Is 'island time' a real issue for business?

Yes. Expect meetings to start 10-15 minutes late. Never schedule back-to-back meetings without at least an hour gap for travel and potential delays.

Generally, no. Hire a dedicated driver for the duration of your trip. Traffic and parking in major Caribbean cities can be unpredictable and stressful.

Planning a Business Trip to the Caribbean

Focus on islands with reliable fiber-optic internet and direct flight access from your home hub to maximize productivity. Schedule meetings between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to avoid the mid-afternoon heat and potential island-time delays.

Verify internet stability. Don't assume hotel Wi-Fi is sufficient. Call the property directly and ask for a speed test result in Mbps. If you need consistent video conferencing, prioritize business-class hotels or branded resorts in major hubs like Nassau, San Juan, or Bridgetown.
Confirm inter-island transit. If your trip involves multiple islands, do not rely on ferries for tight schedules. Use regional airlines like LIAT or Caribbean Airlines. Allow a minimum 5-hour buffer between meetings on different islands to account for customs and regional flight delays.
Establish local points of contact. Business culture in the Caribbean is relationship-driven. Hire a local fix-it person or use a local logistics firm 2 weeks before arrival to handle airport transfers and meeting space bookings.
Sync with the heat. Schedule all outdoor site visits or walking meetings before 10:30 AM. Use the late afternoon for administrative work or internal calls when local businesses typically slow down.

Is 'island time' a real issue for business?: Yes. Expect meetings to start 10-15 minutes late. Never schedule back-to-back meetings without at least an hour gap for travel and potential delays.
Should I rent a car?: Generally, no. Hire a dedicated driver for the duration of your trip. Traffic and parking in major Caribbean cities can be unpredictable and stressful.