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Oistins, Barbados

Pros and Cons of Living in Barbados

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 03, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Barbados include its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and friendly people. The island is also known for its excellent healthcare system and low crime rate. Additionally, Barbados is a great place to retire due to its low cost of living and tax incentives. The cons of living in Barbados include its high cost of living, limited job opportunities, and lack of public transportation. Additionally, the island is prone to hurricanes and other natural disasters, which can cause significant damage. Finally, the island is relatively small, so there are limited entertainment and cultural activities available.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Barbados?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Barbados responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Barbados often appreciate the island's laid-back atmosphere and stunning beaches. They also enjoy the warm climate and the friendly locals. Additionally, Barbados is known for its excellent infrastructure, making it easy to get around and access amenities. On the downside, the cost of living in Barbados can be quite high, and the island is prone to hurricanes during the summer months," said one expat in Barbados.

"relatively safe much too expensive blacks and whites seem to live and socialize in their own separate group and mostly avoid each other," remarked one expat in Bridgetown.

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What do expats in Barbados appreciate most about the local culture?

"The friendliness, the openness, and the love of life. The Bajans enjoy life, they don't take work as seriously as we do in America or Europe which can be frustrating but also can be liberating depending on how you approach the change. If you learn to relax and live a slower paced life you will enjoy the island life here in Barbados," said one expat in Hastings.

"Expats in Barbados appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the local people, the laid-back atmosphere, and the vibrant culture that includes a variety of music, art, and cuisine. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the island, with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical forests. The relaxed pace of life and the strong sense of community are also highly valued by expats in Barbados," said a person living in Barbados.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Getting anything done in a timely matter. Do not expect quick service for anything from restaurants to building a new home. Everything takes more time then you would be use to in America or Europe," said one person in Hastings.

"Expats in Barbados often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The pace of life is slower and more relaxed than in many other countries, and the local customs and traditions can be unfamiliar. Additionally, the local language, Bajan Creole, can be difficult to understand for those who are not native speakers. Furthermore, the cost of living in Barbados is higher than in many other countries, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy. Finally, the tropical climate can be challenging for those who are not used to the heat and humidity," remarked one expat in Barbados.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Oistins, Barbados
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