Jamaican Owned & Operated Cliff or Beach Restaurants and Bars

So many places now showing only US prices on the menus - and we find out many are US owned. Frankly it should be a law in Jamaica as it is elsewhere that prices must always be displays in legal tender f the country and if so desired then by another currency as a courtesy.

Now - I have been coming to Jamaica for over years, married a Jamaican and have kids. Know the island better than most Jamaicans. Negril is the worst example of encroaching colonialism I have ever seen. I realize 50% of tourists are from the USA and have no issue with prices ALSO being displayed in USD... It's the lack of react for Jamaica and other nations that is frustrating when the only price displayed on a menu is USD. Not eating there that's for damn sure - and something I am going to publish about.

No responses needed and sure some expat bar owner that does small food service will say suck it up. Nope.

We always convert to Jamaican currency. We are of course vacationing in Jamaica, why not use their currency.

I find I save money if I pay in Ja a lot of places will say 25 us I say or what in ja and a lot of times they say 2500 its way better to pay in ja

Add hotel rooms, cab rides except route cabs, catamaran trips, parasailing , massages, wood carvings, t shirts, gold and other items to the list of things priced in American currency. It's been that way since I started going to Negril and I don't see it changing anytime soon. I,m Canadian and yes it adds to the cost of our trip but we love Negril and will always go and I don't thhave know boycotting places that charge in us currency will change anything so we just choose not to sweat the small stuff and enjoy Negril as we always do. As someone has already mentioned we ask to have our bill converted to Jamaican money and most of the time we save a bit.

I know a few 100% Jamaican owned properties that request to be paid in US dollars or Travelers Checks for the rooms. Foreign currency is always highly desirable if things need to be purchased abroad. Jamaican currency is good only in Jamaica. US dollars are accepted most anywhere in the world except where it is forbidden by law. Just as it was in Jamaica for many years.

Maybe the places that post only prices in US dollars are trying to simplify things. Imagine what a confusing mess menus, price tags, etc..... would be if they had to list all prices in JA$ , US$, Canadian$, and Euros. Most everyone has some sort of idea what their currency exchange rate is to US dollars. So just maybe it makes it easier on EVERYONE. My quess is that they are not trying to diss Jamaica - just make it easier for people to spend money.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Captain Oil

I know a few 100% Jamaican owned properties that request to be paid in US dollars or Travelers Checks for the rooms. Foreign currency is always highly desirable if things need to be purchased abroad. Jamaican currency is good only in Jamaica. US dollars are accepted most anywhere in the world except where it is forbidden by law. Just as it was in Jamaica for many years.

Maybe the places that post only prices in US dollars are trying to simplify things. Imagine what a confusing mess menus, price tags, etc..... would be if they had to list all prices in JA$ , US$, Canadian$, and Euros. Most everyone has some sort of idea what their currency exchange rate is to US dollars. So just maybe it makes it easier on EVERYONE. My quess is that they are not trying to diss Jamaica - just make it easier for people to spend money.

---

Sometimes simple is the best solution... the world market bases their prices on the US$. When was the last time you heard that a barrel of oil was going for so many Yen. This is not to diss the Yen, just providing a simple answer to a highly complex issue...

I always thought Ja$ is fluctuating so much..... That the US$ was keeping up with inflation better than the Ja$.... Less repricing with the inflationary rate......remember it is good for us that we get more Ja$ each time we return....but that also means that it is worth less, which makes it harder for the Ja people...a doubly whammy, inflationary prices, and a devaluating dollar.
Don't judge a place by the style of their menu prices, ask if it is Ja owned and operated, and then decide.....

Was hoping this might be some kind of list of Jamaican owned operations... I'm so glad to support the local people! It's almost disheartening to learn a place is foreign owned. Of course I stay at Grand pineapple for now, but hoping to learn as I go, and find a great locally owned place that suits my needs.,, suggestions welcome!

My biggest issue that in my view the businesses are disrespectful to Jamaica by not posting prices in JA first and always before a foreign currency. Failing that: "today's" exchange rate on the JA $ should be posted at entrance and all major currency listed. That way Canadians and Euros don't have to convert our money to US in our heads or take for granted what ever we are told it is and then to Jamaican . Showing no respect for Jamaica and none for guests from outside the USA is not friendly.

Excellent point Likkle Sistah! The consistent devaluation of the JA$ is a major problem.

And Livin603, the majority of businesses in Negril and Jamaica are Jamaican owned. For years people thought the Sandals and SuperClubs were foreigned owned.

The vast majority of businesses that take their resources to post the US exchange rate also post the Canadian, Euro and Sterling pound.

And as an FYI, just because a business may have their prices in US$, businesses in Jamaica MUST accept JA$. You will not run into a business that wont accept JA$.

If the transaction is conducted off the island, that is a different story. It surprised me that several non-US airlines show their airfare in the US$ when checking airfare from Jamaica. I expected JA$ rates. What seemed like a great JA$ deal, too good to be true, turned out to be a deal too good to be real... (grin)

Some bars and restaurants here do have a great exchange rate. At a bar on the beach for instance, their sign currently says us$5 equals JA$500 - the two for one drinks are a great deal even at the us$5, be sure to pay in Jamaican $$$ for the best deal... (grin)

But remember, you are on vacation, dont sweat the small stuff! The world is as it is...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob

Excellent point Likkle Sistah! The consistent devaluation of the JA$ is a major problem.

And Livin603, the majority of businesses in Negril and Jamaica are Jamaican owned. For years people thought the Sandals and SuperClubs were foreigned owned.

The vast majority of businesses that take their resources to post the US exchange rate also post the Canadian, Euro and Sterling pound.

And as an FYI, just because a business may have their prices in US$, businesses in Jamaica MUST accept JA$. You will not run into a business that wont accept JA$.

If the transaction is conducted off the island, that is a different story. It surprised me that several non-US airlines show their airfare in the US$ when checking airfare from Jamaica. I expected JA$ rates. What seemed like a great JA$ deal, too good to be true, turned out to be a deal too good to be real... (grin)

Some bars and restaurants here do have a great exchange rate. At a bar on the beach for instance, their sign currently says us$5 equals JA$500 - the two for one drinks are a great deal even at the us$5, be sure to pay in Jamaican $$$ for the best deal... (grin)

But remember, you are on vacation, dont sweat the small stuff! The world is as it is...

---

Thanks for pointing out that businesses in Jamaica MUST accept JA$. I was always under the assumption that if the prices were listed in US that I needed to pay US. We prefer to pay in JA$. SO much easier to carry around one currency and we use it as a learning experience for our kids when we take them along.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by madcam94

Thanks for pointing out that businesses in Jamaica MUST accept JA$. I was always under the assumption that if the prices were listed in US that I needed to pay US. We prefer to pay in JA$. SO much easier to carry around one currency and we use it as a learning experience for our kids when we take them along.

---

I've never had a problem with getting my bill in Jamaican.
At the establishments that may not know me and have their menu with US pricing, if I remember :), I'll ask for the bill in Jamaican before they bring it...makes it easier for everyone.

Pricing in USD is mostly for convenience as the JA dollar fluctuates. you would have to be printing new menus every other day.

I don't see what the big deal is. Im glad they price in $US. keeps me from having to ask everytime. relax and just enjoy!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jaherring

I don't see what the big deal is. Im glad they price in $US. keeps me from having to ask everytime. relax and just enjoy!

---

I'm shocked.