Question: Using Cash, Credit, or Traveler Checks in Jamaica?

It is so helpful to know we can use the CC for excursions! Thanks girls!

We paid by credit card but we forgot to call the bank before we left to tell them we would be in another country so they block the CC as soon we paid the wedding. So don't forget to call!

DLyteful,

I'm a Jamaican now living in Canada, and I make the trip home at least once a year so here's my two cents.

Stick with the CC and cash. So far everyone's advice is good re: taking lots of singles. At the airport it should never cost more than $5 to tip baggage handlers. Before you leave the airport, get yourself some J$, it will always save you money in the end. The Bureau de Change is located in the Departure Lounge, Immigration Hall and Ground Transportation Hall. Their tel876) 979-2673. It's also best to carry J$ to the craft markets and tourist attractions, and keep it separate from your US$. If you feel like venturing outside the hotels to exchange money, the best place to go is Grace Kennedy Remittance/FX Trader. They usually have the best deal. If you go to the Bank, Jamaica National offers one of the best rates. Otherwise, if you use US$, just have an idea of the exchange rate in the back of your mind as reference.

If you've got anything else you want to know, just ask. I'd be more than happy to give you info.

Jamie.

Totally agree with Jamie said about getting some J$. We were in Jamaica for 3 weeks and learned very quickly that you get a much better price in J$. CC are great for paying at the resorts and for excursions, but do remember to call your CC company before leaving.

Also, although I don't think you need to bring a large amount in traveller's checks, and they can be a pain in the butt, I always bring a small amount of money that way when I travel. We usually disburse them in our luggage, bags, etc so that g-d forbid we were robbed and lost all our cash/credit cards, we have a small backup. We had no intention of having to use them, but I think we brought $150 in traveller's checks - $50 denominations.

I second that... for sure always take some Jamaican dollars with you (although they will look down on it)... but no one turns down money anyways.

One of my guide books said that he ATM's in Jamaica aren't dependable. I was hoping to get Jamaican $ this way as it's usually the safest way to get money at the best exchange rate. Does anyone know what he deal is with ATM's in Jamaica? We are going to Ocho Rios.

We used an ATM in Negril, but I have no idea what exchange rate I got. Also, we got hit with a nice fee from our bank for using it... not sure I would do it again. We actually got a decent exchange rate at the hotel's cashier (Sunset at the Palms)... and we had a driver who took us to a bank that gave a good exchange.