Relocation and life in Barbados
Nov 22nd 2022, 11:27 am
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2022
Location: UK
Posts: 1
Relocation and life in Barbados
Relocation to Bridgetown
I have been offered a job who sort visas and first months accommodation etc
I just wanted to hear what it is actually like living out on Barbados for us from the UK.
I love being outdoors, swimming, walking
my partner and I are both very friendly will just be 40 once we move over
would love to get to know some people
I have been offered a job who sort visas and first months accommodation etc
I just wanted to hear what it is actually like living out on Barbados for us from the UK.
I love being outdoors, swimming, walking
my partner and I are both very friendly will just be 40 once we move over
would love to get to know some people
Nov 23rd 2022, 11:48 am
#2
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Barbados
Posts: 1,382
Re: Relocation and life in Barbados
HI.. Welcome to the forum..
I've lived in Barbados for 30 years. originally from the US. the first 4 years were spent working for American Airlines (having worked from AA in the US, married a Barbadian, received my Barbadian Citizenship by Marriage and apply for an "in" transfer.. have to qualify that, as not being a Barbados requires a Work Permit to work legally in Barbados.. as you have been advised) . I/we traveled back and forth to the US over that time period and usually once or twice a year after that to visit my family.
Life in Barbados is a bit different than it was 30 years ago. many items that I was used to, I couldn't get. but that's also where travel came in. Things have changed on the grocery store front and in retail, however, don't be surprised if you can't find something you are very used to get "back home".. and just to add, there are some local and region brands I would never buy (having done so and they were terrible). I also personally don't buy clothes here as .. well.. lets just say.. they aren't my normal style and in some cases, my size.. .. yes.. a t-shirt here and there, but that's about it. and on that note. EVERY thing has gone up.. just like it has in much of the world, and remember.. we source goods from all over and it's either to expensive to ship them in.. (my fav olive oil importer stopped bringing in it Mid Pandemic because shipping from Turkey was just too expensive) .. let me also say.. if you are willing to go out on a limb and find small importers, you may find every thing you are looking for.
Actually living in Barbados is entirely up to you as to what you do.. of course lots of outdoors, swimming and walking (just be careful where you walk).. .. hiking groups exist. Hash House Harriers are still alive and kicking. if you would like to join a drinking club with a running problem.. and of course the swimming is great.. again. just be careful where. southwest and West coast Beaches/sea is better for that.. plus several snorkeling , scuba, sailing and the list goes on activities you can immerse yourself in. there are a few expat groups on Facebook to seek info through and digital nomads group and others who regularly post meetups etc. . and getting to know locals, which you may do through whatever work you are doing, also helps.
your partner would NOT be able to work in Barbados if that person doesn't have a valid work permit. This can also be an issue for some coming over. and that includes, making home items and selling them.. Sorry to be blunt but I'm aware of at least one expat spouse who decided to start making cookies and baked goods from home.. started selling them and when the persons company found out. .they advised the spouse had to stop.. when the spouse didn't they removed the work permit and the couple had to leave Barbados.. Sounds harsh but.. that's the rules of immigration. Just being real.
good luck with your move. and enjoy. keep us posted on how things are going.
I've lived in Barbados for 30 years. originally from the US. the first 4 years were spent working for American Airlines (having worked from AA in the US, married a Barbadian, received my Barbadian Citizenship by Marriage and apply for an "in" transfer.. have to qualify that, as not being a Barbados requires a Work Permit to work legally in Barbados.. as you have been advised) . I/we traveled back and forth to the US over that time period and usually once or twice a year after that to visit my family.
Life in Barbados is a bit different than it was 30 years ago. many items that I was used to, I couldn't get. but that's also where travel came in. Things have changed on the grocery store front and in retail, however, don't be surprised if you can't find something you are very used to get "back home".. and just to add, there are some local and region brands I would never buy (having done so and they were terrible). I also personally don't buy clothes here as .. well.. lets just say.. they aren't my normal style and in some cases, my size.. .. yes.. a t-shirt here and there, but that's about it. and on that note. EVERY thing has gone up.. just like it has in much of the world, and remember.. we source goods from all over and it's either to expensive to ship them in.. (my fav olive oil importer stopped bringing in it Mid Pandemic because shipping from Turkey was just too expensive) .. let me also say.. if you are willing to go out on a limb and find small importers, you may find every thing you are looking for.
Actually living in Barbados is entirely up to you as to what you do.. of course lots of outdoors, swimming and walking (just be careful where you walk).. .. hiking groups exist. Hash House Harriers are still alive and kicking. if you would like to join a drinking club with a running problem.. and of course the swimming is great.. again. just be careful where. southwest and West coast Beaches/sea is better for that.. plus several snorkeling , scuba, sailing and the list goes on activities you can immerse yourself in. there are a few expat groups on Facebook to seek info through and digital nomads group and others who regularly post meetups etc. . and getting to know locals, which you may do through whatever work you are doing, also helps.
your partner would NOT be able to work in Barbados if that person doesn't have a valid work permit. This can also be an issue for some coming over. and that includes, making home items and selling them.. Sorry to be blunt but I'm aware of at least one expat spouse who decided to start making cookies and baked goods from home.. started selling them and when the persons company found out. .they advised the spouse had to stop.. when the spouse didn't they removed the work permit and the couple had to leave Barbados.. Sounds harsh but.. that's the rules of immigration. Just being real.
good luck with your move. and enjoy. keep us posted on how things are going.
