Is it best to use "their" currency while there? I am planning to just do local eating, drinking and shopping, etc. - I am not into the fancy schmancy stuff.
9 SLEEPS
(couldn't fugure out how to get the counter thingy to work :p )
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Is it best to use "their" currency while there? I am planning to just do local eating, drinking and shopping, etc. - I am not into the fancy schmancy stuff.
9 SLEEPS
(couldn't fugure out how to get the counter thingy to work :p )
My personal preference is to use the Jamaican dollar, mostly because it's less confusing for me. Usually 100 "J's" work out to be appx. $1.20 U.S. Enjoy!
http://www.iberostar.info/ticker/ima...Xs8Xtill chill
For the best rates, exchange your money at one of the cambio's in Negril
You can get J's by using either the Scotia Bank or NCB ATM's too...........
bring a roll of North American ones for tipping........
Cool Runnings, Marko
I start with about US$100 with about a quarter in low notes for tipping, and when that runs out i use JA$ changes at cambio imho the cambio at hi-lo is best, also i know i always say it but check with your bank about any fees there maybe for using debit cards in atm overseas, the UK banks sting you for using debit cards overseas with a 2.5% or £3 each time
we always pay in ja currency, soon come
Now, don't take this the wrong way but (afterall) it is their currency so you should use it for your everyday needs. Either changing at a Cambio or using a Jamaican-dispensing ATM would be my recommendation. Having a few small US bills for "special" tipping is a good idea as well. My advice is to get "80:1" ingrained in your mind. It is not exact but gives you a ballpark reference point to deal from. Divide a Jamaican price by 80 (roughly) and if you wouldn't pay that in US currency, don't buy it. Simple as that. I see a meal for $800 J and immediately know it is close to $10 US and from that I can make my decision more easily.Quote:
Originally Posted by livlvlife
I find it is best not to bring large bills to Jamaica but others may differ on that advice. The ATMs make it so easy to get a measured amount of money when you need it without too much hassle and it doesn't give someone an opportunity to steal from you too easily as well. Travelers Checks are good as well. Better to be safe than sorry.
Peace and Guidance.
thank you very much for your responses!!
Accompong- thank you....and I do not get offended (even if it is the intent of someoone ;) ) I have been to some central/so. american country's where the locals prefer US currency, probably because of exchange rate and it is to their advantage. But, like Lenny mentioned, it would be less confusing for me and I can always give a bit more when moved to do so!
When in Rome......
Unless I am making large purchases I ALWAYS use US$ in the tourist areas. The exchange rate is not as good but for small purchases I am not worried. I don't have to worry about having too much JA$ at the end of my trip.
SOME locals do prefer to have US$ because they can pay for good purchased in the US by family or friends. Either will work so go with what's easiest for you. I do US$
------ use Euros - LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by Weathermon & Mi Lady
Seriously though, I always use Jamaican dollars when I'm there. They are not difficult to understand and, in many places, easier than another currency. As for tipping, I still use Jamaican.
For now, at least!Quote:
Originally Posted by SLP
Its more fun to spend in Jamaican currency!
It seems if you pay in US$ and you get change back, it is in Jamaican and the rate they give you back can be less than the exchange rate at a cambio. If you are paying 3 or 4 percent more when paying US and then you get back 3 or 4 % less on the change..it really can add up..but of course it is not always the case..
:D at moment better to use GB pounds as JA$137 to £1 Euros JA$117 to €1 and USA$ JA85 to US$1Quote:
Originally Posted by SLP
In the 80's, Jamaicans couldn't turn in Jamaican Dollars and get US Currency in exchange so US Dollars were a hot commodity. People would take US Dollars to Miami and purchase auto parts to bring back to Jamaica to sell thus making a whole heap of money in the process. Today US Dollars are sought to hoard as a hedge against Inflation and constant devaluation of the Jamaican Currency.
It really makes little sense to use the Black Market to exchange money these days as the small amount of return possible is well outweighed by the possibility of getting counterfeit currency or ripped off during the transaction.
Peace and Guidance
What he said! Listen UP!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Accompong
mi had forgot all about dat.....Quote:
Originally Posted by Accompong
what a smile you would get when you gave them US dollars back then
back then the exchange rate was $1.78J's to $1 US in the early part of the 80's......
use to get Red Stripes for $2J's!
Cool Runnings, Marko
Use Jamaican dollars while in Jamaica. It's the easiest way to go, and it exercises the brain a bit with the mental conversion calculations. As Accompong said, don't exchange money on the black market (guys on the street), you are only asking to get ripped off.
Here is a link to the Bank of Jamaica website, showing US dollar to JA dollar average exchange rate over the years. (First year I went to Jamaica, $1 US got you $1.78 JA). You could find a nice place to stay for $20 or $30 JA back then.
http://www.boj.org.jm/foreign_exchan...tes_annual.php
Correct, except for the 70's there always seem one reason or the other creating a need for US$$.Quote:
Originally Posted by Accompong