Was wondering if anyone has had a problem exchanging our new polymer bills at the Cambio? Wondering if I should stock up on old paper 20's before they're gone?
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Was wondering if anyone has had a problem exchanging our new polymer bills at the Cambio? Wondering if I should stock up on old paper 20's before they're gone?
Hmm good question
The banks, cambios and businesses are all aware of the new bills so no worries. In fact, the new Jamaican $5000 note has a polymer area on it - a clear window near the middle of the bill....
No problem with the 100.00's and 50.00's, their in the money market business.
I would take CAD travellers cheques for the cambio.
I also opened a Scotiabank savings account for use at the Negril Scotiabank ATMs. I get charged $1.25 for withdrawals, but there won't be any ATM or international fees.
Good to know...don't want to run into any problems changing money over. I have a Scotiabank card as well but prefer to use the cambio..always get confused about how much to type into the keypad LOL...and get a bit creeped out by all the people that hang out in front of the Scotiabank...knowing all too well that your pockets are full of cash. Usually after going to the cambio, we wander about a bit before getting a route taxi so it isn't as obvious that we just left the cambio...
Went inside the ScotiaBank, waited in line and cashed traveller's cheques to JA dollars. It went very smoothly and I avoided any issues that may have been encountered by using the ATM.
No problem with them I brought some last year or when ever it was they first came out, and changed them at the cambio. I agree with bringing travellor checks its easy and safe. As long as your bank can find them! lol . The new $20,s are coming this month!
Our bank charges a hefty fee for travellers cheques...that's why we don't use them! The new 20's come out today...that's why this crossed my mind this morning :)Quote:
Originally Posted by poolguywindsor
Really? My bank doesnt charge for them, sometimes it takes a while for them to find them though.
hmmmm...which bank do you deal with? Scotiabank charges for them...maybe it's the type of account we have? Also checked with our Amex and Mastercard credit cards and they charge as well so not worth it for us
My BMO doesn't charge to get them but bank I cashed them in, in MoBay on that trip charged for each one I cashed. I just use my BMO debit card at scotiabank and figure out what I need before I go. Scary to punch in that huge amount. My taxi guy told me last year to just get US and go to cambio as they give better exchange than the bank......
I wouldn't buy USD and then convert them to JMD, you're being charged to exchange twice.
Scotiabank isn't my regular bank. I was shocked to see the extent they charge in fees. RBC does not charge for travellers cheques and has them readily available here. And I only have a small savings account there, no chequing.
I use Scotia Bank here in Ottawa and in Negril and haven't seen any charges when I get home. As for the travellers cheques, I use them all of the time and I am NEVER charged by my Scotia Bank for them. Maybe it depends on the type of account you have.Quote:
Originally Posted by Melody
I use TDCanada trust and they have not charged me.
I know Scotia won't charge extra fees in Jamaica. I meant that if they charge to buy travellers cheques. It appears to matter what type of scotia account you have and may require a minimum balance to avoid all their fees (like for travellors cheques). RBC doesn't charge for them no matter how little money you have in your account. And you also get 2 withdrawals a month free. Scotiabank, no.Quote:
Originally Posted by SLP
The CDN dollar has been pretty much par for weeks now. Closer to par,when you exchange online, you get a better rate. Convert to US dollars. or US travelers cheques. No Tx fees w some credit card company, like ours. I order ahead, so they can "find" them at my bank. Actually getting harder to get and not taken as usual in some businesses abroad. Had a hard time using them as cash in Cayman, 2009
Last reach I realized its more difficult to use TCheques then it is to use cash. That being said, I never used the Instant Teller in Negril
Melody - I have a Value Account. The Travellers cheques are free and I don't think it matters how much money you have in there either.
I never understand why people still use traveler's checks when they can use the ATM! If you are worried about some type of electronic scam, why not open a separate savings account just for vacation purposes? Savings accounts are usually monthly fee free and often you have a number of free ATM uses per month! So, you don't pay traveler's check fees, you don't pay exchange commissions, you get the best exchange rate...why do traveler's checks even exist?
No need to convert to US dollars first. As stated by the others, just go and buy TC's in Canadian funds or bring cash if you're comfortable with carrying a lot of cash. We always mix it up, some cash and TC's. Never had or felt the need to double exchange. Scotia Bank is good for exchange and it is air conditioned as well. Nice and cool while you stand in line!Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady Jane
Peace
Elvino
:cool: