Barbados, known for its turquoise waters and vibrant Caribbean culture, is a dream destination – but understanding money in Barbados and how currency works is essential to avoid travel hiccups. Whether you’re enjoying rum tastings, browsing craft markets, or tipping at beachside restaurants, knowing how to pay is key. This guide covers what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Barbados (Barbadian Dollar – BBD), tips for safe cash handling, and important dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid hidden fees and enjoy Barbados with peace of mind.
How to pay in Barbados – cash or card?
In Barbados, both cash and cards are widely used. The Barbadian dollar (BBD)and U.S. dollar are widely used. Cards are common in urban and tourist areas, but cash is still important for smaller purchases and local services.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation and Taxis: Buses, minibuses, and most taxis prefer cash.
- Street Vendors and Markets: Food stalls, craft vendors, and small shops are cash-based.
- Small Businesses: Family-run shops and snack bars often prefer cash.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Some budget accommodations require cash payment.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash is common for service staff, tour guides, and drivers.
- Remote or Rural Areas: Card facilities may be limited outside tourist hubs.
You can use card for:
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger accommodations accept Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes AmEx.
- Restaurants: Most mid-range and upscale restaurants in tourist areas take cards.
- Retail Stores: Shopping centers, supermarkets, and duty-free shops accept cards.
- Car Rentals and Excursions: Established providers take card payments.
- Online Bookings: Flights, hotels, and tours can be booked by card.
What’s the best currency to take to Barbados?
The Barbadian Dollar (BBD) is the best currency to take if you’re traveling to Barbados. Paying or withdrawing money in local currency will gives you the best value, especially in local shops, restaurants, and markets.
That said, the US Dollar is widely accepted across the island and is often used by tourists. Just note that change is typically given in BBD. Some vendors may offer a worse rate or round prices up if you pay in USD.
GBP or Euros are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Barbados?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Barbados. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Banks for currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Barbados
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Barbados
If you’re withdrawing money in Barbados from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept American Express, Diners, Discover cards. Others like CUP, JCB, Maestro or Rupay cards are usually not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Barbados?
It’s helpful to bring a small amount of Barbadian Dollars (BBD) before traveling for immediate expenses like airport taxis, tips, or small purchases. However, BBD is not widely available outside the Caribbean, and foreign exchange rates are often less favorable.
A practical approach is to withdraw BBD from ATMs once you arrive. ATMs are widely available throughout Barbados – including at the airport, in Bridgetown, and at tourist resorts – and most accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards. Always check with your bank about international ATM fees.
If you wish to exchange currency, it’s best to do so at local banks or authorized exchange bureaus, as they offer better rates than hotels or airport counters. USD is also widely accepted across the island, especially in tourist areas, though change may be given in BBD.
Where to withdraw money in Barbados
You can withdraw money in Barbados at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Barbados are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Scotiabank,
- Republic Bank and
- First Citizens Bank.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Barbados.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Barbados.
Where to exchange currency in Barbados
Common places to exchange currency in Barbados are mainly banks and some licenced exchange bureaus.
Private currency exchange bureaus are not widespread in Barbados. Most travelers exchange money at banks, airport exchange counters, or hotel front desks. However, airport kiosks and resort exchanges often have less favorable rates.
Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services:
Republic Bank (Barbados)
FirstCaribbean International Bank
Scotiabank
RBC Royal Bank
Bank branches are common in Bridgetown, Holetown, and Speightstown. Most operate Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Airport Services:
Currency exchange is available at Grantley Adams International Airport, but rates may be slightly higher than in town.
You can find good currency exchanges in Barbados using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Barbados. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Barbados safe?
Carrying cash in Barbados is generally safe, especially in tourist areas and resorts. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded places or on public transportation, so it’s best to be cautious and carry only what you need for the day.
To carry cash safely in Barbados:
- Keep cash in different locations – wallet, pouch, or inside pockets.
- Use a crossbody bag with zippers or a money belt for added security.
- Avoid displaying large amounts of cash, especially when shopping or paying vendors.
- Be discreet when handling money in Bridgetown, beach areas, or transport hubs.
- Use ATMs located in banks, hotels, or well-lit shopping centers.
- Carry small bills for taxis, market stalls, and tipping, where cash is typically preferred.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Barbados
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
