For those of us that have to try to stretch our vacation dollars ... I find that you have to have both JA and US dollars . I normally use JA's , but some places that price in US , don't give a favorable conversion to JA .
For those of us that have to try to stretch our vacation dollars ... I find that you have to have both JA and US dollars . I normally use JA's , but some places that price in US , don't give a favorable conversion to JA .
Last edited by pine tree john; 10-03-2017 at 05:45 PM.
Absolutely no doubt about this.Originally Posted by ukran1ans
Well outside of how it effects the local economy, after much thought, I've found that it's most cost effective to just spend US currency because of the 'double whammy' of losing out on the exchange rate when you buy the Jamaican $$$'s and then losing again when you trade back the extra Jamaican $$$'s when you leave. The key is bringing half, if not most of your money in small change ($1's & $5's). Small change is key because when dealing with a small bar/food bill or 'beach vendor' you always take a beating if they owe change (it's very rare they give you US $$$ back in change). Plus, on the occasion you have larger US bills and they give you Jamaican change back, at least the locals are getting the difference and not some 'godless bank'! LOL... Anyways... just my 2 cents...
I have just had enough the last few days of people with zero financial experience stating it "harms" the economy.
You know, there are a lot of people who are chock full of crap on some message boards. They'll say anything and pass it off as fact. I've been twenty times now, and wouldn't dare to consider myself an expert on anything... except possibly the best position to nap in a hammock.
When I'm home in Jamaica I only use Jamaican currency. I think in Jamaican dollars.
Why would I do otherwise?
Cap
Linston's Zion Hill Taxi
Captain Dave
I think of it also as a respect thing.
When in Mexico I use their currency, when in Jamaica likewise.
I think it benefits me and them not having to convert.
I had been told in Mexico it is not always easy or beneficial for vendors, cab drivers etc to convert at the banks.
Not sure if that is in fact true but like I said i think its respectful....when in Rome ....
And...never convert when leaving, you know your going back!!
Thanks, but that's not the question.
Question is, does it harm the economy to use foreign currency. Not really looking for a debate or input on what folks do or do not do/use while there, just an answer to the question.
Just wanted the answer out of utter frustration listening to folks go on about how it kills the economy.
That's actually a good point (I guess I was only doing that exchange back the first few times I was here, not knowing I'd fall in luv with the island.. lol). I've been doing the 'US $$$'s only' for a while now so exchanging back hasn't been an issue. The only Jamaican I use now is just the change I get back from the locals when I only have big bills.
Hussyband, here's a good read from economic pros if you're still curious...
https://www.slideshare.net/EmanAbbas...urism-13613739
Last edited by ukran1ans; 10-03-2017 at 01:14 PM.
Go Bills!
That's actually a good point (I guess I was only doing that exchange back the first few times I was here, not knowing I'd fall in luv with the island.. lol). I've been doing the 'US $$$'s only' for a while now so exchanging back hasn't been an issue. The only Jamaican I use now is just the change I get back from the locals when I only have big bills.
Hussyband, here's a good read from economic pros if you're still curious...
https://www.slideshare.net/EmanAbbas...urism-13613739
That link has EXACTLY what I was looking for.
Thank you.
With what Rob discussed and this link, I don't feel bad about using American dollars now.
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