Barbados currency

[Aaron]

So after 6 years of heading to the US, I've decided to be adventurous (for me anyway) and go to Barbados! I'm just wondering what currency is best to take? Obviously I know they have Barbadian dollars but would it be worthwhile taking more US dollars as I've read somewhere that the majority of outlets accept them?

Thanks in advance.

[daywalker]

If you've got US dollars take them and you'll have no problem spending them just be aware most (if not all) the change you get will be in Barbados dollars. Obviously that's not a major problem at all just be sure the change you get is correct, it most likely will be as the majority of Bajans are lovely people.

If you have an option to take either I'd take plenty of BD$ from the start as it just makes life a little bit easier after a few drinks

We spend a lot of time in the US though and always have a good stash of US dollars and just take them without a worry.

That's probably the most contradictory answer I could give but hopefully you'll see my point

[Aaron]

It was, but it also helped so it's done it's job! The majority in Barbadian dollars it is, thank you.

On a side note, has anyone used one of these before? May head down that route to save on carrying lots of cash.

[daywalker]

It was, but it also helped so it's done it's job! The majority in Barbadian dollars it is, thank you.

On a side note, has anyone used one of these before? May head down that route to save on carrying lots of cash.

I've not used these things.

I rely on a Santander zero credit card for spends as it has no commission or fees for foreign spending. Forex is done at the bank rate on the day your transaction posts.

For taking cash from a machine I still use my Nationwide flex account debit card. This has no fees for cash withdrawals or foreign spending in the Eurozone but has a small fee of around 1% outside the Eurozone which is still a pretty decent deal. Forex is as the card above, taken at the bank rate on the day the transaction posts so no loss in Eurozone but only a small commission of 1% paid outside of this zone.

This year I gambled and picked up a load of dollars ($3875) from Crown Currency exchange at a rate of $1.55, I'm ahead but only just at the moment and it's not something I think I'll bother doing again. Having said I'm ahead, with lost interest I'm about level!

[DragonLady]

I tend to take both- we usually have both currencies stashed away somewhere (due to the abysmal rates you get on return to Blighty). The Bajans are happy to accept both but as daywalker says if you pay in US $ you'll get change in Bajan.
You'll love Barbados, just don't be in a hurry to get anything done. The Bajans don't have "urgent" in their articulatory repertoire .
DL

[Jacki]

It was, but it also helped so it's done it's job! The majority in Barbadian dollars it is, thank you.

On a side note, has anyone used one of these before? May head down that route to save on carrying lots of cash.

I have a Fairfx Euro currency card (they also have Dollar and Sterling) which I find very useful.

[daharris]

It was, but it also helped so it's done it's job! The majority in Barbadian dollars it is, thank you.

On a side note, has anyone used one of these before? May head down that route to save on carrying lots of cash.

I have their USD one for use in Barbados. Never had any problems using it in restaurants or shops. Although it does tend to get used more for cash withdrawls.

[mh1]

I had a Caxton FX card and it stopped working in the US. The helpline could not fix the card and refused to issue a new one as it was not lost. I had to throw the card away, immediately report it lost and they transferred the rest of the money into my current account.

This card was a hindrance and there are debit cards that do a similar thing. I now have a HSBC premier card and find this to be faultless.

Mark

[tontybear]

I used a FairFX US $ card last year. Yes the rate was slightly better than getting cash but then I worked out that the cash machine withdrawl fees ate up the 'savings' of the better rate - even when withdrawing a couple hundred $$.

When I used it as a CC I didn't get any miles like I would have if I had used my AMEX.

Am sure they have their advantages for some people but it turned out not to be for me.

[Leanne]

We took US$ when we went in May, but used our credit cards for any "expensive" shopping.

[reggieb]

We prefer to take US$ as any unused can be taken on our next holiday - wherever that may be. As stated, most places take US no problem, we generally use Bajan just for bus fares, snacks etc..
Great place!

[oldboy]

We always use US$ in Barbados.

We were on the Island last month and in bars etc you just had to half the barbadian $ price to arrive at the US$ price.

Whatever currency used a good time is almost guaranteed.

If anywhere near Holetown, Lexy's Piano Bar is certainly worth a visit anytime after 10.00 pm

[Aaron]

Thanks for all the responses, they're appreciated!

I have their USD one for use in Barbados. Never had any problems using it in restaurants or shops. Although it does tend to get used more for cash withdrawls.

Ah, I currently have the USD one, I was going to apply for the Worldwide card for the Barbados trip but if the USD works just aswell there's no need! Unless anyone knows of any other reasons?!

Thanks again!