Cash, Traveler's checks, debit card?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mr B

Took travellers checks last year and had a hard time cashing them at beach road cambio. Had no problem in town next to Hi Lo. Big headache. This year we are bringing cash

---

For me the only downside of spending cash is the failure to have a record of where it goes. That's why I use nothing but my debit card at home. I haven't had cash since I carried it for a phone call or taxi.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel

I used to get Jamaican cash from the bank here, but now I just use my bank card and withdraw cash as we need it in Jamaica. I always use the Scotia ATM's (no fees for me - they're my bank here at home), we haven't had a problem yet. I don't like carrying a lot of cash with me...

---

I didn't know you could get JA dollars anywhere but JA. I have several thousand JA from my last trip. I bring it to pay for the taxi although not needed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by captaind

I keep one ATM card in Jamaica which I use to send money and get cash while I'm there.

I use Ja dollars exclusively.

---

Sounds like a good plan.

Thanks.

I can get $JA from my bank... I asked about it before our last trip and found that their rates were worse than at MBJ. I bring a debit card and take $JA as needed (usually from the Times Square ATM), and find that since my bank refunds ATM fees I get a better exchange rate than at the cambios.

I also bring a credit card that stays in the safe for emergencies... thankfully we've never needed it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marko

big roll of ones...some cash...and a debit card or two for the ATM's which give out the best rate....
people don't use traveler checks anymore.....never change money at the airport.......

---

I second this the way to go rolls of small bills...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mr B

Took travellers checks last year and had a hard time cashing them at beach road cambio. Had no problem in town next to Hi Lo. Big headache. This year we are bringing cash

---

What kind of problem did you have? I used that cambio my 2 trips last year and the one in April. One time I went, they told me to come back a couple of hours later...I guess they didnt have enough cash.

I can get travelers cheques free at my bank and I like to take about $150 worth in case the ATM machine isn't working (hasn't yet happened to me, but have read it happens a lot).

I have a Scotiabank account that I opened exclusively for Jamaica trips. It's a basic savings account and I get charged $1.25 each ATM withdrawal (even at my home branch), but that's all I get charged when withdrawing in Jamaica too. I believe Bank of America is affiliated and there are no (extra) fees withdrawing from the Scotiabank ATMs in Jamaica either.

I only use Jamaican dollars there now.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HarryS

I can get $JA from my bank... I asked about it before our last trip and found that their rates were worse than at MBJ. I bring a debit card and take $JA as needed (usually from the Times Square ATM), and find that since my bank refunds ATM fees I get a better exchange rate than at the cambios.

I also bring a credit card that stays in the safe for emergencies... thankfully we've never needed it.

---

My bank also refunds ATM fees. The last time I used Traveler's Checks there was no fee from my bank. I still like the idea of a refund if lost or stolen unlike cash. I'm just not sure how long that process takes. I have never had a credit card in my life and still have a portion of my first paycheck stashed at my mom's house. That was well over 50 years ago. I also have a time capsule buried in her back yard with cash and other things from that era. Gee, I wonder how much that coin collection is worth. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Melody

What kind of problem did you have? I used that cambio my 2 trips last year and the one in April. One time I went, they told me to come back a couple of hours later...I guess they didnt have enough cash.

I can get travelers cheques free at my bank and I like to take about $150 worth in case the ATM machine isn't working (hasn't yet happened to me, but have read it happens a lot).

I have a Scotiabank account that I opened exclusively for Jamaica trips. It's a basic savings account and I get charged $1.25 each ATM withdrawal (even at my home branch), but that's all I get charged when withdrawing in Jamaica too. I believe Bank of America is affiliated and there are no (extra) fees withdrawing from the Scotiabank ATMs in Jamaica either.

I only use Jamaican dollars there now.

---

Have they discontinued any of the coins? I have some huge coins from past visits. They must be making then out of hub caps by now.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Al Drake

For me the only downside of spending cash is the failure to have a record of where it goes. That's why I use nothing but my debit card at home. I haven't had cash since I carried it for a phone call or taxi.

---

As a retired ship captain it's second nature for me to keep a log.

I have a complete expense report of all my trips as well as money spent to upgrade my yard, business expenses, money sent to the kids etc.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Al Drake

Have they discontinued any of the coins? I have some huge coins from past visits. They must be making then out of hub caps by now.

---

I haven't seen any large coins so maybe they are discontinued.