You change money to JA because you'll pay less than paying with USD. Change at the cambios or use your ATM card, do not change money in the USA or at the airport, you'll get screwed.
The other reason is because you're a guest in the country, and the official currency is $JA. You'll peg yourself as a newbie tourist for one, and it's just a bit arrogant to think "What would I need the local currency for, I just assume they'll take my US dollars!"
I don't really see how it is arrogant to assume that when every place I have called/emailed for quotes on transportation, entrance fees, tours, etc. have given the quotes in US dollars. If US dollars weren't expected or anticipated, then I would think the quotes would be in JA dollars. When I travelled to China, all the quotes, transportation, etc were quoted in Yuan. Therefore, I expected to pay in Yuan. Your answer was a bit jerky, just so you know.Originally Posted by HarryS
I was just wondering what, if any, need I would have for JA dollars. And I don't consider getting a not so good exchange for US dollars such a big deal, if it the people I am paying in US dollars makes out a little bit more, I'm cool with that. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to absolutely need it to get around, etc.
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