in UK, USA & most countries, what country doesn't. Would anyone walk along a dark secluded place at night alone whilst at home? Why would anyone risk doing it in a foreign country? Play safe anywhere, invite trouble and you risk getting some. Beautiful BIM ???????? can't wait to be back for Carnival in July ???? counting down the days.
Beware the entertainment district - St. Lawrence the Gap...
The locals are hard hitting hustlers!!! They don't care about anything - including the fact that you may be on vacation with your girlfriend/wife... they will hit on her and say nasty things to her while you are right beside her. Not cool and no respect. Please don't fall victim to the locals. Beautiful beaches and country - too bad about the locals - they ruin it all!
The writer has obviously never been to Barbados. Been going for 15 years and never seen any troubles. Will return again next year
I lived there for 2 years... The east coast is amazing to stay all the locals are great people and traffic is low. West and south coast has plenty hustlers of course that's where the money is at. The Barbados government is making their people suffer so they are in survival mode right now, it's really sad the government allows this. It's more sad the government allows plenty GUNS in the island for the men to be shooting eachother. Don't expect much respect while in west/south from the hustlers and expect to be harassed. All in all Barbados is great and if you meet a good local keep him close to you take care of him and he will do the same. Do for Do. Shame of Barbados government for allowing bim to get so crime full
Currently staying on the south coast in Dover..beaches are amazing waves are great but I have to agree with the other posts about the locals..being white the locals assume your loaded and pretty much push coke up your nose and demand money. Can't even go to the market without being harassed..I like to party no doubt but it gets fucking annoying
I'm in Barbados right now in St. Lawrence gap. I m a prisoner of my hotel because this is not a vacation. I don't want to even walk up the gap because my husband and I keep being intimidated by locals. I am scared and would rather stay in my room than enjoy my vacation out there.The locals are quite aggressive and are intimidating and it is not a nice place to come when you want a relaxing vacation. I will not come back especially if I need a vacation I'd rather take on my 15 hour days in another prison --- my job.
I'm planning my 4th visit to Barbados in as many years. I travel alone and have never felt intimidated. The gap at night isnt great on your own, and yes the guys can be a bit forward, but a smile and a no thanks generally works. I get the buses, feels safer than a taxi, more people about and no arguments about fares. If you talk to the 'hustlers' most have families to feed and us tourists make their home an expensive place to live.
I have been to Barbados twice during Crop Over time and I have had no issues whatsoever. I love that place and I will be there again this week and also Crop Over again.
I sold my villa on their "platinum" coast after my British neighbor's 16 year old son got murdered inside his home by a burglar. This country is not safe!
"Beautiful beaches and country - too bad about the locals - they ruin it all!"
Are you for real? Some of the comments are here are colonialist and alarmist at best and racist at worst.
After reading the NY Post article on the Top 25 Death Zones for Yankee travelers....i shall not be traveling to Barbados, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Thank you very much!
It should not have this happening, the place is small the police know the bastards and they should all be locked up. TOURISM IS THE MAIN INDUSTRY! 0 tolerance should be the rule! But The cops are lazy, incompetent and the NCC are Lazy and corrupt and so is the Government! Barbados is a BLACK RACIST ISLAND and White Tourists should be careful! oR STAY AWAY let's see how good they fear!
Jersey Gal from America, the country with highest murder is concerned with that tawdry article from the NY Post, a sensationalist paper.
Vinnie, from Staten Island, Rockways or LI, he has no black friends is crying the blues. Again an American whose country feast on hate crimes and has a gun violence death rate second to none.
Barbados may have it issues but somehow I think those two are tainted...
First some of these above stories are made up.
Most of these comments people thought they would go to Barbados and the poor black man would Bow down to them.
Understand people have to hustle to survive
There is crime in all countries especially in America
America has the highest crime rates in the world
Barbados does have a gun issue
Youth unemployment is high
And drugs and gangs is an issue on the island
But racism is also real
If you are afraid of black people do not go to a Black Country
We don't need your negativity
Interesting, for the amount of Barbadians living on the Island, there is a lot of crime coming from the poverty. As for corruption, this Island is one of the worse. You are basically talked out of making a complain of any sort! I live on the island and to date have managed to report several crimes, from embezzlement and theft to being threatened with a gun! Still no luck with arrests even with video evidenced!
Obviously this article is fiction! You don't even get a crime number for your trouble if you manage to have your complaint logged.
Spend your time, if your visiting, writing your plight on travel sites. This is a politically corrupt Island!!
I had an interesting experience in Barbados back in the spring of 1993 when I was only 7 years old. Today I am 31 but remember this like it was yesterday. My parents and I, along with my uncle Jeff, rented a nice apartment in the Sunset Crest resort. A couple hours after we arrived at the apartment, a guy came in and installed a safe in the master bedroom. My dad kept his wallet, travelers checks, and other valuables in there. Sometime during one of the nights that followed, someone had somehow gotten into the apartment, opened the safe, and took all the valuables in there. The good thing is that none of us woke up during the robbery. We have no idea how many people were involved. It definitely seemed to be an inside job because, when the police arrived to investigate, they noted the safe hadn't been forced open. Someone had used the correct combination to open it.
Needless to say, my parents and my uncle had been drinking and everyone had passed out. My uncle distinctly remembers locking the doors before passing out on the couch. The police speculated that the robber(s) must have used a fishing rod or something similar to fish the keys off the coffee table in the living room. This apartment had barred windows with plastic slats, and a fishing rod could easily be slipped in there.
Aside from this episode, we definitely had a good time during our stay, but I can't help but wonder what would have happened if one of us had woken and discovered the intruders... I may have not been around to tell this story today!
We had a negative experience recently. Visited several other islands before and after this one. We loved them all, and the locals. We traveled as a fairly large group with various interests, wanted to see the town, some nature and spend some time on the beach during our day trip. Got swindled by the taxi driver. We all found the town itself dirty, smelly and uninviting. Women in our group got catcalled, we were constantly haggled. The restaurant tried to give us wrong change. Then we got taken to a horrible, smelly, fly infested beach, got charged for beach chairs, the tide came in and "the beach" basically disappeared after an hour. We were harassed by peddlers incessantly, there was garbage everywhere and flies! Never seen so many on a beach. Got offered drugs several times. Then the driver kept on driving around town picking up extra fairs and we barely made it back to our ship. We love to visit different places as tourists and travelers, we've all been to various places around the world, spent money there to support local economy, and out of our group of 10 not one of us said that we would come back. Felt used and will never recommend this place to anyone. Left really bad taste in our mouths.
Just got back and had an incredible time. The locals couldn't be friendlier. I found it a little fun to haggle with the street vendors and we always parted with a smile and a handshake. I walked the streets at 6am and never felt like I was in danger. Even the construction workers said good morning and offered assistance if I was lost. We walked up and down the St. Lawrence Gap and through Bridgetown, we felt comfortable the entire time.
My travel advise is: Never get a taxi bus. They keep grabbing fares until they are full and then will get more. Grab a regular taxi, they will take directly where you need to go and get the price upfront. They are open to haggling, it's almost like they expect it. Treat them with respect and you will get the same. I found most drivers are more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Also, Barbados is expensive compared to other Caribbean Islands. We ate at Subway once and it was double the price of home. The dual currency, Bajan and American, can get confusing. I suggest sticking to one, we chose Bajan.
We will absolutely go back. They beaches and people were the most amazing things about the country.
I am reading these articles as my wife and I are thinking of buying a second home in Barbados and of course are concerned about our safety whilst living there for say 3 months of the year and also the safety of the property when back in the UK. We enjoyed the island many many years ago on a holiday but have not been since. The reports I am reading seem very scary, particularly the ones referring to the black/white issues. Before I dispense with my chosen destination I would like to hear some comments. Thank you.
I've been to Bim four times in the past six years; going back next week. I generally stay in or around The Gap and usually travel by the mini-buses that run up and down the street. Yes, they get crowded and, being a middle-aged white male, I get lots of stares but I have never had a problem. You get approached, sometimes bordering on hassled in the Gap or Oistins, but with politeness and firmness, have never had an encounter escalate to beyond mildly uncomfortable (something that happens on a near daily basis in NYC where I live, so maybe I'm used to it). The people I have met have been friendly and gracious with few exceptions (again, that happens everywhere). I have been out late, walked home alone and, other than minor hassles, no worries. Right now, on the South side, the biggest problem is the back-flowing sewage. Destroy the areas beauty and make people sick and they will not come back.
We were there in 2017, had an awesome time. We felt safe, didn't notice anything out of the ordinary, but we didn't like constantly being asked for a taxi while exploring Bridgetown by foot. I guess if you're white, they assume you don't live there, therefore you need to be driven all the time. They never seem to bother their fellow citizens though. They need to learn when to back away, but overall, a great experience. We are about to go again in April 2018.
My husband and I went to Barbados for the first time last year (2017) and had an amazing time. Barbados is an absolutely beautiful place and EVERYONE was incredibly friendly. Visited Oistins Bridgetown and many other places with no problems at all and felt completely safe, welcomed and very relaxed. We have already booked to return this year.
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Stayed in Hastings January 2018. The people we're friendly and very helpful. We didn't experience any hassle. Local car drivers stopped on occasion when we wanted to cross the road. I find if you treat people with humour and respect, you will generally get it in return. I would not hesitate to go back.
We’ve meaning my self family friends have been coming to Barbado for 25 years we always have an amazing time just use your loave and don’t do anything there you wouldn’t do at home you will be fine
My wife & I stayed in St Lawrence Gap Aug/Sept 2017 and although we had a few people approach us for drinks/money we never felt threatened and even walked down the lane to the local shack bars,where we had a great time with the locals,and back up to our hotel I can honestly say that we never felt uneasy or threatened at any time. Don't get friendly with any taxi driver as they will offer you sightseeing trips around the island then try and extort more money than they quoted when the trip has finished. We stood our ground with a driver called Michael who isn't a resident of the Gap but just tries his luck here whenever the cruise ships aren't around. Yes be vigilant but it's a great place to visit and jump on a local Bajan bus to Oistins on a Friday as it's a great night to enjoy...then get the bus back as taxi drivers can overcharge a lot....enjoy wonderful Barbados as it's as safe a place as anywhere....plus get in with the locals as they will always welcome you with open arms and no hassling whatsoever.
I went here with a friend that was from Barbados and UK mates I'm Australian I wish my friend would have told me his toxic the culture here is. I mean yes yes nice beaches reggae music and sure people are nice like everywhere but holly shit the hustle is not just real it is so blatant you never feel safe forget it there is no such thing as safety. The sexism is so in your face the way men look at women is like objects and well not very cool at all. We had this UK guy with us who thought it would be great to get to know the locals next thing the guys he had meet and told about us where harassing and you couldn't get rid of them. It's not safe I felt like a prisoner unless I was out with a man forget it and even then unless you are with a local you dont feel safe. I would not recommend it as a place to visit tbh I mean go to Vanuatu if you want an island experience, if you want nice beaches go to Australia aka somewhere that has laws. I felt like I was in a lawless state and not once did I feel safe. Not a place for families and also not a place for Women the male culture is so blatantly sexist. It was obvious a high number of prostitutes in South and South West the drug pushers holy hell you cant step out. I had to literally tell them to piss off because it was so thick. In all honestly not a nice place until they pick up their act I see the country going backwards with tourism. You can see sure maybe people visited it in the 80s but the crack and drug scene makes it not friendly. I literally felt afraid for my life at each step of the way and my local friend could not understand why as a woman I felt afraid and he even told me not to yell at Men and not to react because the police wont help you. When your own mate says that well you know that your alone and you just want to make it out alive so to speak. Please please think twice before going.
Been coming here for 34 years and actually bought a house here. Sold it 2 years ago but still come back to this beautiful island. If you spend your holiday in St lawrence gap then you haven't seen the real Barbados or met the real baJan community. I can write stories here where we were lost driving on the island looking for Harrison cave. A gentleman stopped in his car and turned around and took us there. Believe me I have driven in some remote areas of the world for charity. Mongol Rally 2010 that is a bit scary but I have aways found if you are streetwise generally people are good and want to help
The gap is a tourist trap and if you go there expect to be ripped off. Go explore the rest of this beautiful Island. East coast barclays park the cattle wash st John's Church plus loads more. If you want a party scene go to ibetha
This Island has so much if you get away from the usual tourist areas. I will add generally the people are beautiful and generous. I know in London we are not used to people asking if you are OK as we are suspicious. People in Barbados are the most friendly people when you get to know them.
One other thing. The all inclusive is killing the local trade.
This from a Welsh man that loves this place
I don't have any problems. Most people are polite and respectful and look after you if you are being hassled. Some people are rude just like any where.
Perceptions among locals that tourists are loaded are prevalent in anyplace in the world where people are poor.. Just the fact we can pay air fare and hotels means we are ok fincially. A lot of people dont eat every day. In Barbados if you have no money youreally dont have money. I think I'm skint if my bank balance goes under 5 grand
I hardly recognise Barbados from reading many comments on here. So many negatives. My partner and I have just spent two weeks in Barbados staying just outside Lawrence Gap at the Coral Sands. I read this thread before going and found it a little worrying, but we take as we find and tried to go without preconceived perceptions.
Honestly, we need not have worried at all. Ok, as with any sensible traveller anywhere in the world we took the same precautions as we would at home. That's a given, isn't it. Anyway, we got out and about, to Speightstown, Bathsheba, Holetown, Oistins and numerous visits to Bridgetown. We used Bajan public transport and the reggae buses daily. One night we were the only white faces in Bridgetown's main bus station. We never felt worried, vulnerable or the least bit concerned. In fact, we found the Bajan people to be extremely helpful and friendly throughout our stay. I'd say the people were amongst the most friendly we have met anywhere in the world.
The most "hassle" we encountered was always by taxi drivers asking if you require their services. A polite "no thanks" was always enough. Fair enough, being asked so many times in any given day might annoy some, but these workers have families to support and competition is tough. They were polite, we were polite. No problems.
My partner would sometimes go to the supermarket or bank on her own and had no problems with anyone at all. Pretty much everyone you see says hello.
Like everywhere else in the world, in sure Barbados has its crime and social problems. We are from the UK, so we know all about such horrendous stuff. But from our experience, if you go to Barbados with an open mind, you get out and about and meet the many wonderful people there, you are warm and polite, you will get the very same back and so much more. We met some amazing and wonderful characters in Barbados who we will always remember fondly.
St. Lawrence Gap is tied with Jamaica as the WORST experience for solo female travel. I was bombarded by peddlers and had a stalker parked outside my hotel the whole time both in Barbados and Jamaica. I couldn't even open my curtains. In Jamaica, i could not even leave resort at night without a hoard of drug dealers chasing me down the street offering to sell coke even though i refused them repeatedly though out the week and always belligerent too when i refused their assault.
I was ripped off of $50 by someone acting friendly toward me in Barbados, big mistake for trusting these people.
P.S.:
The peddlers in St. Lawrence Gap Barbados even followed me into the water which i ran into to get away from these scum. I was constantly and literally running from them. It was a nightmare not a vacation.
Barbados and it’s people are fantastic! We come here every year from London. Use common sense and you will be fine. Stay off beaches at night etc and I’m afraid to say I wouldn’t want any female member of my family travelling here alone. I’m not a great fan of the gap late at night but love Oistins!
Got robbed last night so not a fan if Barbados. Was renting a place in Fittd village on the water and was swimming on the beach for 30 mins. Came back to find a broken window, broken bathroom sink, burgular took cash and a very expensive watch. Avoid Barbados!
Be careful in Barbados because the men there aggressively hustle females for money, etc. When they don't get what they want, they turn vicious.
We have been visiting Barbados for 5 years now. It is the most beautiful safe and friendly place I have ever visited, and I have visited a lot of places! Please dont let some of these comments put you off. Go and see for yourself I can guarantee you will return. I wish all places treated their tourists as well as the Bajans do. They are proud of their island and happy to share it with us. Thank you Barbados x
All the negative comments are disturbing and unbelievable. I have been visiting this beautiful island for 3 years now and have never encountered any real threat to my safety or well being. As mentioned in previous comments if you look for nightlife and action you can find it..........anywhere in the WORLD! If you look for calm, quiet and empty beaches not full of white lounge chairs that the beach space is crowded and you are listening to everyone else’s conversations. Not my ideal beach holiday. This is why I love Barbados! Miles of empty beach and no PEDDLARS! Little babies as young as 3-5 in Mexico trying to sell their wares to make money for their family? This makes me ill and thank God I have never witnessed this in Barbados. The presence of military with guns taller than me is very unnerving and will never visit these countries AGAIN! Barbados is a beautiful island without the peddling and street crime of other islands.
I have never been to Barbados. But me & my family (3 generations) are going soon. I must say that there are 2 types of comments here and they are at the extremes: highly praising the island or dire warnings not to go.
I will revisit this site after our travel and give an unbiased review. I have no preconceived notions prior to going. I’ve traveled many countries and have enjoyed all of them.
I’ll let you know my experience upon return.
The idea that Barbados is a crime ridden unsafe island is a crock of crap. I’ve been coming 30 years and bought a house in Dover. As a middle aged female I’ve never had an issue. Comments are made by some of the guys on the street corners but hey, in what part of the world would that not happen? I do not recognize this beautiful island in many of the comments made and certainly the article is written by someone with an axe to grind or who has no idea about life on the island. Lovely people. Warm, friendly and helpful. We had a flat tire on the roadside and in 45 minutes waiting for repairman, 12 cars stopped to ask if we needed help. Where would that happen? Barbados is paradise.
My partner and I have been visiting for the last 5 years.
3 weeks
Her father and step mother the last 10 years.
6 weeks
Not one issue in all that time??
Really going off the beaten track Driving down dead ends, generally getting laughed at and joining in with the locals at their clubs and pubs....
I think, people may be confusing loud and bolshey with aggressive.
Saying that ....If someone is ever aggressive with me ...They soon shit their pants when I give it back ...
London ehhh!!! ???
People ask you to look at their goods, if you don’t want to 9/10 no thanks does the trick....
I really don’t know what you are all doing???
Having said that I would never go to the gap ....why would you....It’s a toilet....
The island is so naturally beautiful though and the masses are lovely people.
Apart from that everything Michelle said ...I agree with 100%
I have been coming to Barbados since 1990 twice a year never have I ever had any kind of problem locals have treated me wonderful cab drivers been very polite and as far as the racist thing that is a bunch of shit everybody treats everyone with respect sure some guy on a beach might ask you if you want to buy some pot if ya do ya do if not you don t I feel very safe there where we have been staying for the past 20 years we never lock the doors when we leave and we are on the beach the resort does not recommend this but we do it anyways so if you want to experience paradise this should be your next trip you will be wanting to return just use good judgement and you will be fine they say Barbados is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean Linda
Some of these comments are ridiculous and probably just made by white people with an irrational fear of black people.
My wife and I went here for our honeymoon and if anything the tourists were the rude ones. Of course in the poorer areas there might be some hustlers but it is what it is, at some point you have to survive when all of the property and real estate in the damn country is still owned by the former colonists.
We found the locals awesome, just be on your Ps and Qs like any major city in the US or Europe and you’ll be fine. Say “no thank you” with a little assertiveness and you’ll pass the punk test.
I understand some may have had some legitimately bad experiences, but please don’t let these idiots ruin a potentially wonderful experience from a beautiful culture and island, we will definitely be returning here many years to come!
If you visit Barbados... Check out the North Point Surf Resort.... An abandoned ghost hotel... FOR THE TRULY BRAVE.. go there at midnight.. AS A FORMER OWNER OF THE PROPERTY.. I speak from experience and would not go there at midnight ROB
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My girlfriend and I are hopefully visiting in October this year, obviously dependant on Covid and the volcanic ash situation. I have read all the posts here and can safely say that I've read articles about other countries and they all say similar things. I've never had trouble anywhere and I believe if you go looking for it you will find it. We are visiting Hastings for 2 weeks and I am very excited about it. I've heard fabulous things about it. If you show respect and are courteous then no worries
I’ve been going to Barbados for 24 years it’s the best Caribbean island in my opinion and most of the people are lovely ,unfortunately they won’t learn if they lower their prices they will get much more tourism ,we can no longer afford to go and gradually hotels are closing and the gap is nowhere near as vibrant as it used to be as a lot of places have closed down ,come on BIM lower those prices and you will get your tourists back ,looovve it there and miss all my lovely friends I’ve made over the years ,..
These comments honestly confuse me. I’m a 35 year old single woman, and have travelling alone there yearly and sometimes twice a year, for the last 12 years. It blows my mind the Americans in here freaking out and saying they will never come back because someone offered them drugs. Sure, I’ve been offered drugs in Barbados.. but every single time I’ve said no and they back a way with a smile and an apology. The crime rate in 90% of places in the US is higher than Barbados. In all the times I have travelled there, I have never ever felt unsafe. I have gone to parties by myself, bars by myself, taken the bus by myself etc. Sure, locals will talk to you. They are friendly people. I have a feeling the people posting this crap are honestly racist and feel intimidated being surrounded by mostly black people, and the “hassle” they dealt with was literally a person asking them a freaking question.
In my experience, the bajan people are the most helpful and friendly people I have ever encountered. I have been lost a few times and had people stop what they were doing to drive me where I needed to go. I have had people invite me to family dinners because I was there alone during a holiday. I have had people help me carry my groceries while walking because it looked heavy. Just so many casual acts of kindness that is no longer seen often in the western world. Most people in the US would walk right by me if I fainted on the sidewalk, and these are the people calling bajans “hustlers”. You know the only times I’ve felt unsafe while travelling? We’re in the US. In Chicago my car was broken in to and emptied of all my stuff. In Seattle my airbnb was robbed. In New Orleans I was held at gunpoint and robbed. Now, these things wouldn’t immediately make me say these places are horrible because I understand crime happens everywhere. But it’s shocking that people who come from a place where mass shootings are a regular thing are saying that they felt unsafe in Barbados because someone politely offered them some weed.