Money and duty free for Barbados

Currency and Money

Currency information

Barbados Dollar (BBD; symbol BD$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of BD$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of BD$1, and 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

The Barbados Dollar is tied to the US Dollar.

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in the resorts, but cash is preferred for customs duty payment. ATMs are widely available.

ATM

ATMs are widely available.

Travellers cheques

Accepted by all banks and most hotels. Opt for traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling to avoid additional charges.

Banking hours

Generally Mon-Thurs 0800-1500, Fri 0800-1700.

Currency restrictions

The import of local currency is unlimited but amounts of over BDS$10,000  must be declared on arrival.  The export of local currency is prohibited. There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currencies and monetary instruments provided amounts with the equivalent of over BDS$10,000 are declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival.

Currency exchange

Commercial banks offer the best rates of exchange. The Barbados National Bank and a range of international banks each have an office in Bridgetown with branches in Hastings, Holetown, Speightstown and Worthing.

Barbados duty free

Overview

The following items may be brought into Barbados by travellers 18 years and older without incurring customs duty:

• 1L of spirits or wine.

All other articles are subject to import duty, other than personal effects required during your visit.

Citizens and residents of Barbados who are 18 years and older are exempted from duty on goods of a value not exceeding BDS$500 per calendar year.

Please note: The Online Immigration / Customs Form (https://travelform.gov.bb/home) may be completed within 72 hours prior arriving in Barbados.

Banned Imports

Prohibited imports include narcotics and illegal drugs, biological substances, arms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, toy guns and other weapons. 

Restricted imports include fruits, vegetables, plants, cut flowers, vegetables, soil, meat, live animals and organisms, honey, wildlife products, plant material, food, animal products or live birds, which may require a permit.