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We usually bring Canadian cash when we go to Negril but are wondering if using a debit card in places like the grocery store and Times Square shopping (where it stays in sight) is safe to use.
What is the most popular practice in terms of access to money?
Thanks for any input.
I always bring enough US cash to get me from the airport to Negril. Once there, I simply withdraw my maximum amount either on a debit or credit card. No traveller's cheques or money exchanging for me. You'll find ATM's at various locations including Times Square Mall , Sunshine Village Plaza and of course Scotia Bank across from Burger King.
Use the debit card for ATM withdrawals only to avoid the possibility of fraud. Be sure to alert your bank that you will be traveling so they don't block access.
We do bring some US cash to get us started (enough to pay for the airport transfer and a bunch of small bills for tips). However we mostly use a debit card and withdraw the maximum amount of J dollars every few days from a ScotiaBank ATM. I wouldn't use a debit card as an credit card anywhere in Jamaica, except for maybe a few reputable places (like Ivan's, Rockhouse, etc.). In the event of theft/fraud, you would be losing your actual money, not credit. Plus I think my bank might charge additional fees if I use my debit as a credit card, while abroad.
We use our debit cards at the ATMs and then use Jamaican for everything. I did notice this year that on the bills where they give you both the US and the Jamaican amounts due - that the exchange rate is easy with a dollar US being 100 JA and we did use US for a few meals
You can use your debit card at the larger grocery stores here & at Time Square.Quote:
Originally Posted by HCT
Thanks for the input. My bank charges me for any debit withdrawal international but doesn't charge for debit purchases. (bank of montreal). I think it is $5.00 per transaction and then whatever the Jamaica ATM machine charges.
Is the maximum withdrawal amount whatever you bank lets you take normally?
The most I've been able to withdraw from an ATM in Negril is $30,000 JA (about $300 CAD), my daily limit is more than that.
HTC, I use debit cards at "ATM's only" whenever I travel internationally to withdraw the local currency and have never had a problem. Since you are from Canada have you thought of setting up a small account with Scotia Bank for debit withdrawals. That way if you go to any Scotia ATM in Negril there will be no charge. Just a suggestion and as Walleye mentioned make sure whatever bank you are using the debit knows (beforehand) your travel dates and location to prevent the card from being denied in Jamaica
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel
The 30K limit is from the ATM machine. You can do a second or third withdrawal of 30K until you reach your daily limit.
That's good to know, Cap. My old bank account had a $350 daily ATM limit, and on days when we did excursions,etc. I would burn through that pretty quickly and then have to hit the ATM again the next day. I upgraded to a bank account with a higher daily limit, just for this reason, so I'm glad that I will be able to take advantage of it.
I bank with Scotia Bank and there is never a charge at their machines. I do call the number on the back to give them my travel dates.
Same here, I always just send them an email beforehand. Gotta love the bank balance in Jamaican dollars!Quote:
Originally Posted by SLP
Cap - never thought to try that! Great tip - could cut down on trips to the ATM - thanks!
ATM withdrawal on Jan 8 - I got 105.59JD to 1USD.
I didn't change any money at a Cambio so not sure what the comparable rate would have been.
Some restaurants, I noticed, when converting US to JD gave anywhere from 103 to 104 when converting on the bill.
Also, Thanks to Nurse Marcia for a great suggestion: include 900.00 JMD in your withdrawal amount to get some small bills (1 500 + 4 100's) ie., 20,900.00 jmd
It's funny how the devaluation of the Jamaican Dollar (105:1 is just crazy) made small bills less of a problem for me this trip.
I brought $60 in singles and brought some home, and I took plenty of $5 bills too.
Unless you are spending a LOT of money, US and JD were pretty interchangeable this trip. Not as much of a savings by always paying in J$.
Of course, local cook shops, bars etc are the exception and J$ is the best for paying there.
Maybe a silly question but was wondering what denomination bills you get from an ATM in Jamaica? 500? 1000?
I used a prepaid Visa card at the ATMs for Jamaican dollars. I withdrew as much as 40,000 at a time. It worked splendidly. I am leery about using my debit card at home, much less in a foreign country. That's my checking account afterall.
Typically 1000 bills, if cash is low you get 500's...Quote:
Originally Posted by wnyjim
Thanks for all the input. I am down now to 3 more sleeps. I have heard many people here say to never change money on the street. The last time we were there in 2011, there was a lady across from rooms that had a bar, sold towels, and exchanged money. We exchanged some money with her and no problem. I am wondering if anyone knows this placed I am talking about and if it is good to change money with her? It would be really convenient for us.