Is cash still widely used?
Moderately less so. Barbados has one of the Caribbean’s best card infrastructures. Tourist hotels, restaurants, and shops accept cards widely. Local ZR buses, rum shops, and smaller vendors prefer Barbadian dollars in cash. USD is accepted but change is given in BBD.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available throughout Barbados. Scotiabank and FirstCaribbean machines accept foreign cards.
- Fees are around $5 BBD per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Good availability across the island
- The BBD is fixed at 2:1 to the USD
Card acceptance
Very good at tourist businesses. Visa and Mastercard accepted widely. Local transport and rum shops require cash.
Tips for travelers
- Barbados is one of the Caribbean’s most developed and stable islands
- Rum shops are quintessentially Barbadian and cash-only
- ZR minibuses are cheap and fun — always cash
- Tipping 10-15% is expected in tourist restaurants