Currency

[gazz]

Sorry if this is a daft question, but what is the currency you can use in a number of Caribbean Islands specifically Barbados. I'm from the UK and am going on a Caribbean cruise to Barbados, St Vincent, Granada and St Lucia. Can I use US Dollars at all the ports, don't intend to spend to much just for drinks and some snaks.

Thanks Gary

[NHRedSoxFan]

Yes. US$ are good. No need to exchange. As far as Barbados, it's a 2 for one exchange unless you use a credit card that it's exact to the penny, but basically Bds $1 = 50 cents US. At some places you may get change in Bds money, so try to have small bills so you don't get too much.

[gazz]

Thanks,

 

Is that similar on the other Islands.

[TheVegasMan]

It's true in St. Lucia, never been to Grenada or St. Vincent's. The official currency of those 3 islands is the Easter Caribbean Dollar which has a fixed rate of 2.68:1. Easiest way to figure out the exchange rate is 8:3. Something that costs $8 ECD would be $3 USD.

 

Make sure if you are taking a taxi somewhere to get a quote and know which currency they are speaking of. If you're told $20 and the driver is assuming ECD and you pay in USD you just gave a $12 USD tip on an $8 ride.