Barbados Money
”How Do I Buy Things While On Vacation In Barbados?”

What is the currency of Barbados?

Barbados has its own currency known as the Barbadian Dollar. The currency symbol for the Barbados dollar is BBD.

All items sold on the island are in Barbados dollars however US currency is widely accepted.

You can very easily pay for something with US dollars and receive change in Barbadian dollars.

But be aware that very few vendors will give you US dollars back in change.

All other currencies, including the British pound and Canadian dollar, are generally not accepted on the island but can be converted to the money of Barbados at most banks.

For your convenience I recommend you convert your currency to US dollars before you travel to Barbados.

What are the Barbados money exchange rates?

The Barbados dollar is directly tied to the US dollar at a money exchange rate of approximately $1 USD = $2 BBD.

The exchange rate for the Canadian dollar to the Barbados dollar is approximately $1 CAD = $1.99610 BBD.

The exchange rate for the British Pound to the Barbados dollar is approximately £1 GBP = $3.90152 BBD.

Where can I get Barbados money from while I’m in Barbados?

You can exchange your currency for Barbados currency at most Barbados banks throughout the island. This is where you will find the best exchange rates.

There are many different bank branches throughout the island all accepting major credit cards including Visa, Master Card and American Express.

The main local commercial branch is the Barbados National Bank, which will change most currencies for you.

However there are also numerous international banks.

If you are a Canadian traveler there are Scotia Banks, CIBCs and Royal Bank of Canadas.

There are 8 Scotia Banks in Barbados, which allow you to withdraw Barbados money from their ATMs.

If you are with CIBC, they run 9 branches of banks known as First Caribbean International Banks. These have ATMs located throughout the island…so just look for one of the many FIB ATM machines.

There are also 7 Royal Bank of Canada located throughout the island.

Can I use traveller’s cheques in Barbados?

Many tourists like to use traveller’s cheques instead of cash for personal security reasons.

Most banks and hotels in Barbados do accept US and British traveller’s cheques.

However I do not advise you use them in any other denominations as they may not be accepted.

Is there a Barbados TAX?

All items and services in Barbados have a general taxation of 15% know as Value Added Tax or VAT. This tax is incorporated into the prices and therefore the price of an item is the price you pay.

Also be aware of the fact that hotels charge an additional hotel accommodation tax of 7.5% on top of their quoted rates.

Is tipping customary in Barbados?

Tipping is not a requirement in Barbados but it is always greatly appreciated especially if you experience great service at a restaurant or hotel.

A tip of 10-15% is often the norm at restaurants and is sometimes already included in the bill.

At Barbados nightclubs and bars tip jars can usual be found along the bars.

What are the denominations of Barbados currency and what does Barbdos money look like?

There are 6 different types of Barbados bills or notes and 5 different types of coins.

The notes include the following:

The Barbados $100 Dollar Bill

The Barbados coins include:

The Barbados Silver Dollar Coin

Who are the people on Barbados money?

The front of the Barbados $100 dollar bill bears the face of Sir Grantley Adams, the first Premier of Barbados.

The front of the Barbados $50 dollar bill bears the face of Errol Barrow, the first Prime Minister of Barbados and the Father of Independence.

The front of the Barbados $20 dollar bill bears the face of Samuel Jackman Prescod, the first non-white member of the Barbados Parliament in 1843.

The front of the Barbados $10 dollar bill bears the face of Charles Duncan O’Neal, founder of the Democratic League.

The front of the Barbados $5 dollar bill bears the face of Sir Frank Worrell, one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

The front of the Barbados $2 dollar bill bears the face of John Redman Bovell, an agriculturalist and saviour of the sugar cane industry in Barbados.

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