Scam in BarbadosShopping
Misleading duty-free bargains in Barbados
How it works
A shop calling itself duty-free does not mean every item has a duty-free price. Sellers may also use an inflated local price to make a discount look better than it is.
Warning signs
- The shop advertises duty-free shopping, but the item's tag says LP.
- A claimed bargain depends on a high local comparison price.
- The tag does not clearly show the currency.
How to avoid it
- Check the individual item's tag for DF and a price in US$ or B$.
- Understand that LP means local price with duty paid.
- Compare the final price with other shops.
- Ask staff to explain the claimed saving before paying.
If it happens to you
Keep the receipt and any advertised price. Ask the shop to explain the charge and request a correction if it differs from what was agreed.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not resist a robber or chase anyone.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, amount and any useful description.
- Keep receipts, booking records, messages and photos of advertised prices.
- Contact your card issuer promptly if a card was stolen or used without permission. Ask it to block the card and review the transactions.
- Report theft, threats or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record.
- Contact your travel insurer if you may claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorTripadvisor attraction reviews2018CAVE SHEPHERD DEPARTMENT STORE - All You SHOULD Know Before You Go (w/ 2026 Reviews)A shopper challenged duty-free advertising on locally produced rum, while management responded that the savings covered VAT and excise tax rather than import duty.Read on Tripadvisor
- TripadvisorBarbados ForumDuty free prices..........what I've found, compare?! - Barbados Forum - TripadvisorTravellers compared differing airport and town duty-free prices, with one contributor reporting that supermarket rum was cheaper than Cave Shepherd.Read on Tripadvisor
- TripadvisorBarbados ForumThe best place to do shopping near holetown? - Barbados Forum - TripadvisorA traveller reported that some rum appeared substantially cheaper at Massy supermarket than at the duty-free shop opposite their hotel.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the misleading duty-free bargains scam in Barbados?
A shop calling itself duty-free does not mean every item has a duty-free price. Sellers may also use an inflated local price to make a discount look better than it is.
How can I spot it early?
The shop advertises duty-free shopping, but the item's tag says LP. A claimed bargain depends on a high local comparison price. The tag does not clearly show the currency.
How do I avoid misleading duty-free bargains in Barbados?
Check the individual item's tag for DF and a price in US$ or B$. Understand that LP means local price with duty paid. Compare the final price with other shops. Ask staff to explain the claimed saving before paying.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the receipt and any advertised price. Ask the shop to explain the charge and request a correction if it differs from what was agreed.
Where in Barbados does this happen?
Shops advertising duty-free goods
How common is this scam in Barbados?
Occasional. Barbados is described as safer than many other Caribbean islands, but crime is increasing. Taxi fraud, robbery and short-changing are among the most common crimes against tourists. Other money traps include poor hotel exchange rates, inflated vendor prices and misleading duty-free bargains.
Are there similar scams in Barbados?
Yes: inflated street-vendor asking prices.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report robbery, threats and suspected fraud. Provide the location, time, descriptions and any evidence. Ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or a trusted contact number to report stolen cards or unauthorised payments. Ask about blocking the card and disputing charges. Shop or hotel manager: for a disputed price, exchange rate or incorrect change, show your receipt and explain the amount you agreed to. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.
Reviewed by @snuck