Expert: Linda Thompkins - 9/7/2006

Question
We are leaving for Barbados in 4 days and are curious as to what food we can bring in. Obviously, we wouldn't bring food that would expire (meat, cheese). What food would you suggest bringing? We are staying for 12 days, and we don't object to a nice dinner, but a $40+ brakfast and lunch is ridiculous.

I checked with our hotel and the food is CRAZY expensive. A Pina Colada at The Crane is $14! So much for enjoying a few on the beach.

I also am guessing that you can't bring your own liquor. Is there a duty free shop there that would have cheap prices?

Can you please answer this immediately? It is Thursday and we leave on Sunday.

Thanks!

Answer
Sorry for the delay, took a few days vacation for Labor Day.

It is against the law to bring meat products to the island, and if found, they will be confiscated.  

I normally stay on the island for 3-4 weeks, and we always bring peanut butter, jelly, mayo, relish, crackers, chips, salad dressing, sweets, etc. These products are very expensive on the island.

Because of the high cost of food, most of the hotels and resorts offer kitchen facilities. While you don't want to cook on vacation, having kitchen facilities does save money, especially for snacks.  

All food and drink items are priced in Barbados dollars, and divide in half for the amount in American dollars. American dollars are accepted on the island, but NOT American coins. If you pay in American dollars, you will get Barbados dollars in change.

Hold on to Barbados dollars for your trip to the airport. If you still have Barbados dollars, you can change the money over at the airport if your flight time corresponds to the banking hours at the airport.   

When we arrive on the island, we stock up on orange juice, fresh fruits and vegetables, and frequent many of the local Bajan restaurants, which are less expensive, and you get a lot more for your money. Eating out is quite expensive, and for longer visits we cannot afford to eat out every night. We usually buy liquor on the island, and fix our own drinks.

With the new travel restrictions, and unfortunately theft by the airlines, many travelers to Barbados have found that their food products, and liquor do not arrive on the island. We've had that problem also, and last year I took the food products in my carry on.

Oistins, which is a short bus ride away provides more cost effective meals - especially fish. Unfortunately The Crane is located on a rather remote part of the island, and there are not many restaurants within walking distance. You can take the bus to Oistins, a small fishing village and get meals at a very reasonable price.

You can bring liquor to the island. Liquor and other products are duty free, provided you have a return airline ticket, and passport.

I hope you have a great time. Barbados is a wonderful destination, however not a cheap destination - but you can cut corners and still have a great time.

By the way, The Crane is a wonderful place to stay, and the views cannot be beat anywhere on the island.