We are looking forward to welcoming you in Barbados! Please see below for helpful logistics information to make for a smooth arrival and conference!
Before you arrive in Barbados
Language
English is the official language of Barbados.
Electricity
Electricity in Barbados is 110 volts/50 cycles. There is a reliable electricity supply. Standard plug types in Barbados are: Flat blade (2 flat blades)We recommend you bring your own adapter, however, they should be available at the hotels.
Climate
The climate of Barbados is generally pleasant. The temperature does not usually rise above the mid-80s F (about 30 °C) or fall below the low 70s F (about 22 °C). Late May/early June is the start of the rainy season, and the heat and humidity is often broken by an afternoon rain shower.
Currency
The currency of Barbados is the Barbados Dollar (BBD). When planning your Barbados vacation remember that the Barbados Dollar is converted at the rate of $1.98 BDS to $1.00 U.S. The Barbados Dollar is fixed to the U.S Dollar and does not fluctuate.
Debit Cards and Credit Cards: What You Need to Know
Credit cards are widely accepted in Barbados as it is a top tourist destination. Many businesses, including most supermarkets, may require you to show a valid photo ID or passport along with your credit or debit card. You should also plan to carry some cash as many of the local small businesses are primarily cash-based.
ATMs
You’ll find ATMs linked to the Plus or Cirrus systems, so using your Visa or Mastercard card will be easy. There are plenty of cash machines in Bridgetown, and in larger towns around the island. You’ll also find them at many petrol stations. Some local bank-affiliated ATMs impose additional fees to those your bank may levy. They will also ask you which account (savings or credit, say) you wish to withdraw your funds from.
Tipping
A service charge of between 10 and 15 percent is typically added to your bill at hotels and restaurants. Once this appears on your bill, any additional tipping is at your discretion and should reflect the quality of service you received. The standard rate of tipping in Barbados is approx. 10%.
Arriving in Barbados
For those who have signed up, we have arranged transfers from the airport to your hotel. However, standard taxis provide a safe and reliable way to explore the island or for transport between the airport/cruise port and your accommodation. Taxis are easily identified by the Z designation on their license plates. Taxis are readily available at the airport on arrival in Barbados.
Emergency Services in Barbados
The island of Barbados is renowned for being one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Despite this fact, it is still highly recommended that you take all the necessary precautions while on the island. Of particular mention, The Royal Barbados Police Force is one of the most highly trained police forces in the region.
Emergency Contact Numbers in Barbados
Ambulance Service – 511
Fire Service – 311
Police Service – 211
Phone Calls from Barbados
To make calls out: For example, to call Australia from Barbados, you would dial 011 (exit code to dial out of Barbados) followed by 61 (Australia’s country area code), followed by the local number you are wishing to call in Australia.
Drinking Water
We suggest that when traveling to Barbados, you should only drink treated water or bottled water to prevent sickness.
Registration info
Registration will take place at 8:00am every day except for the Opening Ceremony, when it will start at 3:00pm. Registration is also available at the Hilton and Accra from 12:00-3:00pm at the Hilton and Accra. Please have your photo ID and registration confirmation email to access the event.
Accommodation
We strongly encourage all attendees to stay in accommodation near to the venue. Our partner hotels are the Hilton Barbados and the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa.
Bus Transportation Information
Venues
The Barbados Museum and Historical Society
The Barbados Museum and Historical Society is housed in historic buildings which were originally used as the military prison at St. Ann’s Garrison. In the late 19th century the English decided to reduce their forces in the region. By 1906 the last British regiment had departed the island and many of the Garrison buildings, including the military prison, were handed over to the Barbados Government. The buildings were used for a number of different purposes. In 1933 the prison buildings were leased for a pepper corn rent to this day to the newly formed Barbados Museum and Historical Society, and continue in use. In 1989 a new administration building was completed as part of a capital works project funded by the Government of Barbados. It was named the Jack Dear Wing in honour of the late President of the Museum, Sir J.S.B. Dear. The building houses the Society’s main curatorial and administrative offices.
Errol Barrow Center for the Creative Imagination
Set against the canvas of the Caribbean Sea, adjacent to the main campus of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination, or as we affectionately call it, the EBCCI, is the Creative Arts Centre of the Cave Hill Campus. The Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination (EBCCI) provides leadership in the arts and serves the needs of the creative community in the Caribbean by harnessing the diverse resources of the university to create a truly interdisciplinary creative environment that fosters Caribbean identity and culture through the creation, exhibition and performance, study and research of the arts.
Download the UR Caribbean App!
How to download the app:
- Go to the IOS App Store or Android Play Store and download – “CrowdCompass Attendee Hub”
2. After you download the app, tap on the icon to open it.
3. At the top of the screen, search for “Understanding Risk Caribbean Conference” or “Understanding Risk”
4. Download the event and open it.
Enjoy the app! Make sure you create your profile and upload your image!
App features:
- Check the event agenda
- Create your personalized schedule
- Read session descriptions
- Take notes or bookmark a session
- Read speakers biographies
- Communicate with other colleagues
- Receive notifications from the event
- Check Social Media for the event (@understandrisk, #URCaribbean)
- Share photos and comments in the events feed