Jamaican Currency Conversion – FAQ
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
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Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! Glad u liked it. I have been to Jamaica quite a few times so yes, I will definitely be featuring it!! And, if you have any hotspots, I’d love to hear!!
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Sistren Kristi,
“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.”
May I RASpectfully make a suggestion? It may be easier to use the ATM, but it will be hard on your wallet. The exchange rate you get at any bank ATM will be bad and the rate at the airport will be WORSE!
For regular visitors to our island home I would recommend that you keep a few JA$100 and JA$500 bills to take home with you. That way, when you return to Jamaica, you will be able to tip airport porters and pay taxi fares like a local. One of your first agenda item should be to visit the local branch of FX Traders, a licensed cambio (currency converter). They are usually co-located with Western Union outlets.
Introduce yourself to the branch manager and let them know that as a frequent visitor to Jamaica you would like to discuss an exchange rate different than the counter rate. (This is the exchange rate that is posted for the public to see, but is not chisled in stone.) If you are changing more than CA$200 or US$150 you can usually get a better rate. BUT YOU WILL NEVER GET IT, IF YOU DON’T KNOW TO ASK. The clerks at the airport are not authorized to negotiate rates, but the branch managers at FX Traders are.
I am not an employee, owner or stock holder of FX Traders(subsidiary of Grace Kennedy). Just a satisfied customer who always gets a rate better than the one posted for the general public.
I have been reading thru the older posts on your blog and for the most part your advice to people wanting to visit Jamaica is spot on. I just thought this might help you and your readers.
May Jah guide your steps along a righteous path. Walk good, Sistren!
Bless Up,
Lady Roots
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Wow I never knew that! Thanks for the info! I woulda never thought these things were negotiable!
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