Currency in the Caribbean

[MBTScotland]

We are on the Oriana for the Caribbean cruise in Mar/April this year. Antigua, St Kitts, Dominica, Grenada, Barbados.

We see that the main currency is the East Caribbean Dollar, apart from Barbados. Would we be better with just US dollars for all ports.

We will naturally have Sterling and Euro.

First time in the Caribbean and any advice will be gratefully accepted.

[sagaris]

US dollars are accepted at all the ports you will be going to. Just be aware that change will probably be in caribbean dollars.

 

Molly

[bee-ess]

We are on the Oriana for the Caribbean cruise in Mar/April this year. Antigua, St Kitts, Dominica, Grenada, Barbados.

We see that the main currency is the East Caribbean Dollar, apart from Barbados. Would we be better with just US dollars for all ports.

We will naturally have Sterling and Euro.

First time in the Caribbean and any advice will be gratefully accepted.

 

We always take just US$ which are accepted everywhere- just be sure to take small denomination notes though as you will get change in local currency.

[lex_n_saph]

We always take just US$ which are accepted everywhere- just be sure to take small denomination notes though as you will get change in local currency.

 

Except in Guadeloupe and other French Caribbean departments. There, they use Euros and US currency isn't widely accepted outside of the immediate port tourist vendors.

[ParCan]

Just take $US. Don't forget all prices will be in Local $ Including Taxies. Always confirm that you are paying in $US or you'll end up giving a rather nice tip.

[dsrdsrdsr]

We always take just US$ which are accepted everywhere- just be sure to take small denomination notes though as you will get change in local currency.

I'm sure that if you make it clear that change is in US Dollars or it's no sale, then they'll find US Dollars.

[alywig]

Thinking of taking some barbados dollars,not sure about how much to take.the rate today was £50 bought me $150.what is the differance between US$ and barbados $.we are there for two days.anyone know how much it costs for a taxi to st lawrence gap and back to the port also price of drinks.taking US$.Just wondering what would be the best option price wise in barbados.

[Sanjam cruisers]

Hi Aliwyg I would not bother taking Barbados dollars $US will be fine but take small denominations up to and including $20s, we have been to the Caribbean numerous times and have never had problems with cash.If they try to give me local coins I just let them keep them,and I have always received my change in $US. If you are unsure what currency you are being charged just ask.

Have a great cruise.

[Somerset Cruiser]

Hi Aliwyg I would not bother taking Barbados dollars $US will be fine but take small denominations up to and including $20s, we have been to the Caribbean numerous times and have never had problems with cash.If they try to give me local coins I just let them keep them,and I have always received my change in $US. If you are unsure what currency you are being charged just ask.

Have a great cruise.

 

Agreed, $US are perfectly ok, just take a good selection of small notes.

 

Last year we ended up a locals bar on the far side of the island, they took $US, I think they just round it up but still not expensive.

[weliketocruise86]

Anyone know if there is an ATM at the Barbados cruise terminal which will give us US Dollars ? We are flying Saturday so there will be no time to go into Bridge town

[sueandphil]

No atm at the cruise terminal, you have to go into town. $2usd taxi ride or 20 min walk. Be aware though that the atm will give you EC dollars so you might want to get $ on the ship, even though the exchange rate is not that good(about $1.47 to the £1 last November)

[sagaris]

Anyone know if there is an ATM at the Barbados cruise terminal which will give us US Dollars ? We are flying Saturday so there will be no time to go into Bridge town

 

If you order tonight from Thomas Cook online, you can get them delivered tomorrow.

 

Molly

[weliketocruise86]

If you order tonight from Thomas Cook online, you can get them delivered tomorrow.

 

Molly

 

Thanks

We are not sailing until the 8th March, normally we use ATM's abroad as we get a better rate of exchange and no commission

[alvin moondust]

Having recently spent two weeks in Barbados, I can say that you will be fine with US $. The Barbadian and US rates are tied together at about two to one and US is accepted everywhere.