Using credit cards

[Jamaica4ever]

Are credit cards widely accepted at bars and restaurants? Is it true the ABM's frequently run out of money?

[Denise]

Yes they are, however-there are a lot of fee's for using your card. I recommend getting cash from an atm.
I personally have never had a problem with the atm's running out of cash.

[sandy-girl]

Although credit cards are widely accepted I don't use them.

Here's a list at the bottom of the article of credit cards with no foreign exchange fee's. List current as of January 6th, 2014/

http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/top-c...e-credit-card/

[Accompong]

Are credit cards widely accepted at bars and restaurants? Is it true the ABM's frequently run out of money?

My personal experience with credit card usage is a mixed bag. It depends on the exchange rate on the day they submit your sale to the bank to process. Currently, with the fairly rapid devaluation of the Jamaican Dollar (i.e. they get more Jamaican dollars if they hold your transaction for awhile), some places may not process the sale for even up to a month.

The beauty of an ATM is that it is a current value transaction and (as they say) "ya know what ya get" transaction. Yes, you pay for the withdrawal at a ScotiaBank but I don't get charged a transaction fee when I use the NCB bank. My bank allows me to withdraw up to $500 per day but I need to do it in two transactions as I get a "exceeds limit for withdrawal" if I try to do it all at once.

I live out on the island and, yes the ATMs sometimes run out of money (especially on a Sunday or Monday before business starts and the Guarda money trucks arrive.

For the most part, I think ATM is the way to go but others may not like that way or have other ways they like to do it.

Peace and Guidance

[MIDIRI]

I personally only use the ATM. Like Accompong says, ya know what ya get. My bank charges me like $2us for a withdrawal, so I'll do the max $500 and use my room safe. I have had ATMS run out of money, but not so much in the past year...seems like they added a few ATMs at Scotia?? Is that right or is the sweet leaf affecting my memories??

[Melody]

For Canadians, credit cards with no int'l fees:
http://m.thestar.com/#!/business/red...ba064248a76756

A lot fewer choices.

[Jamaica4ever]

Thanks everyone, this is great advice. Much appreciated.