One of the confusing parts of traveling is figuring out the monetary customs in foreign countries.
Would businesses accept the American dollar?
Can I use my credit card everywhere?
Do I need to exchange cash prior to my flight or can I exchange after landing?
These are all common questions that come to mind when going on an international vacation.
If you’re traveling to the Caribbean, especially, there are important money factors to note.
The Caribbean is a popular destination amongst travelers and it’s important to know the basics before your next Caribbean getaway.
Receiving Change
All change is returned to you in the local currency of the island you’re on. This means if you pay a vendor in American dollars, you can expect your change to be returned in their local money.
Converting Prices In Barbados
When traveling to Barbados, all you have to do is divide prices in half and voila!, you have the price in US dollars.
Beware Of Ripped Or Torn Notes
Even if the island accepts US dollars, some won’t accept notes that are ripped or torn. Make sure to travel with cash that is in good physical condition.
Currency In Martinique
Martinique is a French-speaking island in the Caribbean sea and its form of currency is the Euro.
Long Money In Jamaica Or Guyana
In some islands, like Jamaica or Guyana, your US dollar goes a very long way.
For example, if you convert USD $100 in Jamaica, you’ll get JMD $13,607.48. If you have a few hundred dollars to spend while visiting these countries, you can live a life of luxury.
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC/XCD)
There are 8 countries in the Caribbean whose currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC/XCD): Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
If you’re visiting more than one of these countries on your next vacation, you’ll be able to spend the currency interchangeably.
US Dollar In The Caribbean
The US dollar is the form of currency used in the British Virgin Islands, the United States Virgin Islands and The Bahamas.
Cashiers In Jamaica
Cashiers in Jamaica are very observant and they look at serial numbers and dates on cash. They will also refuse your cash if its old.
Big Bills In Jamaica
When traveling to Jamaica, do not carry around “big bills” such as USD $50 and $100. These bills will most likely be refused.
Leave Large Bills At Home
Overall, it’s better to leave large bills at home. Many islands in the Caribbean do not like accepting large bills.
They often go through security measures such as putting the bills under a UV light and using a counterfeit money detector pen when handed a large bill.
