Scam in BarbadosChanging money
Short-changing in Barbados
How it works
You receive less change than you are owed. Short-changing is among the most common crimes against tourists. Both Bajan and US dollars are widely used, so check the currency as well as the amount.
Warning signs
- The change does not match the price and amount you paid.
- It is unclear whether a price is in Bajan or US dollars.
How to avoid it
- Confirm the currency before paying.
- Use smaller notes when practical.
- Count your change before leaving.
- Remember that US$1 equals B$2.
If it happens to you
Show the receipt if you have one. State what you paid and ask for the missing change while still at the counter.
- 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.
Questions
What is the short-changing scam in Barbados?
You receive less change than you are owed. Short-changing is among the most common crimes against tourists. Both Bajan and US dollars are widely used, so check the currency as well as the amount.
How can I spot it early?
The change does not match the price and amount you paid. It is unclear whether a price is in Bajan or US dollars.
How do I avoid short-changing in Barbados?
Confirm the currency before paying. Use smaller notes when practical. Count your change before leaving. Remember that US$1 equals B$2.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Show the receipt if you have one. State what you paid and ask for the missing change while still at the counter.
Where in Barbados does this happen?
Country-wide; no particular setting is identified.
How common is this scam in Barbados?
Common. 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: poor hotel exchange rates.
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