Barbados / Banks

International and local commercial banks operating in Barbados include the Bank of Nova Scotia/Scotiabank, Barbados National Bank, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Butterfield Bank, RBTT Bank and Royal Bank of Canada. The Central Bank of Barbados has been in operation since 1973. The island also offers offshore banking and insurance services.

Bank opening hours are generally Mon-Thu from 8am to 3pm and Fri from 8am to 5pm, although some banks located in shopping centres open later. First Caribbean’s branches at Warrens and Sheraton Centre are open Mon-Thu from 9am to 4pm and Fri from 9am to 6pm. Most banks are closed on the weekend, but the RBTT Bank, Butterfield Bank and Royal Bank of Canada have branches that open on Saturdays from 10am to 2-3pm. ATMs are located across the island, including the airport, harbour, some petrol stations and shopping malls. Note that ATMs will only give out Barbados Dollars (not US Dollars) and some charge for overseas cash transactions.

Banks require customers to show their passports when cashing traveller’s cheques. You will need to show a transaction slip as well if you wish to convert Barbadian dollars (BDS) back to your home currency.