Still have Money Questions

[SLP]

Depending on how much you drink, where you choose to eat and the number of "regular" taxis you take, $1,000 should be enough for 10 days. I stay 5 weeks and after paying for my hotel etc, I take about $1200 which I convert to Jamaican dollars. I prefer using them then you get used to the currency and don't have to worry about exchange rates. This is more often plenty. I do, however usually have breakfast at home and then use places like Sweet Spot (across from Alfred's) for dinner. I have also eaten at Kuyaba etc. Once in a while I do get more with my ATM card but NOT often at all.

[Captain Oil]

Take traveler checks .............. IF lost or stolen you can get your money back ASAP .............. the rates are nearly identical to exchange rates for cash money ........... CCLP used to exchange money for their guests but the rate was not quite as good as at cambio ........... also, there used to be a cambio on the road to town on the same side of the street as CCLP .......... maybe someone will post if it is still open ............... as for the amount of money to take, $100 per couple per day MAY be enough but my #1 rule has always been "take half the cloths and twice the money you originally planned on"

[jasperpso]

\ I stay 5 weeks and after paying for my hotel etc, I take about $1200 which I convert to Jamaican dollars. I prefer using them then you get used to the currency and don't have to worry about exchange rates. This is more often plenty. I do, however usually have breakfast at home and then use places like Sweet Spot (across from Alfred's) for dinner. I have also eaten at Kuyaba etc. Once in a while I do get more with my ATM card but NOT often at all.

i can spend $1200 in 8 days - also having paid for air and hotel before hand.. by myself.. so mileage varies..

[Lorax2]

Mo, bring cash....only use the credit card for emergencies.
Never use a debit card, they are not secure or insured.
CCLP will exchange $ but the rate is not good...just as bad as the airport.
CCLP will let you charge meals and drinks to your credit card, they will take your card info when you check in...
Have fun, don't worry, everything will be cool..
Respect, Dave

[gerryg123]

i like to do a combo of CASH and going to the Negril ATM machines for Jamacian dollars -- and try to get as many Jamacian 100s as possible .... they're a godsend. I usually keep enough cash on me at all times to stay out of jail, ha ha, plus some in the hotel safe and also some in secret spot like a shirt pocket or something ... that way, i feel like i have all the bases covered; don't like to use credit cards or debit cards because of that annoying "international transaction" fee .....

[poolguywindsor]

The only time I use travelers checks is in Negril works great at cambios without the risk of carrying cash. They even know me by name at the Banmark cambio!

[Island Girl]

Just a tip if you haven't used your credit card out of the country before: With the current credit crisis, most card issuers have tightened up on policies and restrictions. Depending on your bank, they may "red flag" your card when you try to use it out of the US, which means they cut you off cold and you have to waste your time and $$ on the phone trying to prove that you are actually the one using it and not someone who stole your number. This can also happen when the card doesn't go through the first time they swipe it, and then they swipe it again- also a flag- and you should never let them swipe it twice unless you want a lot of hassle.

SO, IF you decide to bring your credit card, be sure to call your credit card company and LET THEM KNOW that you will be out of the country for X amount of days. You may also want to lower/raise your daily limits at this time depending on your needs.

Have a great trip, and I totally agree with Captain Oil!

IRIE!*IG

[SLP]

IF you decide to bring your credit card, be sure to call your credit card company and LET THEM KNOW that you will be out of the country for X amount of days.

IRIE!*IG

I found that the same thing applies to ATM cards. I let both my credit card company and my bank (ATM) know where and for how long I'll be away. I rarely use either but you never know and better safe than sorry.

Oh, and I use Travellers cheques when I take "money" with me. I only have some CDN for my return trip home.

[ed kennedy]

my advice is ALWAYS bring travelers checks.....cash them a bhit at a time at a cambio. Do NOT use credit cards unless you can personally view the transaction.....

[jasperpso]

I have ALWAYS paid for high end dinners with a credit card at the Rockhouse and Margarittaville.. never had a problem.. also i use the atms every reach - also never any problem..