The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is the currency of Barbados, and it is divided into 100 cents. 

With a rich history, it plays a vital role in the country’s economy. People commonly use the BBD for everyday transactions, such as purchasing groceries, paying bills, and shopping at local markets.

In this article, we will look into the features of the Barbados Dollar, covering its history, banknotes, coins, and how to calculate in other countries within the Caribbean economy.

What is the Barbados Dollar (BBD)?

The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is the official currency of Barbados, a beautiful island nation located in the Caribbean. It plays a crucial role in the daily lives of the people living in Barbados and helps them buy goods and services.

The Barbados Dollar is represented by the symbol $, and to avoid confusion with other currencies that use the dollar sign, it is often written as Bds$ or BBD. 

This helps everyone understand that they are dealing with the Barbadian currency, especially for tourists and visitors.

History of Barbados Dollar 

Before the introduction of the Barbados Dollar, Barbadians used the British pound as their currency. In 1973, Barbados decided to create its currency, the Barbados Dollar, to gain more control over its economy.

The new currency replaced the British pound at a rate of 2 BBD for every 1 British pound.

Like many other currencies, the Barbados Dollar is divided into 100 cents.

The goal was to make trading and daily transactions easier for the people of Barbados.

By having its currency, the country could better manage its economy and make decisions that suited its needs.

Since its introduction, the Barbados Dollar has undergone several changes in design and security features to keep up with the times and protect against counterfeiting. 

The Central Bank of Barbados is responsible for issuing and managing the currency.

The Barbados Dollar enjoys wide acceptance not only in Barbados but also in several other Caribbean countries, establishing it as an important currency in the region.

It reflects the island’s culture, history, and pride, with images of national heroes and symbols on the banknotes.

Subunit of the Barbados Dollar

The Barbados Dollar is divided into 100 smaller units called cents. This is similar to how other currencies, like the U.S. Dollar, work. 

For instance, just like 1 U.S. Dollar is made up of 100 cents, the Barbados Dollar follows the same pattern. This means you can have coins or notes that add up to make one full Barbados Dollar. 

If you have a 50-cent coin and a 50-cent note, together they make 1 Barbados Dollar.

Coins in the Barbados Dollar

The Barbados Dollar is represented by various coins. Each coin has unique designs and colors, making them easy to recognize.

The 1-cent coin is made of bronze, giving it a shiny, golden appearance. With a diameter of 17.5 mm. Its design features the national symbol of Barbados, a bunch of sugarcane, representing the island’s rich history in sugar production.

The 5-cent coin is also made of bronze and resembles the 1-cent coin but is larger, measuring 19 mm in diameter. It features the same sugarcane design, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in Barbados. 

The 10-cent coin, made from a blend of bronze and copper, has a reddish hue and a diameter of 22 mm. It depicts a turtle, a symbol of the country’s marine life and commitment to environmental conservation.

The 25-cent coin, this coin is crafted from nickel-plated steel, giving it a silver color. The object features a diameter of 24 mm and displays a flying fish, recognized as a national symbol of Barbados that represents the island’s fishing industry and its connection to the sea.

The 1 dollar coin is gold in color and made of brass. It measures 25 mm in diameter and features the coat of arms of Barbados. This coat of arms symbolizes the country’s independence and rich cultural history. 

The 2-dollar coin is also made of brass and has the same dimensions as the 1-dollar coin, but its design features the image of a barrel, representing the local rum industry, which is famous in Barbados. 

The 5-dollar coin is a commemorative piece that stands out with its larger size of 30 mm in diameter.

Banknotes of the Barbados Dollar

The Barbados Dollar is also issued in banknotes, or paper money, which comes in various denominations. 

The 2 Dollar banknote is light blue in color and measures 150 mm x 65 mm. The front of the note features the portrait of the first Prime Minister of Barbados, Errol Barrow, while the back showcases a depiction of the island’s national flower, the Pride of Barbados.

The 5-dollar banknote is purple and also measures 150 mm x 65 mm. The front displays the image of a famous Barbadian author, George Lamming, and the back features a beautiful coral reef, highlighting the rich marine life surrounding the island.

The 10-dollar banknote is green and shares the same dimensions as the previous notes. The front features the portrait of the former Governor-General, Sir Hugh Springer and the back shows the iconic Kensington Oval, known for cricket matches and other events.

The 20-dollar banknote is brown and maintains the same size as the other banknotes. The front displays a portrait of the national hero, Sir Grantley Adams, while the back features an image of the famous St. Nicholas Abbey, a historic plantation house in Barbados.

The 50-dollar banknote is red and is the same size as the other denominations. The front showcases a portrait of the national hero, Sir Ellis Clarke, and the back depicts the Barbados Parliament buildings, symbolizing the country’s governance.

The 100-dollar banknote is blue and green, with dimensions similar to the others. The front features a portrait of the former Prime Minister, Owen Arthur, while the back displays a beautiful image of the Barbados flag, representing national pride.

Exchange Rate for Barbados Dollar

The Barbados Dollar is often exchanged with other currencies, especially the U.S. Dollar and the British Pound. T

The exchange rate may vary, but it is important to note that the Barbados Dollar is generally pegged to the U.S. Dollar at 2 BBD = 1 USD. 

This fixed exchange rate helps maintain stability in trade and tourism, making it easier for visitors to spend money during their stay in Barbados.

How to Use the Barbados Dollar

People use the Barbados Dollar in all aspects of daily life in Barbados. Whether grocery shopping, dining in restaurants, or paying for transportation, everyone accepts the Barbados Dollar everywhere.

Local businesses, hotels, and shops typically accept both the Barbados Dollar and the U.S. Dollar, making it easy for visitors to spend money during their stay without needing to exchange their cash.

Barbados Currency to USD

The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is pegged to the U.S. Dollar (USD) at a fixed exchange rate of approximately 2 BBD = 1 USD. This means that 1 Barbados Dollar is worth about 0.50 USD.

How Much is Barbados $100 in Naira?

To convert Barbados $100 (BBD) to Nigerian Naira (NGN), you first need to understand the current exchange rates for both currencies. 

The exchange rate is approximately:

• 1 BBD = 833.72000  NGN

Using this rate, the conversion would be:

100 BBD × 833.72000 NGN/BBD = 83,372.00 NGN

Which Country Uses the Barbados Dollar?

The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is primarily used in Barbados, an island country located in the Caribbean.

While other countries may have similar currencies or currency names, the Barbados Dollar is unique to Barbados. 

Several other Caribbean countries use their currencies, often referred to as dollars, but they are not the same as the Barbados Dollar. 

Like the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), Used by several countries and territories in the Eastern Caribbean, including Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Conclusion

The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is more than just money; it is a symbol of the island’s culture and economy. 

The BBD helps us appreciate how people in Barbados conduct their daily lives and manage their financial transactions. 

With its unique banknotes and coins, the BBD reflects the island’s history and values. As Barbados continues to grow and adapt to a changing world, the Barbados Dollar remains an essential part of its identity and economic strength. 

So if you are visiting the island or simply learning about it, knowing about the BBD enriches your understanding of this vibrant Caribbean nation.