Keep your eye on car rental fees in Barbados
Greetings from Barbados where my arrival coincided with Budget Day, when the prime minister reveals to the people what's in store for the new fiscal year. Barbadian PM David Thompson had some news for us too: a 1,000 percent increase in the visitor driving permit, from $10 to $100. Other tax hikes included liquor licenses and alcohol, up 50 percent. "We simply cannot absorb this increase," a car rental agency was quoted in the Barbados Free Press.
The planned increase raised such outcry that the House of Assembly returned to the budget drawing board. No figures were given but the increase for short-term visitors will be more modest, the House said.
While the Caribbean may not be top-of-your-mind in July, it might be worth checking to see how high the fees are before your next winter visit if you plan to rent a car.
Posted by Patricia Borns, Globe Correspondent
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