Current US - Jamaican dollar exchange rate

[ukran1ans]

That's for sure. We made the mistake of standing in line to exchange money one day last January and it was over an hour before we made it to the front of the line. But, at least from where we stay, we could walk there and not have to take a taxi to a cambio. So, there's that. The ATM wasn't busy at all. I may have to rethink the no ATM opinion that I have. Maybe....perhaps.

If you get brave, just join ALLY bank, get a free checking account and use Zelle to load the account with money from your other bank. You just have to inform Ally ahead of time, the time frame you'll be in Jamaica (I just do an online chat session with one of their customer service people to let them know when I'm there).

[Accompong]

If you get brave, just join ALLY bank, get a free checking account and use Zelle to load the account with money from your other bank. You just have to inform Ally ahead of time, the time frame you'll be in Jamaica (I just do an online chat session with one of their customer service people to let them know when I'm there).

I don't see where getting brave is necessary. I have been exchanging money in Jamaica successfully for over 37 years. True, differently now than before but the difference of a few dollars Jamaican in the exchange isn't enough for me to abandon what works time after time.

JMO

[ukran1ans]

I don't see where getting brave is necessary. I have been exchanging money in Jamaica successfully for over 37 years. True, differently now than before but the difference of a few dollars Jamaican in the exchange isn't enough for me to abandon what works time after time.

JMO

Well if you're not doing alot of cash transactions while visiting Jamaica, it's not worth worrying about a few dollars difference, but when I'm there for 10-17 days, relying totally on my jamaican cash reserves, the difference works out to giving me $200-$300 more US dollars of spending power over the vacation.

[Accompong]

Well if you're not doing alot of cash transactions while visiting Jamaica, it's not worth worrying about a few dollars difference, but when I'm there for 10-17 days, relying totally on my jamaican cash reserves, the difference works out to giving me $200-$300 more US dollars of spending power over the vacation.

I can only say from my spending that it is not that much of a difference. I realize that everyone has a different spending pattern and some more frugal than others. I stay for 45 days each trip and here is how it goes for me.
My total spending in Jamaica for room, food, transportation and incidentals is about $3000 US If I get either $133.00 or $135.00 for 1 US dollar (as an example), the difference is two extra Jamaican Dollars times $3000 US or $6000 Jamaican Dollars. About $44 US dollars or $1.00 US dollar per day of stay. I know it is money I might be losing but not worth the hassle to get out of my comfort zone doing it like I always have done.

I bring in $2000 in Cash and exchange it in Sav La Mar at a good rate. Pay for my lodging and keep about $5000 Jamaican in my pocket for walk around money and the rest stored in a safe, secured place for later use. Then I have a PayPal Debit card with $1250.00 on it I use at an ATM when I need it. PayPal card is not linked to a bank account so the worse I can lose is the $1250. I have a turned off Wells Fargo card in case of an emergency. I have never had to turn it on and usually leave with $250.00 or more on the PayPal card.

Your way works for you and mine works for me. As long as we both get what we need and have a great time doing it, then there is no problem. Hope you have a great trip again this year.

Respect

[Weathermon & Mi Lady]

Well if you're not doing alot of cash transactions while visiting Jamaica, it's not worth worrying about a few dollars difference, but when I'm there for 10-17 days, relying totally on my jamaican cash reserves, the difference works out to giving me $200-$300 more US dollars of spending power over the vacation.

WOW! You spend a lot!

[ukran1ans]

WOW! You spend a lot!

Well I budget $100 a day but usually come home with some money, thus spending, on average, $80-$90 per day. It's the price of enjoying the night life and a few nice restaurants during my stay. My guess is, that I won't be spending the same amount this winter (I assume bands playing at roots, Alfreds.. etc will be limited at best?).