Quote Originally Posted by rastagirl777 View Post
Orchid - that's a nice room! I love all the wood and louvres. My house is somewhat similar to that in certain rooms.

LimoMon - while you are a beach "mon" and I do realize there are quite a few establishments on the cliffs that do post their prices in USD you might have to look a bit harder and find those gems that post their prices in JMD. Wild Parrot is one of those gems but since I don't frequent the beach much that's the only place I know of - I'm so sure there are more.


In my experience, when I go to a place where the price is posted in USD (on the cliffs) I've never gotten terribly "swindled" by the exchange rate. At worst - its 84-1 as opposed to 85-1. Its worth asking too when you get to a place with USD prices as Rob suggested what their exchange rate is.

"Cambio Rates" - usually the best - but each money exchange place does charge a "fee" and can change money at any rate they'd like. That includes the airport, hotels, restaurants and shops.

The only way I see the JMD getting "beat up" is the prolific use of USD in Negril. Not even ten years ago Jamaica was the kind of place that was less expensive to live in and be in because the USD-JMD exchange was so favorable - 50-1, 60-1, I can't remember. But prices were based on the Jamaican economy so if something was 100JMD even if the exchange rate went up the price stayed at 100JMD and the US dollar was stronger for that. In more recent years because of the influx of US cash establishments found they can make more money if they changed their prices according to the US Economy. I will never forget that year that the US exchange rate rose 20-25 points in a three month period and each time it changed those boys at HiLo had their pricing stickers out changing the price of groceries. That spoke volumes to me. If we can convince tourists to use the local currency perhaps that would even things out a bit - because there are people who live here on a Jamaican wage being "forced" to pay US prices. And that blows

From my trip last week It would be cheaper for me to spend U.S. dollars while in Jamaica. Before (2001-2008) If I spent U.S. money for very 100 U.S. I would lose about 10 U.S.. Thats why before I would exchange all my U.S. for J's. If its cost me more to spend J's while in Jamaica then thats beaten up your own money. For me last week if I wanted to pay in J's they wanted 95 to 1 U.S. dollar . If they took my U.S. they gave back 75J's to 1 U.S. dollar . Example If the pop cost 1 U.S. dollar I say how much in J's they say 95 J's Then I ask why 95 whats your rate they say 80 to 1 but you only get 75percent to exchange the money . I say what they say see here on calculator . So now if this is soon to be the norm only a fool would spend J's. Limo Mon