Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Barbados: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
Use airport exchange only as a stopgap in Barbados. With ATMs across Bridgetown and Holetown, you’ll save money withdrawing in bulk. Budget BBD 100-150 daily depending on whether you’re eating local or dining in resorts. Airport counters charge extra margins, while bank ATMs give better conversion rates. Be aware some ATMs have small withdrawal limits, so plan accordingly. If possible, use a no-foreign-fee card - the savings really add up over a week’s holiday.
Don’t rely on airport counters in Barbados if you care about value. I changed $200 USD at arrival, only to realize later that ATMs gave way more dollars for the same amount. It annoyed me because that difference could’ve covered a nice seafood dinner or cocktails at St Lawrence Gap. If you’re budgeting BBD 500-700 for a short trip, the airport counter will eat into it badly. I’d only change a token amount for taxis, then hit an ATM in town.
I landed at Grantley Adams Airport and exchanged USD 50 at the counter to get to my hotel. The rate wasn’t good, but I needed cash quickly. Later, I used a Republic Bank ATM in Bridgetown and saved around 10-12% compared to the airport exchange. Meals cost me about BBD 40-60 a day, and I did a catamaran tour for around BBD 200. Using the ATM for most of my money was far better. Keep small bills for taxis and buses.
ATMs in Barbados generally give a better rate than the airport exchange counters. Machines tied to banks like Republic Bank or FirstCaribbean International dispense Barbados Dollars (BBD) at close to the interbank rate. Airport counters are convenient but usually offer worse exchange rates and higher margins. If you’re budgeting BBD 100-200 daily for meals, taxis, and activities, it’s smarter to withdraw directly. Just make sure your bank card is on Visa/Mastercard, as Amex isn’t always accepted at ATMs here.