The $US is highly prized and accepted all over Jamaica. However using $US is not the best practice. The exchange rate you get at a bar or restaurant will always be less than you get at a Bank or Cambio. For example, a beer on the beach can cost $200J. But if you pay in $US, they will probably charge you $2US. Might not seem like much difference but you just paid $250J for a $200J beer. A 25% upcharge ! ! Even if you use $US, ALL your change will given to you in Jamaican dollars. Dealing in two different currencies in the same transaction will be very confusing to all involved. To avoid all this, you might as well dive right in and get some JA dollars to start with.

Jamaican currency comes in a few denominations: $50J , $100J , $500J , and $1,000J and 5000J . The $100J and $1000J look similar so be careful when counting your money or paying a bill. To see what Jamaican money looks like, go to this website: http://www.jamaica-dream-vacation.co...-currency.html