BSDBahamian DollarBahamian Dollar (BSD)
The Bahamian dollar is the official currency of The Bahamas and is used for local prices, accounts and payments. The Central Bank of The Bahamas issues the country's notes and coins and maintains the monetary framework. BSD is the ISO code that distinguishes this dollar from US, Canadian, Australian and other dollar currencies. One Bahamian dollar is divided into 100 cents. US dollars circulate widely in tourism and everyday commerce, but their acceptance does not change BSD's official status or the need to distinguish the currency correctly in a conversion.
- ISO code
- BSD
- Symbol
- $
- Region
- Americas
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- Fixed one-to-one relationship with the US dollar
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
BSD at a glance
Currency profile
How BSD works
The Bahamian dollar is the official currency of The Bahamas and is used for local prices, accounts and payments. The Central Bank of The Bahamas issues the country's notes and coins and maintains the monetary framework. BSD is the ISO code that distinguishes this dollar from US, Canadian, Australian and other dollar currencies. One Bahamian dollar is divided into 100 cents. US dollars circulate widely in tourism and everyday commerce, but their acceptance does not change BSD's official status or the need to distinguish the currency correctly in a conversion.
Central Bank of The Bahamas administers BSD within a fixed one-to-one relationship with the us dollar system.
- The Bahamian dollar became the national currency of The Bahamas in 1966.
- The reviewed cash profile records BSD 1/2, BSD 1, BSD 3, BSD 5, BSD 10, BSD 20, BSD 50, BSD 100 for banknotes and BSD 1, 5, 10, 15 and 25 cents, BSD 1 for coins.
Context
Why this currency matters
The Bahamian dollar is maintained at a one-to-one relationship with the US dollar. That parity makes USD comparisons straightforward, while conversions against EUR, GBP or JPY still depend on the dollar cross-rate and the provider date. The central bank publishes current banknotes and coins, including the distinctive Bahamian cash series. For travelers, the practical distinction is between the official BSD unit and any merchant decision to accept US cash. The one-to-one USD relationship does not turn BSD into USD; it remains a distinct currency with its own issuer, code and cash series.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
Bahamian Dollar operates under the reviewed fixed one-to-one relationship with the us dollar arrangement, with US dollar.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for BSD
Bahamian dollar introduced
The Bahamas replaced the pound system with a decimal dollar and cent currency.
Central Bank of The BahamasCentral bank established
The Central Bank of The Bahamas assumed responsibility for currency issuance and monetary policy.
Central Bank of The BahamasModern banknote redesign
The central bank began a redesigned note family that preceded later security-enhanced series.
Central Bank of The Bahamas
Usage and economy
How BSD is used
- BSD is used for Bahamian retail payments, wages, public revenue and local accounts.
- Parity and widespread visitor use of USD make clear BSD-USD labeling essential in cash and digital records.
Country currency guides
Banknotes and coins
BSD currency units
The issuing authority documents the reviewed BSD banknote denominations used in the current cash system.
The issuing authority documents the circulation coin system for BSD.
One Bahamian Dollar unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Cent as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
BSD questions
Is BSD equal to USD?
The Bahamian dollar is maintained at one BSD for one US dollar, although a provider may apply its own fee or spread.
Can US dollars be used in The Bahamas?
US dollars are commonly accepted in many tourism and commercial settings, but BSD remains the official currency and local acceptance terms can vary.
What changed for BSD in 1966?
The Bahamas replaced the pound system with a decimal dollar and cent currency.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.