What are the advantages/disadvantages of using Jamaican dollars in Jamaica?

Question

I'm trying to decide whether to pay for things with American dollars or Jamaican dollars during my trip to Negril.
thanks

I'm trying to decide whether to pay for things with American dollars or Jamaican dollars during my trip to Negril. Also, I hear credit cards are not widely accept for tours and other attractions.

Answer 1

Tip in US dollars but pay for meals or souvenirs in Jamaican money. Less chance of you getting cheated when you are not quite sure of the exchange rate.

Answer 2

I find that I get a better deal with Jamaican dollars if I "live" like a Jamaican. By that I mean riding the bus instead of taking shuttles and taxis, eating at places not in tourist traps, etc. Otherwise if a price is offered in US dollars and you only have JA dollars, the merchant will still do the math to get the same amount regardless of the exchange rate. If you are buying items from vendors on the beach, I notice they are pretty savy on getting the exchange rate correct no mater what you are paying in. So it really doesnt matter until you start to travel and patron areas that only price in JA dollars. You should also first figure out how much money you are losing when you exchange your money at the cambio or airport, because it may not be worth it in the long run.

Answer 3

When we went to Jamaica the little streetside artists and other places that didn't take credit cards, they didn't want Jamaican money. They laughed every time we tried to use it. We didn't bring any with us so when we got there I took $20 to the front desk at our hotel and they had to scrounge up enough money to convert it. They were asking the staff to help make change out of their wallets. I have no idea if we got a decent exchange rate or not. Also because of this, I am guessing they don't do it too often. This was five years ago though in Montego Bay. Have a great trip. We loved it there and hope to go back many more times.

Answer 4

I went to Negril in June 2005 and we used jamaican currency because whenever we used american currency we got a lower exchange rate. The best place to go is a supermarket called Hilo in West End in Negril. You will get the rate that the American dollar is going for that particular day. Eat at local restaurants, you will get better bang for your buck and food tastes better too. Enjoy and be safe.

Answer 5

You get a better exchange rate by using a credit card and you don't have to endure a further loss when you exchange the extra money back.

Using American money at a store requires that a store convert it. You will get a rate that is way higher than a bank or credit card.

Answer 6

I'd vote US dollars because the Jamaican dollar is so weak - you eed to carry a lot of it to pay for anything.