The cost of living is not cheap compared to, for example, the UK or USA.

If you buy branded (imported) goods in supermarkets and eat out at top restaurants your money doesn’t stretch too far. If you hire a car or use taxis they can be expensive. However you can live well and much more economically if you live as a local rather than as a tourist:

• Eat local fish, fruit and vegetables. You can buy fish ready prepared at fish markets on the island. Most of these have a Fruit and Veg stall nearby.
• Try some of the local restaurants.
• Eat at restaurants doing set price menus. A number of good quality eateries offer the re-Discover menu which is a 3-course meal + two glasses of wine for $Bds 99, about £36 per head, including VAT and service.
• Bring tea, coffee, breakfast cereal etc with you.
• Try the street food! The legendary Papa Earl’s sells a meal for about £3 and some amazing soft drinks. Like Sorrel & Sea Moss – trust me, it’s amazing! He’s in the same spot on the outskirts of Holetown at lunchtime most days.

Many restaurants let you use their sunbeds and other facilities for free if you buy lunch there.

Use the local buses. The Barbados Reggae Buses run every few minutes the length of the West coast. The fare is $Bds 2 (about 75p) no matter how long (or short) your journey. Many of them play loud reggae music. Quite an experience!

If you do want to hire a car for all or part of your stay the best value is with local companies. Haggle, especially out of season. The Bajan way is not to give you their best price first!

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