I'd hazard a guess at Oistins since you have posted in the Silver Sands forum?

You need to get some small notes or coins for the buses.

The rate of exchange is way better in Barbados than in the UK , so I would suggest you take some US dollars to start you off, but don't go overboard because the rate given for US dollars in the UK is pretty dismal as well.

Thanks for the fast responses!

So sorry I forgot to mention I am staying at Silver Point Villas.

My question again, how would I get to the nearest exchange office?

Thanks.

You'd need to get a bus or a taxi into Oistins. I'm not exactly sure where the bus stops in relation to the Villas but somebody else will know.

All the more reason just to take US$ and save time and money on buses and taxis!

Is it not better to get my pounds exchanged into dollars out there though?

I have checked the route and i think ZR route #11 goes straight to the bank...

Or should I just get my money exchanged into dollars here and take it over with me? is there MUCH difference?

Here is the link to the daily exchange rates so you can compare them daily. I would never ever exchange anything in the UK personally, but it's up to you. All banks give the rates quoted here.

centralbank.org.bb/WEBCBB.nsf/…

Garry87

Yes there is a huge difference.

When coming to Barbados take USD and GBP from the UK. Don't purchase BBD in the UK as you can receive a much better rate in Barbados. If you purchase BBD in the UK the rate won't be nearly as generous and is currently around £1 to $3.07. In Barbados, you'll get about $3.28 currently for £1. If you take UK Traveller's Cheques, you'll get an even better rate. Currently it's $3.33 to £1. You can do the exchange at any of the several commercial banks on the island including CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Republic Bank (Barbados) Ltd, First Citizen's Bank (Barbados) Ltd, Scotiabank or the RBC Royal Bank. They all have the same rates as set out by the Central Bank of Barbados.

I would recommend you get your USD from M&S Travel Money which is commission free with very competitive rates. Currently you get about $1.62 USD for £1. USD can be spent on the street in Barbados at $2 for $1 USD. However, in some stores/restaurants, you will receive anything between $1.95 and $1.98. Anywhere around $200 to $250 USD in small bills ($5s, $10s and $20s) should suffice to get you started and for tipping. Whatever USD you don't spend, you can either hold on to it for a future trip as it's a globally accepted currency, or you can sell it back to M&S.

Also take your credit/ Visa Debit cards.

Hope this helps

Regards

OK Perfect, thank you.

I think I will take a 50/50 split of USD and GBP. There is a CIBC at Oistins so only a short bus or taxi ride away.

I checked my local Asda Supermarket and their curreny exchange rate is 1.6384 at the moment so that seems like a pretty reasonable rate! They also buy back foreign currency notes i'll have left over at 0% commission.

Thanks for the help guys!