Still have Money Questions

[MoFromMonroe]

My husband and I are going non-inclusive for the first time in a few months (9xs all inclusive in Negril). I am still confused as to what to do about money for the trip. Hotel and transportation will be paid in full before we arrive. Our plan is we will each carry US$500 cash and use the safe in our room. We will change a few hundred at a time to Ja $$ at a Cambio and use a credit card when we can. At CCLP can we just charge our meal and bar bill to our room and pay with a credit card at the end of the trip? If we go to HiLo for alcohol and snacks can we use our credit card? I get the idea that using your cc at some restaurants is not advised so we will only use it at places like Rockhouse, Ivan's, Pushcart and use cash elsewhere. We do not feel comfortable bringing and using a debit card. There is just more protection if a cc is lost or stolen. Does this make sense?

[airportworker]

credit cards are good but check if there is any hidden charges when using outside your country. Also there is another type of debit card from visa, which you load with money and use as a normal visa card, its not linked to your debit card so no issues there,

[MoFromMonroe]

I have a capital one cc. No fees. Got it just for going to Jamaica.

[ohliz]

I have a capital one cc. No fees. Got it just for going to Jamaica.

I have one too, use it all the time there. NO fee at all, very good exchange rate.

You can use it at Coco, and most hotel-based restaurants, and most of the higher end ones as well. If your CC charges you for foreign transactions, however, and many do, you may be better off with trav checks or using an ATM. If you do use your card, let your bank know the dates you'll be in JA, saves a lot of hassle.

Also check your receipts as you use your card to pay for things or sign your tab. I suppose you should do that when you pay cash as well.

If your card is stolen and used your liability is usually zero, but can be up to $50. If the number is stolen and used (not the physical card) your liability is zero. This is by law, for US cardholders. So using a c card is actually far less risky than bringing a ton of cash. The issue with the cards is when you go off the beaten path they're hard to use. But in Negril, not a problem for most things.

I generally carry an ATM card, a c card and some cash and use each as appropriate. When paying cash I like to use JA$.

[Accompong]

If you are each going to bring $500 in cash, why would you need to use a Credit Card anyways and I would never use a Debit Card anywhere but at the bank which will dispense more cash to pay bills. Having Jamaican money to pay for your goods and services will save you money in the long run and is way less dangerous than using a Credit or Debit card.

Peace and Guidance.

[murph]

I can only share what works for me... I never use a credit card ever. I exchange my $ before I leave the states, which isnt the best rate at all, but its convenient, the last thing I want to do when i reach jamaica is wait in line at the bank. I also never use the provided "safe"... funny, i just dont feel safe using the safe, I get creative instead! I also stash 1 credit card or debt card as a back up plan juss in case. $500 thats a start! As another boardie mentioned in a previous post whatever you plan on spending double that! Bring lots of $100 jamaican bills, they come in handy! Again, this isnt the 'right way' to do it, but it works for me! Have fun!

[MoFromMonroe]

@ accompong-thinking $1000 won't last us for 10 days drinking, eating 3 meals a day and tipping. Don't want to carry more cash than that. And don't even want to bring a debit card.

[Accompong]

@ accompong-thinking $1000 won't last us for 10 days drinking, eating 3 meals a day and tipping. Don't want to carry more cash than that. And don't even want to bring a debit card.

I wasn't suggesting that $1000 US would last for 10 days but..... the exchange rate is $80+ J to $1US making $1000 over $80,000. I would not presume to know just how expensive a meal or drinks you would be imbibing on the three meals a day but to spend $100 per day does take some doing.

And...I did say you could take money (up to $300 US per day I think) out of an ATM machine and they are all over the place. The Traveler's Check option is also better than a Credit Card. I have heard and read horror stories of people coming home and getting their Credit Card Statement only to find charges higher than what they charged and at rates of exchange higher than the daily rate.

Consider alternatives other than Credit Cards would be my advice. I have many years of travel and living around Jamaica and ditched the Credit Card a long time ago. Just my opinion.

Peace and Guidance.

[rjonsun]

CCLP has electronic safes in the room. You set the combination. It was big enough to put the netbook in. Just take cash.

Regards,

Bob

[Markospoon]

The first couple of days your money goes very fast, then you will slow down, alot.

I would only use CC for emergencies.

But, anyway you will have a fantastic time.

Enjoy, keep your cool. don't take life too serious and have fun!