Fletcher Hutchins
@fletchh
American expat in Portugal
Forum posts
66
Contacts
26
About me
American
Lives in Aveiro, Aveiro District, Portu
Speaks English /袪褍褋褋泻懈泄
Registration: 09 July 2013
Medical Council Registration by unclegid
Greetings, am a medical from Nigerian whose application for registration has been approved by the Barbados Medical Council but i need to pay for the registration and practicing license. This has to be done in bank draft, please i need a reliable ...
You also have to visit immigration and get a work permit. The council just means that you can apply for a work permit. If you visited the medical council, you would have had to pay before you left. So I am not sure what your problem is. Also, they ... Read More
Drivers license
When you rent a car, the car hire companies will give you 3 months on a permit, as long as you have a drivers license from anywhere, and the permit is only $10 barbados. If you have a rental car for longer, the company will work it out with you. So ... Read More
how is living in Barbados
Are you looking for comparisons in social, economic, and political or just in one area? Read More
Expat in need of help by mbkimberley63
Hi, I am an expat currently living in Bulgaria but I have lived in Canada and America as well. I am an online travel writer and I need a little help from expats in Barbados. I do require some help and I just want to assure you this isn't spam. As ...
Going back and forth every 6 months should not be a problem. You might get 3 months at the airport, when you come in, but you can go down to the Immigration office in the careenage and get the other 3 month extension for about $100 BDS. Immigration ... Read More
Where do I start and what do I need to do? by JodiCarson
Good Afternoon everyone, I am blessed to work from anywhere and very interested in moving to Barbados. This has never been an option before so I am not sure what I would need to consider. Looking for any advice. What requirements I must ...
Barbados likes to say that there are only two reasons for a foreign national to be in country. One is as a tourist, and the other is on a work permit(visa) or education permit(visa). When you come into immigration, they will likely give you 3 ... Read More
Free and low-cost leisure activities in Barbados by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some information regarding leisure activities that are free or low-cost in Barbados. This information will give future expats (or even current expats) an idea regarding some of leisure activities that they might not ...
Jan is bit out, but I might be available. Read More
Department Store Coming from BGI by tylerpac
Hello - could someone recommend a large "Walmart-type" department store that we can stop at with our rental car after flying into BGI? A store very close and convenient to the highway, hopefully. We will be driving to Speightstown, so ...
Cost-U-Less is a big store along the ABC highway. You could take the ABC hwy up to Welches, St. Tomas, just up the hill from Warrens on the ABC hwy. There are other big box stores, but that one is convenient going to Holetown or Speightstown. Read More
How to bring your car to Barbados
I agree with Ebbie100 as it is probably a better idea to buy it here, unless you have something special in the car. Customs is getting more diligent in their assessments, as I am reminded of this every time I come into the airport. There are ... Read More
Car rental for 2 months
That is considered the high season, but you can try ANSA. I was able to get them through expedia on my last trip. There is an office at the airport on the outside arrival area. They are linked to Europcar and probably other car rental companies. You ... Read More
New members of the Barbados forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Barbados forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi Natalie, When I was on holiday, I was only able to get 3 months. As being retired and owning a house I got six months. So at airport immigration ask for 6, and if they only give you 3, an extension for 3 months will cost about $100 bbd downtown ... Read More
Housing
There are a number of real estate firms on the island. You will need to get a lawyer as well, and the real estate agent should be able to help with that. I had experience with Ron Karp, and he does both commercial and residential. The real estate ... Read More
Salary expectations! Help needed please by rhys-morris
Hi guys, I have just finished a Masters degree in Strength & Conditioning and have recently been in touch with the WI University. We are trying to arrnage something for me to get invovled with athletes on the Island. The only issue is what salary ...
I own a house, so those responsibilities are reflected in the cost. I do not have the cost of a car, so that might make it a bit more expensive, but for a decent life to include eating out regularly, once a week and twice sometimes. I would say ... Read More
Salary expectations! Help needed please by rhys-morris
Hi guys, I have just finished a Masters degree in Strength & Conditioning and have recently been in touch with the WI University. We are trying to arrnage something for me to get invovled with athletes on the Island. The only issue is what salary ...
I could give you an estimate for 2 adults, but not a family of 5. Read More
Tell me your advice - staying in Barbados, October 2018 - March 2019 by Syreta
Why wait 'til 65 to retire? To be a snow bird? :sosad: I'm 37 and would love to spend winter in Barbados! :D Having visited twice, I love it. Born and raised in Canada I love my home country too! Can't say I love winter. :blink: ...
Regarding 6 months. You can ask for It, but be prepared for a discussion. The worst that can happen is that they will give you 3 months, and ask you to go to immigration downtown to get an additional 3 months. Read More
Tell me your advice - staying in Barbados, October 2018 - March 2019 by Syreta
Why wait 'til 65 to retire? To be a snow bird? :sosad: I'm 37 and would love to spend winter in Barbados! :D Having visited twice, I love it. Born and raised in Canada I love my home country too! Can't say I love winter. :blink: ...
Did you get my reply to this? I sent it yesterday, but I do not see it. Read More
Tell me your advice - staying in Barbados, October 2018 - March 2019 by Syreta
Why wait 'til 65 to retire? To be a snow bird? :sosad: I'm 37 and would love to spend winter in Barbados! :D Having visited twice, I love it. Born and raised in Canada I love my home country too! Can't say I love winter. :blink: ...
You could get 3 months at the airport immigration, as long as you have a place to stay, and a return flight. There may be other questions as every immigration officer is different. The extension would cost about $100 Barbados at the immigration ... Read More
Tell me your advice - staying in Barbados, October 2018 - March 2019 by Syreta
Why wait 'til 65 to retire? To be a snow bird? :sosad: I'm 37 and would love to spend winter in Barbados! :D Having visited twice, I love it. Born and raised in Canada I love my home country too! Can't say I love winter. :blink: ...
Hi Syreta, You might be able to get 3 months, but you would have to go to immigration to get an extension, after that, and they would need proof that you are able to support yourself while you are here, and that includes medical care, housing, and ... Read More
Cell Phone
You might be best off buying a SIM card for $20 Barbados, and it includes 10 minutes call time. This is prepaid of course and assuming that your phone is unlocked. There are three providers on the island that I know of, Digicel, Flow, and Ozone. ... Read More
Traffic in Barbados by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Barbados, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people to ...
Which city or area do you live in in Barbados, and how do you find the traffic? Most people live in villages, and the big city is Bridgetown, with Speightstown and Holetown being minor towns, and traffic is getting worse all over. In an area of ... Read More
Paying bills in Barbados by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What bills do you pay? If you are renting, are bills included in the price of rent, and is this common practice in Barbados? How can you pay your bills (e.g. online, at provider's store, at the post office)? Which is the most ...
What bills do you pay? If you are renting, are bills included in the price of rent, and is this common practice in Barbados? For long term rentals water may be included, and the renter would pay electricity, gas, and ISP with channels and phone. ... Read More
Retiring in Barbados by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Why did you choose to retire in Barbados? What are the advantages compared with your home country? What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc.. Are ...
Why did you choose to retire in Barbados? What are the advantages compared with your home country? My wife and I have ben coming to Barbados for more than 20 years, and after we retired, we decided to come here. There are many reasons, but I ... Read More
The best services to use when moving to Barbados by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What were the biggest hurdles you faced when moving to Barbados? Were there any services available that helped? Which services helped you most upon your arrival in Barbados? Were there any that helped you adapt and integrate ...
Moving abroad isn't easy, but there are often a range of services available to smooth the process. What services would you recommend? The only service that I know of is, if you are shipping personal goods, to include car here. There are a ... Read More
Speaking Bajan in Barbados by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Bajan is essential for a successful integration in Barbados. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Bajan? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a language course ...
It is widely agreed that speaking Bajan is essential for a successful integration in Barbados. Do you agree? It does help. All Barbadians speak English, but knowing the colloquial language Bajan is great for social occasions, and as in any country, ... Read More
Dealing with homesickness in Barbados
What are your personal tips to prevent homesickness? I never feel homesick, although a few times when I have left Barbados, I found myself wishing to be back in Barbados. How do you deal with such feelings? Are there shops or stores offering ... Read More
Customer care in Barbados
How would you describe your customer service experiences in Barbados? Customer service in Barbados is about the same as in any other place in the world, and that is uneven. In some places it is wonderful, and in others it is normal "give me ... Read More
Sports in Barbados by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The Olympic Games are now just a few days away and we would like to talk about sports. What sports are the most popular and/or unusual in Barbados? Are sports facilities easily accessible there? Where and how can one find ...
What sports are the most popular and/or unusual in Barbados? Cricket is the most popular sport, football and basketball are also up and coming. Car racing, Horse racing, Cycling, Polo, golf, surfing, sailing, and just about any water sport can be ... Read More
Essentials to live in Barbados by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Barbados, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Barbados? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
Yes, if someone else is paying for shipping, customs and delivery of your personal goods, bring everything. If you are paying yourself, you might want to consider what to bring. Shipping runs about $10 (USD) per Cubic Ft (2014), and that does not ... Read More
Best cities to live in Barbados
Barbados has been described as a big village. That said, I am sure that many would have an opinion. Bridgetown is the capital, Holetown, and Speightstown are on the West Coast. Bridgetown would be the only area that looks like a city. Most people as ... Read More
Making phone calls in Barbados by Maximilien
Hi, When settling in Barbados, one of the priorities is to be able to make phone calls. How to proceed to get a landline installed in Barbados? What are the mobile operators? What is your average monthly budget? Thank you in advance ...
How to proceed to get a landline installed in Barbados? There are kiosks and stores all over the country. You can visit them and tell them what you want, tv, internet, landline or mobile or bundles. You can also call them on the phone and tell ... Read More
What do you like the most in Barbados?
I like the endless warm days and warm nights. The common courtesy expressed no matter where I am. I love the sea, the sand and the beauty of living in the tropics. The weather brought me here, as I hate the cold and the snow. I also love the ... Read More
Husband got a job in Barbados and we will be moving shortly... by ravinathomas
Hi Everyone! My husband got a job in Barbados and we will be moving shortly. I'm wondering if someone could point me in the right direction of where to find a list of all the things that I should be packing in a shipping container. Please and ...
That is a good thing that your husband's job is paying for the moving expenses. Anything coming in to Barbados is subject to duty. Please ensure that your husbands job is covering the duties on everything. There are several shipping companies, ... Read More
Husband got a job in Barbados and we will be moving shortly... by ravinathomas
Hi Everyone! My husband got a job in Barbados and we will be moving shortly. I'm wondering if someone could point me in the right direction of where to find a list of all the things that I should be packing in a shipping container. Please and ...
It is completely up to you what you pack. Depending on where you are shipping from, the cost per sq cubic foot can be expensive. If you are not paying for it, then that is a good thing and you can pack what you want. Duty will have to be paid on ... Read More
Arriving in Barbados in October
Glen, Try Cariblist.com or VROB.com online. Some of the listings are not current, but you should contact as many as you can. Read More
Volunteering in Barbados
While living abroad, some expats wish to get involved in the local community life. What organizations expats can turn to if they want to volunteer in Barbados? I don't know of all the organizations in Barbados, but there seems to be quite a ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Barbados by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Barbados. What ...
For English speaking people, that is people who speak English, or a dialect of English there is very little culture shock. The local dialect is easy to understand, and British terms are used, which can be different to the ear, if you grew up with a ... Read More
Healthcare in Barbados by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Barbados ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Barbados? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
Health care in Barbados has both a universal and a private component. Expats must have health insurance, as the public system is for citizens of Barbados. With that said the health care in Barbados is good. There is no trauma unit on Barbados, but ... Read More
Healthcare in Barbados by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Barbados ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Barbados? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
Healthcare has both a private and public component, and some mixing at the discretion of the Government. I believe that the comments above still reflect the health care system in Barbados. There is no trauma unit on the Island, but they do seem to ... Read More
Bringing pets from the US by lreds
Hi, I was wondering if anyone had brought pets over from the US to Barbados. I'm thinking about moving there within the year, and want to bring my 2 cats. I know they cannot fly directly from the US and they'll need there shots and vet ...
Here is the information from the Barbados.org page regarding Pets. Pets The following guidelines must be followed when importing any animal into Barbados: 鈥n import permit must be obtained from the Chief Veterinary Officer before the ... Read More
Bringing pets from the US by lreds
Hi, I was wondering if anyone had brought pets over from the US to Barbados. I'm thinking about moving there within the year, and want to bring my 2 cats. I know they cannot fly directly from the US and they'll need there shots and vet ...
Good Morning Ireds, Pets can only enter Barbados from the following countries: Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Antigua, Jamaica, St. Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent, and there is a process for that. Pets from other countries being brought ... Read More
New members of the Barbados forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Barbados forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
I am sure that you can find something in Cariblist.com online. Read More
Cost of living in Barbados by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Barbados. Don't forget to mention where in Barbados you are living. How much does it cost to live in Barbados? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares ...
I figure that I would talk about sports on the island. Sports are very big in Barbados and children in the early years play sports. The main sport is cricket and the Kensington Oval is holy ground for the West Indies. The West Indies, both the ... Read More
Housing
Your best bet would be to check with Cariblist on line. From any one listing you can view pictures, prices, and amenities, as well as email the realtor. Some listings do not have pictures, and some pictures are not necessarily representative of the ... Read More
Cost of living in Barbados by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Barbados. Don't forget to mention where in Barbados you are living. How much does it cost to live in Barbados? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares ...
This is a continuation on the thread. There are several cinemas on the island and the price is around 16 BDS, but can be higher depending on movie or event, and it is still a good deal. Some theatres have days or nights with reduced prices. Holders ... Read More
Cost of living in Barbados by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Barbados. Don't forget to mention where in Barbados you are living. How much does it cost to live in Barbados? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares ...
This is a continuation of a previous post. Dining out is reasonable, and the cost of an entr茅e can range from very good and reasonable to very expensive. Many places during the high season, Nov - Apr have live entertainment, and that comes ... Read More
Cost of living in Barbados by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Barbados. Don't forget to mention where in Barbados you are living. How much does it cost to live in Barbados? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares ...
Barbados like the rest of the western world is still suffering from the 2008 economic meltdown. Jobs are not easy to find, and getting work permits can take time. If you have CARICOM citizenship, things can be a bit easier. Looking for any jobs in ... Read More
Cost of living in Barbados by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Barbados. Don't forget to mention where in Barbados you are living. How much does it cost to live in Barbados? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares ...
The cost of living in Barbados is similar to most places in the world. Produce is inexpensive, but groceries are twice as much as some cities in the US. My Wife and I spend about $1500 BDS a month on groceries and Produce. Electricity is expensive, ... Read More
Having things shipped and customs. by fletchh
My personal goods were delivered this week, and it was a learning experience. We had packed 177 cubic feet of personal items, to include a tv, printer, music box, small kitchen appliances, and two full size bicycles. We shipped from Maryland, in the ...
Jwa, We used Leparkan. They have an office about a km past the pelican on Harbour Rd. They were as competitive as anyone else I checked out. You will have the up front cost, meaning paying to have so many cubic feet shipped, and that will get ... Read More
Having things shipped and customs.
My personal goods were delivered this week, and it was a learning experience. We had packed 177 cubic feet of personal items, to include a tv, printer, music box, small kitchen appliances, and two full size bicycles. We shipped from Maryland, in the ... Read More
Recently Moved to Barbados
bajanstz, Thanks for the welcome. We are just happy to be here. I can understand the craziness of work, and was happy to leave it all behind. Read More
New members of the Barbados forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Barbados forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Deborahammond, We are recent migrants to Barbados and we are from the US. We will be looking for permanent residency as well. We were given 3 months at immigration while at the airport. We will apply for another 3 months after that, but we will ... Read More
Recently Moved to Barbados
We have arrived to live in Barbados. There were months of planning and lots of things to do to get ready for the move. As US citizens we are here 3 months visa free, with the option of an extension of 3 more months after a visit to immigration on ... Read More
Ask A Local by bajanstz
I've lived overseas and I know how difficult/frustrating it can be to find out information about very basic things about a country you're looking to move to, when you are living in another country. I'm now living in Barbados again and I thought I'd ...
bajanstz, We are getting ready to ship our personal items to include 2 bicycles next week. We are only shipping personal items, but as far as personal items go, which ones are subject to duty and which ones will they let pass? Read More
Ask A Local by bajanstz
I've lived overseas and I know how difficult/frustrating it can be to find out information about very basic things about a country you're looking to move to, when you are living in another country. I'm now living in Barbados again and I thought I'd ...
I plan on staying retired, as I enjoy it. My wife is a speech pathologists and has made contacts and understands what she wants so do. I have to admit that I agree about the ticket, but if you find anything else out, please let me know. Thanks ... Read More
Ask A Local by bajanstz
I've lived overseas and I know how difficult/frustrating it can be to find out information about very basic things about a country you're looking to move to, when you are living in another country. I'm now living in Barbados again and I thought I'd ...
bajanstz, Considering we are looking forward to living in Barbados, and we will visit the immigration office at the careenage, is it a problem to come with a one way ticket? Many countries do not want people showing up with one way tickets, ... Read More
Ask A Local by bajanstz
I've lived overseas and I know how difficult/frustrating it can be to find out information about very basic things about a country you're looking to move to, when you are living in another country. I'm now living in Barbados again and I thought I'd ...
Bajanstz, Thanks, and this is good to know. We are in the process of selling our house now, and we will be involved in shipping and finding a place to live. I have lines on shippers, and cariblist for a place to live. I am sure I will have ... Read More
Moving to Barbados in June 2014 and pets
There does not seem to be any way around it. Our dog passed away in 2010, and we have not gotten another pet until after we move. If the money is not a problem, you could visit every so often during the 6 months period. On a high note, vet bills are ... Read More
Long term stay in Barbados
Pamela, thanks. It is a very informative site. Read More
Organize your move to Barbados by Julie
Hi all, we invite you to share your experience about moving to Barbados. Here is a list of questions which might help the ones preparing their move to Barbados: What would you bring and what would you leave behind? Is it a good idea to ...
Hi John, I typed a nice reply but I did something and it all disappeared. In a nutshell, there are many very pretty areas of Barbados that are not built up like the south and west coasts. St. John, St. Joe, St. Andrew and St. Lucy all have ... Read More
Organize your move to Barbados by Julie
Hi all, we invite you to share your experience about moving to Barbados. Here is a list of questions which might help the ones preparing their move to Barbados: What would you bring and what would you leave behind? Is it a good idea to ...
We are in the process of selling out house, and once that is done we will be shipping personal items, such as clothes, bicycles, pots, pans, plates, towels, electronic devices, small kitchen appliances and such, but no furniture and no car. We plan ... Read More
Areas best for a family in Babados by Tasha9797
I will be living in Barbados with my two sons starting in late December for 5 months (will be on Fulbright at UWI) and am having a difficult time finding affordable housing close to the beach. I would like to rent a 2 bedroom for around ...
Tasha, I can only speak to some of your questions. For living around stores and events, the west and south coasts are it. The public transportation is very good in these areas. The West coast has housing above the coastal road and up towards the ... Read More
Small Business Potential
I believe a tea shop is a great idea. Especially, if one offers loose tea, green and black. The only loose tea I have seen in the island is Twining's, which is a very good tea, but the black tea is dried in the hindi manner as in little balls. I ... Read More
Bank Statements
I deposited money in the form of a foreign currency check, and they added a stamp to my receipt and charged me for it. I have deposited local currency, and have never received a stamp. I am sure that there are laws to govern the use of the stamp, ... Read More