Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way for Canadians to spend money in Jamaica?
A: Either convert to USD which you can spend most places in Jamaica, OR my advice is to convert straight to Jamaican dollars. It’s easier to keep spend and keep track of JMD in my opinion.

Q: Are there ATM’s in Jamaica?
A: Yes there are tons of them in the cities and towns. Most common ones are ScotiaBank, NCB, and Jamaica National Trust. And don’t worry, you won’t be shocked at the service charges when you return home, they aren’t that bad.

Q: What’s the easiest way to convert to Jamaican dollars and where should I do it?
A: The easiest way to convert is to use your ATM card at any ATM in Jamaica. Many of them offer your choice of USD or JMD. You can also exchange your money at the airports in Jamaica.

Q: Do they accept Canadian dollars in Jamaica.
A: Not that I’m aware of, no.  I’m Canadian and have never spent CAD there.
But your average Jamaican loves to see Canadian money just for kicks so if you have any on you its a fun conversation starter. Try this: take out a penny, a nickel, a dime and a loonie….then say to them “cent…. five cent…. ten cent…. dollar”. When they laugh ask them to show you the “dollar wine”. Its a dance.

Q: What can you buy with one Canadian dollar in Jamaica?
A: Almost a whole beer. And with a US dollar you can buy the whole beer.

Q: What can you buy for one Jamaican dollar?
A: Nothing. (don’t laugh…someone actually asked that question).

Q:  At Jamaican resorts do you tip and pay in JMD or USD?
A: I don’t like Jamaican all-inclusive resorts because they don’t allow you to tip. However, if you should “accidentally” leave some money laying around for “someone” to pick up, they will appreciate either currency.

For tips on how to spend  and carry your money wisely in Jamaica, click here.

For current conversion rates check out:
Travel Currency Converter by OANDA.com, The Currency Site

What Currency to use in Jamaica

My mission in life is to suffer all the misfortunes and rip-offs life in Jamaica has to offer, so I can pass on the “what not to do’s” in hopes that other people don’t have to learn the hard way.  And don’t get me wrong, I have nothing negative to say about being ripped off in a foreign country.  People have to make a living somehow and if they can fool me they DESERVE to keep the money LOL.

When first-timers I know personally are preparing to leave for Jamaica, I think the #1 question they ask me is always, “Should I spend US dollars or Jamaican dollars?”  My answer is always “Jamaican dollars”.  Since the whole world accepts US dollars why would Jamaica deviate?  Suffice it to say you’re safe spending USD there BUT I don’t recommend it, unless of course you’re staying at a big resort and don’t plan on leaving it.

Here’s why you should spend Jamaican dollars (if you’re outside a resort):

TIP: Try not to have big bunches of money in plain view.  If you just took $10,000 JD out of the ATM (and you WILL take out that much), put half of it somewhere besides your wallet.  That way it won’t appear you have a wad of cash on you when you open your wallet to buy something.  It just makes sense.

Safety sign on an ATM in Jamaica.

An interesting note on the above ATM safety sign: Each ATM is in a seperate booth behind a locked door.  Not how it is for you back home where people just line up behind you in the same room.

And finally, you can find the most current exchange rates on any currency conversion website.

Jamaican money. Do not wave it around like this!