Barbados has property options to suit almost everyone.
If you are looking for short-term accommodations (i.e. less than six months), it is usually best to look on Airbnb, especially during the low tourism season where you can find very good deals.
Some landlords switch to short-term rentals during the high tourism season to maximise yield. In many cases, they will engage a realty agency to market their property, and also sometimes to manage the property on their behalf.
If you don't want to use Airbnb, take a look at short-term rentals with a realty agency such as Seaside Realty. However, take note that not all realty agencies list or advertise short-term accommodations.
For long-term rentals (i.e. more than six months), realty agents such as Seaside Realty or Ron Karp Realty may be able to help you. We do not recommend Terra Caribbean as we have witnessed this company continuing to do business with racist landlords.
Most landlords renting property on a long-term basis (i.e. more than six months) require a security deposit equivalent to one months' rent. Some landlords also require tenants to pay the last month rent in advance. Deposits are held directly by landlords; there is no deposit protection scheme in Barbados.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the water supply is safe and refreshing to drink.
Barbados is a limestone island. Most of the water supply is pumped from wells within natural coral aquifers, which is then treated with chlorine to comply with World Health Organisation standards.
Barbados operates on a 115v supply voltage at a frequency of 50 Hz, and uses the same plug sockets as North America (types A and B).
If you have an appliance from North America, it should work in Barbados as is.
For an appliance from the United Kingdom or the European Union, you just need an adapter if that appliance can operate at 115v. This applies to most computers and smartphones.
Note: If you need to buy an adapter, make sure it supports the maximum wattage of your appliance. Always check the voltage rating of an appliance before you use it. Some appliances may not function normally or safely in Barbados if they are only designed to operate at 60 Hz.
Please call the Barbados Light & Power Company at +1 (246) 626-9000.
If you are staying in a hotel or Airbnb, reach out to your reception team or host for general assistance.
In the event a power outage has created or is about to create a life threatening emergency, call the emergency services.
