My First 2 Weeks Digital Nomading in Barbados from the USA : 20 things to Know
A post from Adventurely’s Founder Mita Carriman:
When it was announced earlier this summer that Barbados was offering a 1 year visa stamp (“digital nomad visa”) for remote workers to relocate there, our whole team was ecstatic! Travel this year has had challenges of the type we could have never (like- never ever evverrrrrr) have dreamed of with covid, but a bright lining to the travel industry’s recovery, is the emergence of digital nomad visas from a growing list of countries around the world.
As reported recently by Forbes, “Digital Nomads are the new travel winners” and Barbados, joins Estonia, Georgia, Croatia, and Bermuda, who have all made announcements this summer of offering new, official digital nomad visas.
I’m convinced that more and more countries will officially start offering the same, now that covid fast-forwarded the remote work evolution. Prior to covid there were already forecasts that there would be 1 billion digital nomads globally by the year 2035, and in a plot twist no one could have anticipated - a pandemic is what is making the reality of this number happen faster, with digital nomading now going mainstream.
For the past three years I’ve personally been a digital nomad working remotely across Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Bulgaria, Turkey, Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Vietnam, and Bali. Each so called “nomad capital” around the world has its own nuances and attracts different types of nomads, and from the jump, my guess would be that Barbados is ideally suited for financially grounded nomads, as well as a good option for first-time nomads who are working remote as employees (rather than as a freelancer or entrepreneur) and want a safe, stable experience for their first time with low safety risks involved.
Two weeks here on the island is barely enough time to give a full scope, but with 7.3 million Americans who already identified as Digital Nomads pre-covid (making what is often considered the largest demographic of citizens worldwide who are nomads), we were keen at Adventurely to help share early/initial feedback from my experience so far, for those interested in trying it out - especially as covid complications in the US has equally caused challenges for Americans to currently travel abroad in general to most foreign destinations.
That being said, here’s my 20 takeaways on digital nomading in Barbados for arrivals from the USA so far:
(1) The Barbados Digital Nomad Visa has a $2k USD Cost, and must be paid within 28 days of approval
https://www.barbadoswelcomestamp.bb/ is the official website from the Barbados government offering the stamp which lays out the details, FAQ and application.
Among other things detailed on the Barbados Welcome Stamp site, it notes that you’ll need to declare in the application that you earn an income of USD $50,000.00 and/or have the means to financially support yourself during your stay for the year.
If your application is accepted, its then a $2000 USD fee for the cost for 1 person, or a “family bundle” fee of $3000 USD, and it must be paid within 28 days of the visa approval.
The site also makes it clear that a wonderful benefit this visa offers, is that you won’t be liable for paying Barbados taxes. Read the full details and FAQ, and be sure to periodically check for updates here at https://www.barbadoswelcomestamp.bb/
(2) An insurance plan is mandatory for the digital nomad visa- at Adventurely, we recommend Safety Wing Insurance
Safety Wing has been a prominent brand in the digital nomad scene for insurance, and last month Safety Wing officially started offering a more comprehensive health insurance plan for remote workers called the “Remote Health” plan. The “Remote Health” plan is different and more expansive than Safety Wing’s “Nomad Insurance” plan.
Adventurely is an affiliate partner of Safety Wing, and we’re fans of their product and great customer service for answering questions. Learn more and sign up at safetywing.com
(3) Direct flights to Barbados are currently limited from the USA - It’s probably wise not to risk booking a connecting international flight
It’s no surprise that the airline industry is fighting hard to recover from covid lockdowns, and while in the pre-covid world it was easy and relatively inexpensive to get a direct flight to Barbados from the USA, as of right now, direct flights there from the USA are currently limited, and are currently leading to be more pricey than usual.
I arrived in Barbados 2 weeks ago, and the best option for a flight I could find was a direct flight from NYC/ JFK on Jet Blue. There were search results from a few flights sites that showed international connecting flights from the US en route to Barbados, with one in particular having a stop in St. Lucia which sounded appealing. BUT it was unclear on whether I’d be able to connect directly, or if I’d have to quarantine in St. Lucia before heading to Barbados.
Considering all the different pieces needed to come together in these unusual times to make my move to Barbados, I decided to just stick with the direct USA flight from Jet Blue. At the time of this post, it still seems as if the only direct flight leaving the USA to Barbados is still out of JFK airport in New York via Jet Blue.
(4) With the USA considered a “high risk” country, arrivals from America to Barbados are required to take and produce a negative PCR covid test result within 72 hours prior to arrival- and Barbados is pretty strict about it.
If you’re based in the US, then you probably know all-too-well how hard it is to get a timely PCR covid test. Getting a covid test in general in the states if you’re not practically on your death bed from covid or can prove you’ve been in contact with someone with covid is equally a challenge in the first place. The covid “PCR” test is the nasal swab test (not the antibody test), and as soon as I disembarked from my flight into Barbados, we were immediately checked to see if we had a timely negative test.
I spent days trying to find a center in the USA that could offer a timely test and result, but it was practically impossible for me after much research. As a last resort, I ended up finding an urgent care clinic in Philadelphia that offered the test, but they weren’t able to guarantee results with 72 hours. The best they could offer me was “3-5” days turnaround. I spoke with the Barbados General Consulate office in the US and was told that if that’s the best I could do for a timely test, that it was the best i could do.
When I arrived to Barbados and showed my negative covid results provided 96 hours prior to arrival, hoping that it might still work- I was swiftly placed in line by Barbados immigration for a new covid test to be taken there at the airport before I could leave the airport, at no cost.
In short, Barbados is not playing around or taking any chances with covid! When they say 72 hours, they really mean it.
(5) Arrivals from the USA will have to Quarantine in Barbados upon arrival, and for the most part, you can only do it in only 1 of 9 government approved hotels at your cost, or for free at a Barbados Army Base
Covid safety protocols for all travelers eligible for entry into Barbados, whether for the Visa stamp or not, are available at https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2020 with routinely updated information from the Barbados government.
Barabdos is currently separating the different covid requirements for new visitors based off of if they are arriving from “the bubble” (Saint Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica and St Vincent & the Grenadines); or if they are arriving from low risk, medium risk, or high risk countries.
After I arrived to the Barbados airport, presented my 96 hour covid negative pcr test (which was rejected for not being 72 hours), and took a new required test at the Barbados Airport (at no charge), I was then permitted to go to my quarantine hotel. A taxi was arranged by immigration at the airport for me to go there directly. I was also given a thermometer from immigration to take and record my temperature twice a day.
I’d like to emphasize that I was incredibly impressed with how organized and efficient immigration was at the Barbados airport. As you might be understanding, there’s a lot of moving parts involved in moving to Barbados in the age of covid. The organization, efficiency, and responsiveness of the Barbados government through it all left a really positive impression on me. The locals are quite proud of their Prime Minister Mia Mottley (affectionately called “Aunt Mia” on the island) and from what i’ve learned about her, her handling of covid seems quite similar to the sharp decisions that have seemingly gotten more press abroad by the Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Currently there are only 9 hotels approved by the Barbados Government for the mandatory quarantine for travelers arriving from the USA. As of todays date, those 9 hotels are
The Crane Resort
Sandals Barbados
Worthing Court
Hilton Barbados Resort
Courtyard Marriott
Dover Beach
Meridian Inn
Golden Sands
White Sands Beach Condo and Villas
I ended up staying at Dover Beach hotel for my quarantine, and I had a great stay there. The staff was very supportive and helpful, and I had a room with a small patio that opened up to a garden. I can’t emphasize how much that patio helped the quarantine pass, as under the current rules, you’re not allowed to leave your hotel room or patio as a high-risk country arrival into Barbados. No walking around the hotel grounds or hotel beach area is permitted. Dover was one of the “moderate” priced quarantine hotels, and I recommend them. Dover Beach hotel also offered moderate price meals you could directly order from their hotel restaurant, and the hotel also made arrangements to have groceries delivered to my room, to cook in the kitchenette in your quarantine room.
Staying at one of these approved hotels is at your cost for the quarantine.
The mandatory quarantine time for arrivals from the USA is currently officially 14 days, BUT - if you take a second test within 5-7 days after your arrival which is negative, you’ll be allowed to go free. I got my 2nd test covid test on my 5th day in quarantine (the government had a bus pick me and a few other quarantine folks up to go to the Barbados Army base known as “Paragon” for the 2nd test), and the next morning I got the good news that my 2nd test was also negative and I was finally free to go and leave my hotel room. The 2nd test was also given to me for free here.
An alternative to staying at 1 of the 9 government approved hotels, is the free option to stay at Paragon, the Barbados Army base. I did see a number of people at the airport choose this option for their quarantine, but to ensure more comfort, I personally went with the hotel option.
I bet you’re wondering if you could do the quarantine at an Airbnb or other apt rental. Technically the answer is “yes if approved by the Barbados government,” but in practical terms, the answer is mostly currently no. Most airbnb’s and stay’s on the island haven’t been vetted for government-quarantine approval, and from what i’ve been hearing, the immigration office is swamped with a lot of folks wanting in for the stamp, and likely pressed for time or resources to approve random airbnbs.
Long story short - I urge you to exclusively book one of the 9 government approved hotels, or plan to go to Paragon.
More details and updated info about quarantine for USA arrivals to Barbados can be found here: https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2020
(6) Barbados is doing a stellar job of keeping Covid at Bay from what I’ve observed. If covid safety is your #1 concern, Barbados is a good place to look into for digital nomading
In addition to the very strict rules to enter Barbados under covid considerations, once you’re cleared of quarantine- masks, hand sanitizer, and covid safety compliance is closely followed around the island. So far it seems as if the whole island is mostly on-board to do their part to keep their island safe and as covid free as possible. I haven’t come across any “anti-mask” sentiment here so far, and honestly, coming from what’s been happening with that in America, it’s refreshing.
As of today’s date, Barbados is showing via google search results only 176 covid cases since the start of the pandemic, with 149 recovered, and 7 deaths. Your temperature is taken at all the restaurants with contact tracing details; and when you enter a store you’ll be immediately greeted with hand sanitizer and motioned to use some by store staff if you haven’t used any.
I feel incredibly safe here knowing how hard Barbados has been working to keep people healthy. Again, if safety is your number one concern to digital nomad during these times, Barbados is doing a great job.
(7) Speaking of “safety” in general - Barbados is usually regarded as having a low-moderate crime rate
While we’re on the subject of “safety” in general, for nomads interested in a Caribbean destination with low-moderate crime, Barbados is usually regarded as being relatively safe. Of course there is crime that happens here, and you should use common sense in any country you visit whether as a nomad or not, but I can say first-hand in being here my first two weeks, it feels extremely safe here.
This article from All The Rooms shares a bit more perspective and context on crime-safety in Barbados.
(8) The Parishes of St James (West Coast) and Christ Church (South Coast) are seemingly the 2 main places in Barbados that Digital Nomads here are settling into, or looking to settle into
Image credit: https://barbados.org/barbados-parishes.htm#.X1Gbl2dKjDI
In terms of which neighborhood to live in, Barbados is organized by “Parishes,” and you’ll often hear people refer to which “coast” they live on.
For the few nomads that have already gotten down here for the stamp, or are soon arriving, the two most popular parishes for living so far in the nomad crowd has been St James (West Coast), and Christ Chuch (South Coast).
In general, St. James (“The West Coast”) tends to be a bit more pricey, with more of a suburban feel and it features the neighborhood called “Holetown” which tends to cater to tourists. The bars and restaurants in Holetown are a bit pricey, and it’s a very clean and safe neighborhood. Holetown is also home to “Limegrove Mall” which features a Ralph Lauren store, and a few other commercial fashion stores. If you’ve done the digital nomad thing in Playa Del Carmen Mexico, I’d compare Holetown in St. James to the “Playacar" neighborhood of Playa Del Carmen.
Christ Church Parish (“The South Coast”) has a bit more of buzzy, younger scene. You’ll find more restaurants, cafes, and bars, and there’s a boardwalk that lines the beach. In general its more of a casual vibe than Holetown, and seems to have more people out and about in the streets. It’s a bit easier in general to walk around on the South Coast of the island in Christ Church.
(9) Terra Caribbean has been the most recommended real estate agent that was referred to me in Barbados
Compared to nomad capitals such as Mexico City, Playa Del Carmen, Medellin, and Bali, I did find housing a bit harder to nail in Barbados. One thing’s for sure though- it was constantly recommended for me to reach out to the folks at Terra Caribbean when I asked for referrals for a real estate agent. We’re making no referral fee’s for mentioning them, just trying to share reliable info. I had a chance to meet with an agent from there named Lisa Coyle, and she was outstanding. Check out their site here: https://www.terracaribbean.com/Barbados/
(10) Yes, the beaches here are beyond gorgeous, and clean
Since I arrived 2 weeks ago, I’ve had the chance to check out three beaches along the West Coast (St. James Parish) & South Coast (Christ Church Parish) of Barbados, and the beaches so far have been as delightful and relaxing as you’d dream them to be. It’s an intangible perk to work from home for the day, and have the easy option to unwind or exercise at the close of the day in the glorious waters of Barbados beaches. The beaches I’ve been to so far have also been free of sargassum.
(11) The USD conversion is 2 USD to 1 Barbadian Dollar, but be prepared for some things that are more expensive here than the USA
While the exchange rate for USD to Barbados dollars is technically better at 2 to 1, be prepared for some things being more expensive here versus the USA. In general I’ve found grocery shopping to be a bit pricer than most US prices, and clothes shopping also generally seems to be pricer. Affordable fashion retailers such as H&M + Zara aren’t yet on the island, so be sure to pack well!
In fact, I think it’s probably more cost-efficient to either bring more clothing, or buy more clothing in the US, and bring more luggage for the trip down.
(12) It’s best suited to have a car in Barbados, but it is possible to make due on foot and local bus
As mentioned in one my earlier points, the parishes of St. James & Christ Church are so far the most popular with the nomads who have arrived so far, and among other reasons, it’s likely because in Holetown/St James, and Rockley/Dover Beach/ Christ Church it can be doable to walk around and get by without a car.
As a native New Yorker, i’ve been fully walking around everywhere in Barbados or taking the local bus, but doing this on foot is not the most convenient, and the Parishes are not necessarily designed for a walkable community experience.
We’ll see if I cave in to get a car here, but in general, I do believe Barbados is best suited for driving moreso than walking.
Also, as a former British Colony, the driver’s seat is on the right-side of the car, UK style.
(13) Wifi in Barbados is fast and reliable
For the “work” needs of a remote work lifestyle in Barbados, I’m happy to report that the wifi here is generally stable and reliable so far for most work needs. Many apartments in Barbados also have wifi costs already in the price or able to be negotiated in the price.
(14) The Coworking Options in Barbados are currently limited, but they are growing
For the best scoop on coworking options in Barbados, I highly recommend you check out this epic blog post by Barbados travel & lifestyle writer and local entrepreneur, Malou Morgan: https://www.skiptomalouuu.com/best-places-to-work-remotely-in-barbados/
A Bajan native, Malou gives a great breakdown in the article link on formal and informal coworking options in Barbados, and she also included my favorite place to cowork here so far, the pop-up coworking space in St James/Holetown at the “Fall in Love With Barbados” store in Limegrove Mall, pictured above (West Coast of Barbados).
Granted, the current cowork options in general across Barbados are a bit limited, but i’m pretty sure this is rapidly going to change in the next upcoming months with more nomads heading here for the 1 year remote work visa stamp.
(15) “Cutters,” Fish Cakes, & Flying Fish Might be on your lunch Menu in Barbados
It’s quickly become apparent that fish is a favorite dish here in Barbados, and you’ll commonly see menu’s here frequently offering fried flying fish, and fish cakes. Another island favorite are “cutters” which are Bajan sandwiches made from salt bread, and often filled with fried flying fish, and sometimes ham. Pictured above is a snapshot from the Instagram account “The Bajan Food Guide” - definitely worth a follow for some tasty inspiration of what to eat on the island! https://www.instagram.com/thebajanfoodguide/
(16) Friday Nights at “Oistin’s Frish Fry” is a thing in Barbados
Photo credit: https://www.barbadosbarbados.com/activity/oistins-fish-fry/
I have yet to check this out, and might likely need to make a separate future post about this, but it’s been ubiquitously shared that Friday nights in Barbados are most popularly spent at “Oistins Fish Fry” on the South Coast of the Island.
Oistin’s is a neighborhood on the South Coast, and barbadosbarbados.com notes that for the Oistins Friday night Frish Fry, “hundreds of locals and visitors flock (there) for an opportunity to enjoy the very best local food – fried and grilled fish, fish cakes, sweet potato, macaroni pie, and coleslaw and so much more. There are numerous vendors to choose from and seating is readily available. The sounds of island music fill the air, making for a memorable evening out in a very casual setting”
For more details on the Barbados Friday Night Fish Fry, check out this full post here: https://www.barbadosbarbados.com/activity/oistins-fish-fry/
(17) Rihanna has a street named after her in Barbados, and yes its on my to-do list to visit!
Photo via https://topnaija.ng/rihanna-looking-peng-street-naming-ceremony-barbados/
It would be impossible to not acknowledge the goddess known as Rihanna, one of the biggest celebrities in the world who hails from Barbados!
Westbury New Road, the St. Michael Parish street where she grew up in Barbados was renamed after her, and has became a popular pit stop on bucket lists for tourists. Read more about this new Barbados landmark here.
(18) There are some local rules in Barbados that are a bit different from the US, and are important to get acquainted with
I’m still learning the local rules and customs here, and two rules that I recently learned in my 2 weeks of being in Barbados is that Banks and government buildings here don’t permit customers to enter with flip flops/open toe shoes, ripped jeans, or shoulder-baring dresses/clothing.
I also learned that it’s against the law to wear camouflage clothing here. While I don’t currently have an exhaustive link with the all the laws here handy, this link from Barbados.org notes some to keep in mind: https://barbados.org/barbados-safety-tips.htm#.X1FQrmdKjDI
(19) The “East Coast” of Barbados seems to have a growing buzz for day trips/weekend trips, and might be a future hotspot for digital nomads in Barbados
To paint the scene of the East Coast of Barbados as it’s been described to me by many people here, mybarbadosguide.com summarizes:
“(The East Coast) is distinctly different from the rest of island - undeveloped and sparsely populated, there are a few small hotels and properties around to stay in and rustic beach houses to rent. Imagine panoramic, dramatic and rugged coastal scenery, powerful Atlantic waves rolling into miles of windswept beaches, colourful villages of wooden chattel houses dotting lush hillsides, and banana and coconut trees lining the roadside - so have your cameras ready to spot one of our mischievous green monkeys!”
I’m going to go out on limb to say this, but i’m going to make a prediction that the East coast of Barbados might eventually become super popular with digital nomads for living. I haven’t had a chance to visit the East Coast yet, but based off the description I keep hearing, I think this type of atmosphere could really fit the mood and vibes that a lot of remote workers from digital nomad hotspots Bali and Playa Del Carmen Mexico/Tulum tend to gravitate toward. I wouldn’t be surprised if more housing developments spring up there as a result, or potentially some co-living spaces for digital noamds.
In the meanwhile, a day or weekend trip to the East coast of Barbados sounds incredible, and I’ve been told that ECO Lifestyle Lodge is a top place to visit there. Learn more about them at https://www.ecolifestylelodge.com/
(20) You can now use Adventurely’s App in Barbados to meet other travelers & digital nomads there!
I’m thrilled to announce that we expanded Adventurely for use in Barbados today!
In close, while there was a lot of details that needed to get sorted for my arrival to Barbados coming from the states, being here is totally worth it. I can’t stress how good of a job Barbados is doing with covid; the beaches here are beautiful; and if you’ve been in the nomad scene for a while, there’s an opportunity to help shape the new nomad culture that is growing and set to explode on the island.
While a lot of the info in my takeaways shared here in this post will absolutely change in the upcoming days and weeks under the circumstances of covid and updates the Barbados government will likely make over time , its expressly advised at all times for you to verify and prioritize any entry/immigration requirement, law, custom, visa, and/or travel requirements with official Barbados government websites and officials. We (Adventurely) and myself also assume no liability whatsoever for any person reading this that does not rely on and prioritize verifying correct, detailed, and updated information about travel to Barbados, and visas to Barbados from Barbados government websites and officials. That was the disclaimer you know we had to share for this blog post :)
As a final final heads up for Americans interested in coming down here, check out fvap.gov for information on voting in the upcoming US Presidential election from abroad.
Hope this all helps, and hope to see you in Barbados, and on Adventurely!
Here’s to more amazing adventures in Barbados & beyond!
Mita Carriman
Founder & CEO of Adventurely