Money, Budget, and Shopping in Barbados

Money

Currency

Currency: Barbadian dollar (100 cents).

Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 BBD$.

Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25 cents + 1 BBD$.

Exchange:

The Barbadian dollar was introduced in 1973. Since 1975, it has been pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 2 BBD$ = 1 US$.

Exchange

Since Barbados is a tourist destination, there are no real issues with exchanging money. Exchange bureaus can be easily found at ports and airports, in most banks, hotels, and many tourist spots. ATMs are also widely available across the country, and most banks have them.

Which currency to bring

While the official currency is the Barbadian dollar, it is still possible to pay for many things in US dollars (with change often given in local currency). In fact, prices may sometimes even be listed in US dollars rather than Barbadian dollars. Be careful and confirm the currency, as the difference is significant: 1 US$ = 2 BBD$ fixed.

As for which currency to bring, simplicity is key. While the euro is sometimes accepted (though not always at a good rate) or can be used to obtain Barbadian dollars, it’s best to arrive with US dollars for your cash supply, and then supplement with euros-to-Barbadian-dollar exchanges via card or cash if needed. Note that ATMs only dispense Barbadian dollars, there’s no advantage to exchanging euros to US dollars to BBD$ or euros to BBD$ to US dollars, and the benefit of US dollars is that even if you have some left at the end of your trip, you can always use or exchange them easily elsewhere.

Payment methods

Card payments, as well as US dollars, are widely accepted on the island for anything a tourist might need. Still, bring some local dollars for small expenses, and watch out for bank fees if you make too many small purchases or withdrawals.

Returning home

The simplest option is to end your trip with mostly US dollars, which you can always use or exchange easily for another trip if you have any left.

Budget

Like most islands in the region, Barbados is a fairly expensive destination, though not the worst. If you eat local or fast food, stay in guesthouses, and use buses, expect to spend at least the equivalent of 45 to 65 € per day per person for two, and even then, mostly in the low season. For more freedom and convenience, budget at least 60 €/day minimum, not including nature or sports activities like diving, which can quickly push costs much higher.

What can be expensive

High season (December to April).

Sightseeing.

What can be affordable

Guesthouses compared to other accommodations.

Eating local.

Price range

Budget double room ("backpacker" style): around 30 to 40 € in a guesthouse.

Mid-range double room ("tourist" style): from 100 € upwards for the cheapest options.

Snacks, local restaurant meals:

Tourist restaurant meals:

Budget car rental:

Bus fare: flat rate of 2 BBD$ (1 US$) per trip, regardless of distance.

Urban taxi: