The airport trip

[brasi]

I use J$ when I get to Negril...but same as you I don't want to stop. Not sure if there are cambios, don't want to rely on them being open, etc.

So I always bring $100 US in singles, fives. And have any US cash I carry on the way down in 5s, 10s, easily done at the airport while I am waiting for my flight. I can't get hurt too badly that way on the exchange during the ride and maybe my first night. The $1's help with the constant early trip tipping, but the $5 and $10 are just easier for my brain to translate into J$. $5 is roughly two beers etc. LOL $10 is a beer/2 and a half chicken, with a little change back. haha. $20? Wayyyy too much math starting to happen.

Although I agree with Lola about changing money at the airport being the wise choice, I never want to wait. And the exchange rate seems off by 10 or so J per dollar usually, and that just bugs me...but she's right, that's probably the best way to travel---if not the fastest way to get to Negril.

[RockRobster]

If you feel you MUST have J$ to spend on your way to your hotel(?), then the exchange at the airport is your option, but not a good one.... No commission, but they are 10J lower than the daily "buy" price, so that spread is actually their commission. So, on a $100USD exchange where you should get 8500J you will net 7500J, which is a 12USD difference! Or, a 12 percent commission!!! RIPOFF TO THE MAX!!

On the other hand, if you use an ATM, your local machine fee is about 250J($3US), you get the exchange rate that is correct, and your bank may not charge you a fee! Plus, you aren't carrying wads of $$$$ around. We hit the ATM as needed, for no more than 2 days cash at a time.

However, most food shops/convenience stores will be happy to take your USD, and most will give a fair exchange rate. For example, DrinksPlus(a little convenience shop next to BourbonBeach) gives you 85J to the USD on purchases, and gives you change back in J$, with a smile! We stopped at the chineyman store in Hopewell for some RedStripes this time down, paid USD, got the 85J exchange rate and change back in J or USD, as I wished....

Don't let your desire to seem "local" cost you $$ by exchanging currency at the airport...there is NO shame in using USD at any shop, just ask first. They know the exchange rate, they want your business, and trading J$ for USD is a win-win for the shop/store.