Proper Etiquette While Visiting Barbados

Barbados is a popular destination for visitors and travelers. It helps, when in any foreign town, to know proper etiquette while visiting. This will not only help you to fit in but can also help you if you're traveling for business purposes.

The local language is English and many of the American customs are also practiced here. Shops are open from about 9 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m., depending upon what type of business it is. Souvenir and gift shops stay open later than some other places.

If doing business in Barbados dress well for the office. Suits and ties for men and dressy outfits for women, including pantsuits, are usually acceptable. Sleeveless numbers aren't normally chosen for office wear even thought he climate can be very warm.

When in public casual wear is usually jeans or dress pants and tee shirts or polos. No nudity is allowed on the beaches but when leaving the beach areas it's proper to cover up your bathing suit. Walking along streets and visiting shops in swim wear is simply unacceptable.

General good manners when yawning, sneezing or coughing are used in public or meetings, followed by "Excuse me". Proper etiquette while passing someone on a sidewalk is to say "Good morning" or "Good night". It's not proper to simply go around someone but not speak.

The handshake is the proper greeting while being introduced, whether you're men or women. Many foreign countries have all sorts of stipulations when women meet men, but in Barbados, these rules are all but abandoned. Never call someone by their first name, particularly if you are younger than they, if you haven't been formerly introduced. Hugs and kisses, even if you know someone, is not done upon greeting. Hugging and kissing is reserved for relatives and spouses.

When traveling on the bus the first few seats are generally saved for those with special needs. Should you be in one of these seats it's proper to offer it if someone boards who is elderly, pregnant, handicapped, or has small children. You'll have a good time in Barbados, particularly if you are accepted by those you meet. Knowing proper etiquette and manners will help.