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Barbados Dollar
The Barbadian dollar is the currency used in Barbados. This dollar is identified by the letters BBD, although in day to day use it is often symbolised as Bds$, to differentiate it from the US dollar.
Each dollar is divided into 100 cents and coins are issued in the form of 1, 5, 10, 25 cents and $1. Notes are issued in the forms of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100. These are issued by the Central Bank of Barbados.
The Barbadian dollar is fixed to the US dollar and this does not change, in terms of value. So a Barbadian dollar is always worth 50 US cents, with the rate being US$1 = Bds $2.
History of the Barbadian Dollar
The dollar has been in use in Barbados since 1882. It was first issued in the form of private banknotes. These used to be used in conjunction with British sterling (Barbados was part of the British empire) and the two currencies worked together. Then in 1920, the Barbadian dollar was pegged to the British pound, with $1 = 4 shillings and 2 pence.
This system carried on until 1935, when the British West Indies dollar was brought into circulation as a standard currency throughout the British West Indies. Then in 1965, the East Caribbean dollar came into use as it replaced the British West Indies dollar.
However, this currency was also to be short-lived and as early as 1972 the East Caribbean dollar was officially scrapped, as the Central Bank of Barbados came into being. This bank introduced the Barbadian dollar and brought it into official use in 1973, officially linking it to the US dollar.
Since then it has been in continual use and is relatively stable, given that it is linked to the US dollar.
Getting hold of Barbadian Dollars
Since tourism is an important part of the economy of Barbados, it is all linked up to ensure that you will have no problem getting hold of Bdn dollars. ATM machines are plentiful, particularly in the towns and the fact that the island is relatively small, you will never find yourself completely out of reach of money.
Travellers cheques will also be accepted in all banks in Barbados, but it is easier if you take them in US dollars, to save having to pay double exchange fees.
You will also be able to use US dollars throughout Barbados. You may find that some hotels will want to charge an extra fee on top for accepting US dollars, this can be up to 5%. However, you will not have a problem exchanging them, so as a safety net, make sure that you take some dollars with you.
As usual when travelling abroad, it is a good idea to notify your bank of where your card will be used, so that there are no unpleasant surprises when you are away. (Banks can sometimes stop cards if they see 'suspicious' activity taking place).
Staying Safe
Barbados is undoubtedly an island paradise and the people are generally very warm and friendly, so crime is not something that you should be overly concerned about.
However, since the start of 2008, there has been a steady increase in crimes that have been reported by foreign nationals in Barbados. These are not too serious and mainly involve robbery and muggings, with other lesser crimes of taxis over charging by huge amounts and also repeatedly being short changed. There have also been an increased number of rapes taking place.
As a result, travellers are advised to exercise due care and attention when out and about in Barbados. They are also advised not to walk on very isolated beaches late at night, there are plenty of beaches around, so you should be able to find a quiet spot on one, but do not simply wander off on your own. Women are particularly vulnerable and should not walk out alone at night.
Travellers to Barbados should also exercise caution when it comes to drugs. Drugs, even the 'softest' of drugs are not tolerated by the police in Barbados. Yet you may well be offered drugs, ranging from marijuana to cocaine. Often you will be engaged in conversation before being offered drugs. Young people are particularly at risk from being offered drugs. If you do take up these offers and are caught, then you will be prosecuted and the penalties are fierce, since the Barbadian police are intolerant of drugs and like to make an example out if someone if they can. So despite the fact that you may be routinely offered drugs, it is not generally an accepted part of this Society.
Travellers should also exercise care when out and about and be mindful of personal security, simply in terms of being aware who is around and not visiting any particularly run down areas on their own. This may prove too tempting for some locals.
However, if basic precautions are taken then travellers can simply expect to have a wonderful holiday, meet some great people and go home refreshed and with some fantastic memories.
Barbadian people are really quite friendly and quite conservative in some ways. They do not approve of homosexuality and they prefer visitors to cover up a little when they are not on the beach. They also feel that manners are very important and so greeting people and being polite with a 'Please and Thank You' will stand you in great stead in Barbados and help to really get to know some of the locals, which is, after all, one of the major reasons to visit another country.
Locally the people may talk about something 'Bajan' this is simply the local variation of the word Barbadian, but you will hear it used quite frequently.
Out and About in Barbados
Barbados really is an island paradise. There are a couple of practicalities that you should be aware of before you visit. First of all this is not a 24/7 culture. You will find that shops and stores will close at around noon on Saturday and then not re-open again until Monday morning, so if there are some things that you need, plan ahead and do not expect to find all shops and stores open on a Saturday afternoon.
Secondly there are lots of street vendors in Barbados. They are often quite persistent (and ladies beware, charm may be used to tempt you to buy!). however, the price that they ask for their goods, is not the price that they expect to get: in other words you will need to haggle. Sometimes the price that they will expect to get is around 30-50% of the original asking price. The haggling process can be quite a long dance, with some fairly persuasive tactics used, but it is all seen as part of the game, so don't be reserved, but try to enter into the spirit of it all.
Finally Barbados is very close to the equator, in fact it is only 13° from the equator, which means that it is really, really easy to burn. This may seem like an obvious point, however, each year people visit and seem to fail to take any proper protection against the sun, so make sure that you apply a very high sun protection factor cream. In particular you should also check that sensitive areas (the nose, elbows, knees and feet) are carefully protected. Sun burnt feet may sound funny, but if you do get sunburn on your feet, it could well ruin your holiday, because you may be practically unable to walk with shoes on. Sun hats may also be required.
So slap on the sunscreen !
Things to See and Do
Barbados is one place that you will never be stuck for something to do. The whole place is very geared up towards tourists, with plenty of facilities and things to do, from scuba diving, surfing and fishing, through to just soaking up the local atmosphere in a rum shop.
Despite the fact that Barbados has been a tourist hotspot for some time, it has somehow managed to cling onto the slow pace of life that is so typical of the West Indies. People don't generally hurry or go about life in a frenetic manner, they take their time and everything happens, albeit gently. This makes it a very special place and the beaches and natural scenery are simply fantastic.
However, Barbados is really able to offer something to everyone, which again makes it very appealing. Young people or the young at heart, can enjoy the vibrant nightclubs, where they can dance the night away and have a really great time. For those who prefer a quieter life, there is the peace and tranquillity of areas such as Harrison's cave or the fantastic nature reserves, or just the white sandy beaches.
All budgets are also catered for and you will find that there is plenty for backpackers and those on a very tight budget (particularly around the South Coast of Barbados), but for those for whom money is no object, there is also plenty of really first class facilities around. Barbados has long since been a stopping off point for cruise ships, so they are able to cater for the well heeled as well as those on a budget.
One place you really should try to visit is the Oistins fish fry on a Friday night. This is where the Bajans come to have freshly caught fish cooked for them and then they dance and just unwind at the end of the week. It is a great place to visit with a wonderfully carefree atmosphere, so be sure not to miss out on it. It can get a little busy because it is now one of the top three tourist destinations on the island. But it is a real slice of Bajan life and can show many people, just how life should be lived and more importantly enjoyed!
Overview
Despite the rise in petty crime this is still very much a safe place to visit, with some fascinating people and a really vibrant culture. It is not a place where you will be hassled or beggars will demand money from you at every turn. Instead it really does seem to be a little bit of heaven, right here on earth, so just relax, enjoy and have fun!
Comment
It’s a real shame that even somewhere as gorgeous as Barbados has to succumb to common crime such as the type that has been reported in this article. Are we safe to go anywhere in the world now, or is it just that they pick on people who are so obviously tourists?
Not everyone looks after their belongings and I wonder whether some people do lose their cash and other things because they make it unintentionally easy for people. Perhaps it’s just me – I can’t imagine visiting Barbados and believing that crime even exists somewhere that stunning!
— CDixon · Jun 26, 12:07 AM · #
I agree with the person above. What better place could there be to visit than Barbados – assuming you could afford to of course? Most of the time I think common sense prevails when it comes to protecting your gear. If you fall asleep on the beach – or even lay there with your eyes shut – and all your belongings are sitting right next to you, then they are easy pickings.
Let’s face it our home towns are probably more dangerous than Barbados. But it doesn’t stop us visiting them! So long as you are sensible and pay attention to the advice given, you should be fine.
— Ben · Aug 19, 02:29 PM · #
i would like to know if Barbados its still part of uk.could be great if you can let me know as soon as possible.thank you!!!!
— alex · Oct 16, 10:06 PM · #