FAQs – Beach houses

When do I pay for the beach house?

You first make a 25% deposit to reserve the house and the balance [preferably cash] is collected on arrival. 

Can I make long distance calls from the telephone at the beach house?

Although there is a telephone provided at the beach house, all direct outgoing international calls are barred.  All local calls are free.  However, you can make international calls by calling COLLECT via the operator if the person you are calling agrees to pay for the charges.  Another option is the Cable and Wireless prepaid calling cards.  The cost of your international call is debited from the card and not the phone that you are using.

Or bring your CELL PHONE.  Most cell phones readily connect with one of our local carriers [Cable and Wireless, Digicel].

Will my electronic gadgets work at the beach house?

Barbados’ electricity supply is 110 voltage and 50 Hz cycles, using the North American flat 2 pin plug.  Check whether any of your appliances have a dual voltage switch.  Plug adaptors are available at the cottages, however, 240 volt transformers can be purchased in most department stores.

Is the water from the tap safe to drink?

Yes.  The tap water is safe to drink.  Barbados has one of the purest and cleanest water supplies in the world.  Water is drawn from underground springs and rain, filtered by the islands limestone coral.

What do I do with my garbage?

Garbage is collected twice per week, on Mondays and Fridays.  Simply take the garbage to the curb on the morning of the collection dates.

How easy is it to get to the shops?

It is very easy.  Shops, banks, supermarkets and restaurants are no more than 5 – 10 minutes away by car.  For basic essentials [bread, milk, eggs, rum] there is a mini mart at the petrol station less than 5 minutes walk.

What`s transportation like?

This depends on whether your priority is price or comfort.  There is a bus pole right outside your door offering an excellent service of travel to the north and south of the island; or make connections to reach the eastern and central parishes.  The standard fare, any distance is Bds $1.50 a ride.

Taxis are readily available.  There is a reputable taxi stand only 3 doors down.  There are no metered taxis on the island so agree to a price before climbing in.

An even better way of getting around Barbados is to hire a car.  Ballantyne Rentals is also a leading car rental company based on the west coast.  We offer additional discounts to those staying at our beach houses along with free delivery and collection…and a free map.