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Caribbean

Tourist scams in Barbados

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.
  1. 1 TaxisCommonTaxi fare fraudTaxi fraud is among the most common crimes against tourists. Taxis do not use meters. Starting a ride without agreeing on the fare leaves you open to an inflated charge.Country-wide 3Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonRobberyRobbery is among the most common crimes against tourists. The account does not describe a particular method. Solo tourists, especially women, are identified as most at risk.Country-wide; extra caution is advised on secluded beaches and in non-tourist residential districts away from main roads. 2Read
  3. 3 Changing moneyCommonShort-changingYou 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.Country-wide; no particular setting is identified. 1Read
  4. 4 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor hotel exchange ratesA 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.Hotels 3Read
  5. 5 ShoppingOccasionalInflated street-vendor asking pricesThe first asking price can be much higher than the price a vendor will accept. Bargaining is expected. Guidance suggests bargaining towards about a third of the opening price, though this is not a guaranteed price.Street-vendor stalls 2Read
  6. 6 ShoppingOccasionalMisleading duty-free bargainsA 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.Shops advertising duty-free goods 3Read
  7. 7 On the streetOccasionalBeach sellers using ordinary goods to start drug salesSome sellers approach with aloe vera or other ordinary goods, then steer the conversation towards marijuana or cocaine. Drugs are illegal and offences are sternly prosecuted.Beaches 2Read

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Ask your hotel for the usual fare to your destination.
  • Agree on the total price and currency before the ride starts.
  • Do not expect a meter: Barbados taxis do not use them.

Money

  • Check whether each price is in Bajan or US dollars. US$1 equals B$2.
  • Count your change before leaving the counter.
  • Ask hotels about exchange rates and fees before changing money.
  • The airport exchange desk has a minimum fee, which can make exchanging a small leftover amount poor value.
  • Carry the exact bus fare when possible. The listed 2026 flat fare is B$3.50, and Barbados Transport Board buses do not give change.

Your belongings

  • Avoid secluded beaches when travelling alone.
  • Use extra caution in unfamiliar residential districts away from main roads.
  • Keep valuables out of sight and carry only what you need.
  • Keep a separate copy of important travel documents.

What travellers say about Barbados

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Barbados a high-risk place for tourist scams?

The overall risk is moderate. 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.

Do taxis use meters?

No. Ask your hotel about the usual fare, then agree on the total price and currency with the driver before leaving.

How can I avoid being short-changed?

Confirm the currency, use smaller notes and count your change before leaving. The fixed rate is US$1 to B$2.

Should I exchange money at my hotel or the airport?

Check the full cost first. Hotels may charge about 5% extra through their exchange rate. The airport exchange desk has a minimum fee, so small exchanges can be poor value.

Should I bargain with street vendors?

Yes. Opening prices can be high. Compare prices and bargain towards an amount you are happy to pay. About a third of the opening price is suggested as a bargaining target, not a guaranteed deal.

How do I check a duty-free bargain?

Check the item's own tag. DF means duty-free, while LP means local price with duty paid. Compare the final price rather than relying on the advertised saving.

Why might a beach seller mention 'ganja' or 'smoke'?

Some sellers use aloe vera or other ordinary goods to start a conversation, then offer drugs. Decline and move on. Drugs are illegal and offences are sternly prosecuted.

Where should I take extra care against robbery?

Be cautious on secluded beaches and in non-tourist residential districts away from main roads. Solo travellers, especially women, are identified as most at risk.

Is it a scam if a public bus does not give change?

Barbados Transport Board buses do not give change as a normal practice. Carry the exact fare when possible. The listed 2026 flat fare is B$3.50.

What should I do if my wallet or passport is stolen?

Get somewhere safe, block stolen cards and report the theft to police. Keep the report details for your insurer. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was taken.

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