In Barbados, drivers are not permitted to pump their own fuel. You must park at an available pump, turn off your engine and wait for a gas attendant. However, you can leave your car during pumping if desired.
You will be asked what type of fuel you need and how much fuel you require (expressed in Barbados Dollars). If you advise the gas attendant that you want a full tank, make sure you let them know if you want to stop at 'first click', because they will usually full a tank all the way to the top.
Once pumping is finished, the gas attendant will take payment from you.
Air pumps
Some gas stations have air pumps to inflate your vehicle's tyres. There is no charge to use air pumps at gas stations in Barbados.
Fuel prices
All gas stations in Barbados charge the same rate because fuel prices are fixed by the government. See current gas prices.
Payment methods
All gas stations accept cash and card payments. Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted, but you may have issues with Amex cards. It is not customary in Barbados to tip gas attendants, but you are free to do so if you wish.
If you are paying in cash, you should pay in Barbados Dollars. However, gas stations are usually able to accept US dollar bills at the official exchange rate, which is $1.98 for every USD $1.00 tendered. If you are owed change, you are likely to be given Barbados Dollars, because the US dollar is not legal tender in Barbados.
Frequently asked questions
In addition to Value Added Tax (VAT) at 17.5%, a fuel tax is applied at a rate of $0.40 per litre for both gasoline and diesel, and an excise tax of $0.9939 per litre for gasoline, and $0.44027 per litre for diesel. The retail prices shown are inclusive of these taxes.
These taxes are applied pursuant to the Fuel Tax Act, 2018 and the Customs Tariff (Amendment) Order, 2019.
Persons who need to exchange Barbados Dollars for foreign currency must submit an application via FOREX Online, as the island's currency is subject to exchange controls. This also applies to visitors in Barbados that need to exchange their unused Barbadian currency into foreign currency before they return home.
On the application form, select the local bank branch from which you plan to obtain your foreign currency. Upon submission, the application will likely be sent directly to your selected commercial bank for approval, under delegated authority by the Central Bank of Barbados.
If your application is being reviewed by your commercial bank directly, you should visit your selected bank branch after you submit your application and speak to a teller to get your application approved.
The following hard currencies are typically available at local bank branches in Barbados: US dollars (USD), pound sterling (GBP), euros (EUR), and Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD).
Please note a statutory 2% Foreign Exchange Fee applies when exchanging Barbados Dollars for foreign currency. You may also be charged a fee by the commercial bank to complete the transaction.