ATM and Credit Card issues last week

[VVHT]

Before the trip I contacted both my Bank and Credit Card Companies via email and phone to inform them that I would be in Negril. Both my ATM and Credit Card were declined when I first attempted to use them in Negril. I had to call both companies to resolve this issue!

Credit Card worked fine after that, Bank Card had issues, the first three days I could only pull out a maximum of $10,000 Jamaican at the Scotia Bank per transaction. Finally switched to US currency and was able to pull out $300 US per transaction. Don't know if this was an Issue with Scotia Bank or my Bank.

Additionally, my Bank advertises that they don't have ANY ATM FEES ANYWHERE. Guess what; apparently in the fine print they don't cover foreign transaction fees. Scotia Bank charged approximately $5 US per transaction.

This was a minor inconvenience, just required a few more Route Taxis into Town then I was expecting.

Two of the ATM at Scotia dispense both US and Jamaican Currency, but on weekends the US Currency can run out.
Factoring in the $5 US Fee, the first few transactions with a limit of $10,000 Jamaican ended up with an exchange rate around $109 Jamaican per US dollar!! 

I just ignored the beggars in front of Scotia Bank. Most times Bank Security would keep them away, but during tourist rush hour (an hour before sunset on the way to Rick's Cafe) they seem to congregate around the ATM's looking for a handout.

VVHT

[Flipadelphia26]

I've always had scotia bank ATM issues with my Wells Fargo card. US or JA. I usually had to go to Highlow or the ATM next to scotia bank.

[hille141]

Never had an issue with getting my credit card shut down, Chase Visa. I do call them ahead of time as well. Same thing with my debit card, US Bank Visa.

You are right that the bank fees really add up. The problem is unless you pay these fees all the time it's not worth it to open an account at a bank with better foreign transaction fees. US Bank really soaks me.

I tend to bring more cash right away than I usually carry the rest of the trip. Usually have a day or two worth when I pull out from the ATM there, but come down with 2-3 days cash. Caution, as always, don't carry more than you are willing to lose.

[VVHT]

hillie, brought more cash this time than any previous trip. Wasn't sure how adventurous Diane and the kids would be... Turns out they were very adventurous and the burned cash "Fast Fast".

Despite this being a budget buster of a vacation, the adventure they had was priceless!!!!!!!

[hille141]

hillie, brought more cash this time than any previous trip. Wasn't sure how adventurous Diane and the kids would be... Turns out they were very adventurous and the burned cash "Fast Fast".

Despite this being a budget buster of a vacation, the adventure they had was priceless!!!!!!!

If you want to save money, stay home.

[TAH]

If you want to save money, stay home.

That's not very nice.

[Mike_D]

I was in Negril the same time as you, VVHT, and for the first time I tried the NCB ATM next to the Hi-Lo. As a former Scotia Bank user, I found this ATM to be the most convenient and affordable way to go. The only additional charge I incurred was a 1% foreign transaction fee from my bank, which amounted to ~$2.75 per transaction. The only negative was that the machine has a $30,000J withdrawal limit. I believe Scotia has higher limit, based on USD.

Also, I never ran into any beggars at the Hi-Lo plaza.

[Flipadelphia26]

.

Also, I never ran into any beggars at the Hi-Lo plaza.

Not even the wheelchair guy?

[gailnegril]

Before the trip I contacted both my Bank and Credit Card Companies via email and phone to inform them that I would be in Negril. Both my ATM and Credit Card were declined when I first attempted to use them in Negril. I had to call both companies to resolve this issue!

Credit Card worked fine after that, Bank Card had issues, the first three days I could only pull out a maximum of $10,000 Jamaican at the Scotia Bank per transaction. Finally switched to US currency and was able to pull out $300 US per transaction. Don't know if this was an Issue with Scotia Bank or my Bank.

Additionally, my Bank advertises that they don't have ANY ATM FEES ANYWHERE. Guess what; apparently in the fine print they don't cover foreign transaction fees. Scotia Bank charged approximately $5 US per transaction.

This was a minor inconvenience, just required a few more Route Taxis into Town then I was expecting.

Two of the ATM at Scotia dispense both US and Jamaican Currency, but on weekends the US Currency can run out.
Factoring in the $5 US Fee, the first few transactions with a limit of $10,000 Jamaican ended up with an exchange rate around $109 Jamaican per US dollar!! 

I just ignored the beggars in front of Scotia Bank. Most times Bank Security would keep them away, but during tourist rush hour (an hour before sunset on the way to Rick's Cafe) they seem to congregate around the ATM's looking for a handout.

VVHT

Next time try the Scotia ATM at Times Square never any beggars

[Mike_D]

Not even the wheelchair guy?

Ha! I didn't even see him this time. Maybe he leaves for the summer.