Exchange rates and saving money

[Mike_D]

For example, beers on the beach can cost $150 to $400 Jamaican But you only have US dollars? They will charge you $1.50 to $4.00US. Might not seem like much, but with an exchange rate of $115 JA to $1US you just paid $230JA for a $200JA beer. Total those savings and it is a easy 15% - 25% savings just in simple currency management.

Great point. On the opposite side, I found that if smaller restaurants or vendors price things in USD, they will sometimes accept an even conversion to JA currency. For example, if the bill comes to $10 USD, I will ask if they will accept $1000JA. Typically, they will say yes, which works out in my favor. Of course, larger places will pull out a calculator or use a POS system to convert your bill to JA, at their own exchange rate.

[Accompong]

Great point. On the opposite side, I found that if smaller restaurants or vendors price things in USD, they will sometimes accept an even conversion to JA currency. For example, if the bill comes to $10 USD, I will ask if they will accept $1000JA. Typically, they will say yes, which works out in my favor. Of course, larger places will pull out a calculator or use a POS system to convert your bill to JA, at their own exchange rate.

Maybe it is only me but I find "nickle and dime-ing" a small vendor or restaurant who already has an enormous task of staying open a buck or two here and there not how I like to roll. I pay for everything in Jamaican Dollars just like I use US dollars here in Florida and not Euros. I don't bargain for meals. If I don't like the price quoted, I don't buy the meal. If I don't see a price, I ask first.

These small vendors and restaurants only price some items in US dollars to attract the tourist who doesn't want to deal with Jamaican currency. That $10 bill also should have a GCT tax component so giving them $1000J instead of @ $1250J what they are asking puts less than $800J in their pocket.

Change your money into Jamaican and don't be so lazy as to not learn the local currency, customs and runnings. After all, being a "likkle" Jamaican on your vacation is part of the experience.

Not an indictment of you Mike_D as I know from reading you do things right. I am just pointing out that a few pennies or dollars mean a lot more to Jamaican vendors than they do to me. I am not a tight wad but I am also not foolish with my money either.

Peace and Guidance