Manners in Barbados
Learn about cultural etiquette and manners of this country
Greetings
- Handshake
- Light hug (Caribbean hug)
- Good morning/afternoon
- Wuh gine on? (Bajan for 'How are you?')
Etiquette
- It is customary to exchange greetings when meeting on the street
- Polite English is preferred in public places
- Avoid revealing clothing in town outside of beaches
- Relatively relaxed about time, but public institutions start punctually
- Best to obtain permission for photography
- Left-hand traffic, so checking the right side when crossing is important
- Tips of 10-15% are standard at restaurants
- Smoking is prohibited in many public facilities
- Unspoken rule not to complain about loud cricket broadcasts
- Strong culture of lightening the mood with light jokes and small talk
- Avoid deep topics of religion and politics on first meeting
- Cash (small bills) is convenient for roadside food purchases
- It is polite to try a sip when offered local rum
- Islanders are friendly but sensitive about privacy
- Board buses from the rear and pay fare