A member of the British Commonwealth, Barbados is one of the Windward Islands of the West Indies. Its economy focuses on sugar and tourism. A country rich in resorts, golfing, hiking, fishing and shopping, the island of Barbados is home to fine white sands and beaches. The currency of the land is the Barbadian dollar. It is worth 100 cents. The symbol for it is BBD.
History
The Portuguese discovered the Barbados in the 16th century but did nothing. The British colonized it in 1627. During this period, money was not of major concern. In fact, the first tokens did not come to the island until 1788. This coinage was copper. It featured a Negro’s hand on the obverse. On the reverse was either a pineapple (1788) or a Chariot carrying the God Neptune (1792). These were the private issues of Sir Philip Gibbs. The 18th and 19th centuries also saw Spanish coins taken and cut into pieces. They then became accepted as smaller denominations. Common coins suffering this type of deflation were the 8-reales coin and the pistareen.
In 1838, British coinage took over. The sterling system replaced the hodge-podge of coins and barter. In the 1950s, banknotes came out in the name of the Eastern Group of the British Caribbean Territories.With independence in 1973, the Barbados began to issue its own decimal coinage. The coins consisted of 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents as well as 1 dollar. It has remained constant. In Banknotes, 1973 saw 1, 5, 20 and 100-dollars. A $50 note appeared in 1989. The $2 note came in 1980. The $1 note has fallen into disuse. The money operates at a fixed rate, but only with the American dollar.
Obtaining Barbadian Dollar
You can exchange your money at a bank. There are 6 commercial banks on the island. You can also locate a variety of ATMs spread across Barbados. There are some pockets of quiet rural life. If you decide to purchase goods, have local money on the ready.
Protecting Your Currency
There has been an increase in petty crimes against tourists. Avoid isolated areas. Do not stay alone on the beach after dark, no matter how romantic it may seem at the time. Be aware of where you are and whom you are with when out-and-about. Be sensible. Do not carry on your person large chinks of cash or flashy jewelry. Leave large sums and other valuables in a hotel safe.
Using Your Barabadian Dollar
The Barbadian dollar is your best coinage for purchases made outside the compounds and tourist areas. American dollars find favor with many businesses, but there are instances where you will need a Barbadian dollar. This is true for the quieter areas inland if not for the coastal resorts.
Travel Tips and Warnings
- There have been instances of violent crimes, including rape. Take precautions.
- Be aware of the hurricane season.
- While there, you can golf, swim and snorkel, take sea excursions and fish.
- Do try to take in some of the island’s cultural heritage. There is the Jewish Synagogue from the 1620s in Bridgetown.
- The same city has St. Michael’s Cathedral and the baobob trees of Queen’s Park.
- Visit George Washington’s house on bush hill or head to the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary on the south coast.
- There is flower forest, Harrison’s Cove with its waterfall and subterranean streams and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
Overview
To
some individuals, Barbados is paradise incarnate. It is a land of soft,
warm breezes and fin sand. You can swim and snorkel at Mullin Beach or
laze in the shade. Its economy is tourism and its currency the
Barbadian dollar.
For travel information, see www.visitbarbados.org.
Currency Summary
Current currency: Barbadian dollar
100 cents are equal to 1 Barbadian dollar.
Coins: 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents as well as 1-dollar
Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100-dollar bills