Moving to New Caledonia from Barbados

moving to

What to Expect

Considering a move from Barbados to New Caledonia? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Barbados to New Caledonia, and you’d need to navigate life in French. You’ll also switch from driving on the left to the right.

Planning this move? Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from vetted international movers. Get free quotes ↓

Get free moving quotes to New Caledonia

We've teamed up with a vetted network of international movers to help MyLifeElsewhere readers plan their move with confidence. Tell us about your move and get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes in under 2 minutes.

  • ✅ Up to 5 quotes from screened movers
  • ✅ Licensed and insured providers only
  • ✅ 100% free — you choose who contacts you

Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in New Caledonia compared to Barbados.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

per 100,000 people per year

BB
15.3
NC
3.1

New Caledonia performs significantly better than Barbados across all safety metrics.

What about the environment?

CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

BB
2.5t
NC
17.1t

Barbados performs better than New Caledonia across all environment metrics.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

BB
37.6
NC
19.2
Internet access The World Factbook, 2021

share of households with internet

BB
86.0%
NC
82.0%

Barbados performs better than New Caledonia across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

BB
8.0%
NC
11.2%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

BB
$17,400
NC
$35,700

Barbados generally does better on employment & economy, though New Caledonia leads in gdp per capita.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

BB
78.5 yrs
NC
78.8 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2020

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

BB
9.6
NC
5.0

New Caledonia generally does better on family life, though Barbados leads in literacy rate.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Barbados and New Caledonia. To live, work, or study long-term in New Caledonia, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check New Caledonia's immigration authority.

Barbados passport

Barbados passport holder visiting New Caledonia

Visa Free
Barbados passport holders can enter New Caledonia without a visa.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from New Caledonia?

Connectivity is usually fine (New Caledonia: 19.2 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does New Caledonia offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is New Caledonia safe for expats?

New Caledonia performs significantly better than Barbados across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in New Caledonia is 3.1 per 100,000 people, compared to 15.3 in Barbados.

What language do they speak in New Caledonia?

The official language in New Caledonia is French. In Barbados, the official language is English.

Share this

At a Glance

BB NC
Population 302,674 297,160
Currency Barbadian Dollar (BBD) CFP Franc (CFPF)
Languages English French
Driving side Left Right
Calling code +1246 +687
Time zones 1 1