- Ben124. / Beach Photos / CC BY
The island of Barbados is a favourite with holidaymakers. With its beautiful beaches, wonderful wildlife and splendid sunshine it’s the perfect paradise getaway. Barbadians are known for their politeness and civility, a legacy left from British rule.
Knowing a country’s rules of etiquette helps visitors to fit in and shows a respect for customs and ways of the locals. Here are some rules on etiquette in Barbados.
Good Greetings = Good Manners
Good manners are an essential form of politeness in Barbados. It’s a British trait that’s remained from when Britain ruled the island from 1625 to 1966. Formal greetings and first time meetings should be conducted with a handshake and a salutation such as ‘Nice to meet you Mr/Mrs/Miss….’ Kisses on the cheek and hugs are reserved for close friends and family. It is considered the height of rudeness to not acknowledge service providers like bus drivers, shop assistants and waiters. A simple nod, ‘please’ and thank you’ will suffice.
Dress to Impress
Yes, Barbados is renowned for being one of the best spots for a beach holiday, but that in no way implies that you can spend your whole time in swimming trunks, bikinis, mankinis etc. Beachwear is for the beach ONLY and not for shopping, dinner or conducting business at the bank – Heaven forbid! Casualwear is fine for informal meetings and parties. Wearing military attire is frowned upon (unless of course you belong to the army) as are rude slogans. As for nudity – it’s illegal in Barbados. So put the birthday suit away and wrap the sarong around you.
High Tea Social Graces
Gentility is not the only British behaviour still practised in Barbados. The custom of high tea is still practised on the island today and is considered the pinnacle of elegance and sophistication. Avoid making yourself look like the Mad Hatter or March Hare and be sure to be gracious through the tea ceremony by smiling at your host, place your napkin on your knees and avoid talking politics. Above all relax, be sociable and enjoy a cup of tea and plate of finger food.
Top Tipping Tips
Taking some time to understand the task of tipping in Barbados will help to ensure no embarrassing moments occur with the hotel porter, waitress or taxi driver. In restaurants if there’s no gratuity percentage added to the bill it’s customary to include 10% or 15% tip. In hotels, maids and porters should be tipped $1-$2 BBD (Barbadian Dollars). All-inclusive hotels in Barbados have their own rules about tipping and either allow or prohibit it. Check with the resort’s policies. With taxis, it’s recommended that a fare is settled with the taxi driver as taxi’s are not metered. A custom 10% tip should be given to the driver especially if they handle luggage.
Mind your Marriage Manners
With balmy weather all year round and oceanfront views the island of Barbados is a wonderful place for a wedding. From casual chic on the beach to fairy-tale formal in the garden, no matter where you get married on the island it’s worth noting some of the island’s wedding traditions. The bride usually carries the Pride of Barbados, the island’s national flower, in her bouquet. Popular island music should be played during the ceremony such as Calypso and Soca. In terms of the food, cou cou (cornmeal and okra) and flying fish (usually served steamed) is a popular dish served at a wedding reception as is a rum fruit cake.
Whether you’re visiting Barbados for business or pleasure, you’ll have a brilliant time especially if you are both courteous to everyone you meet and carry out the correct etiquette and manners of Barbados.