Scam in BarbadosChanging money
Poor hotel exchange rates in Barbados
How it works
A hotel may exchange money at a rate that costs you about 5% extra, despite the fixed rate of two Bajan dollars to one US dollar.
Warning signs
- The hotel offers less than B$2 per US$1.
- Staff cannot clearly explain the rate or any extra charge.
How to avoid it
- Ask exactly how much local currency you will receive.
- Compare the offered rate with the fixed US dollar rate.
- Check for fees before handing over money.
If it happens to you
Ask staff to explain the calculation. If the amount differs from the rate you agreed to, request a correction and keep the receipt.
- 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.
- Redditr/Barbados2024Are US dollars Ok?A contributor reported that hotel exchanges might offer BBD 1.95 per US dollar compared with BBD 1.98 at banks and some merchants or BBD 2 at smaller businesses.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/Barbados2023Visiting from Canada soon, what currency should I bring to spend?A commenter said hotels could exchange US dollars at approximately BBD 1.95 rather than the commonly used BBD 2 rate.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/Barbados2026Cash - BBDA contributor cautioned that hotel front desks might offer a lower exchange rate, although the comment did not describe a specific transaction.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the poor hotel exchange rates scam in Barbados?
A hotel may exchange money at a rate that costs you about 5% extra, despite the fixed rate of two Bajan dollars to one US dollar.
How can I spot it early?
The hotel offers less than B$2 per US$1. Staff cannot clearly explain the rate or any extra charge.
How do I avoid poor hotel exchange rates in Barbados?
Ask exactly how much local currency you will receive. Compare the offered rate with the fixed US dollar rate. Check for fees before handing over money.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask staff to explain the calculation. If the amount differs from the rate you agreed to, request a correction and keep the receipt.
Where in Barbados does this happen?
Hotels
How much can it cost me?
About 5% extra.
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: short-changing.
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