Money in Jamaica – Practical Tips
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):
- If you buy anything in Jamaica with USD you will always get your change back in JD. Unless you can do the conversions in your head on the spot, you will undoubtedly get less money back than you should. (I learned this when buying a slice of pizza in the street with $20 US, while under the influence of alcohol). Lots of places display prices in both USD and JD, but only give change in JD.
- You can leave home with no money in your pocket if you want, and visit an ATM when you arrive in Jamaica. Who needs travelers cheques? Some people think Jamaica has no electricity and is 83 years behind civilization, when in fact they have plenty of ATM’s that offer your choice of USD or JD. Canadians might be surprised to know that ScotiaBank is one of the major banks in Jamaica!
- You only have ONE currency in your wallet to deal with. Also if you have a wallet full of JD you’re less likely to look like a rookie and maybe less likely to be treated like one. If Jamaicans get a sense you’re not familiar with how they “run tings” you will pay more.
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!
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I got some funny looks when I pulled out $50,000 or $60,000 to buy a Red Stripe at a roadside stand. The road side vendors loved me as I hate change and they love it…..if something cost $120 they got the keep the $80.
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Jeez you’re brave!!! I think the most I’ve ever had at once is about $15,000 in a day…..in that picture I posted LOL. And that went straight from the ATM to the guest house! I don’t make a habit of fanning myself with it all the time
I hear you though….if I get a fair price on something I’m pretty liberal with letting them “keep the change”. They need it more than we do.
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For canadians…..if you have a scotia account here in canada and use scotia machines there in jamaica, there are no bank fees to withdrawl!!!! Thats why i have a separate scotia account just for jamaica that way before i leave and while im there i can transfer money to that account and not pay any fees!!!!
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Hey Swell thanks for that tip. One of the great things about my blog…..I STILL learn a lot from people sharing their tips too. Mi neva know dis!! But I always wondered if there was any affiliation between Scotiabanks here and there.
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now you know even if you open an account only for “JA” purposes….
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LOL loving the picture. Hardly anywhere in South East Jamaica (Kingston, Portmore, Spanish Town, St. Thomas, etc) accepts USD or CAD. I guess it makes sense…it’s much less ‘touristy’ and more local and residential. I always use JMD (like you said, the ATM’s are all around), but if I have any USD in my purse, I just go to a Cambio and exchange the money. Currently, it’s about 87.59JMD = 1USD. I’ve got mixed feelings about that LOL!
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It’s funny….I remember back when I started traveling there (2003) the dollar was $1 CAD for 45 JMD. Now it’s over 80. Man how times change.
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Yesterday it was 85 and today it is 83.73!
Who knows what it wil be when I get there but it likely won’t change much.
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I’m Jamaican. The last time I visited we stayed at a resort. We left for day trips and shopping in the area(Negril). We used US dollars. My husband(who is not Jamaican) said he didn’t want to deal with all that many Jamaican dollars. We were there 10 days. What is it about Negril, so relaxing!!
As far as travelling to Jamaica, I tell people to bring toiletries. In the states we take it for granted to run to Target or Walmart, etc and get them. In Jamaica, and other places they are expensive. Things for the camera, ladies private things. I even bring some snacks! I usually start picking up things early when I’m travelling internationally. It’s different than when you go to another state in the US.
Irie, nice website. I just “found” it a few days ago!
God Bless You and Save Travels
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Thanks Lana, I’m praying NOT to have a run-in with hurricane Tomas when I fly!
And yes, it’s true about things being so expensive in certain parts of Jamaica! I think if you need to buy you should definitely shop in Kingston as opposed to resort towns, unless it’s just a few little things.
I always bring my toiletries and snacks and everything too! People look at me funny sometimes but I don’t care hahaha! I even bring my Ipod speakers to set up music where ever I go!
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when i was in Ja last i wasnt able to use my TD card at a ATM and my bank said i was able to
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Dawna, my ATM card works everywhere except NCB machines for some reason. Not sure why but NCB just gives me trouble.
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