Newbie money question

[kylake]

I am sure this has been asked a billion times but here we go again.
We have traveled to Mexico many times and always use the peso (easier to work with) and easy to get from an ATM at the bank since cambio's (totally) cheat in Mexico.

In Mexico it is always better to have pesos and I assume in Jamaica it is better to use the J?

If my assumption is correct where is are the best locations for an ATM to use a ATM card for J?
I figure the west end turnaround area (where banks seem to be located) but am a bit unsure. I have never
had a problem using an ATM for cash in Mexico as long as I let the bank know in advance of travel. Is the same
true for travel in Jamaica?

[captaind]

No problem with ATMs. I use the one at the Petco gas station at the Aerodrome. No crowds.

[sandman66]

I prefer using the scotiabank atm. With my scotia account there are no fees and you can get either US or Jamaican. I prefer to use Jamaican money whenever possible.

[Lola]

There is one next to Value Master, and also at Hilo, in addition to the two mentioned already.

[kylake]

Lola, remember newbie here. I will assume the HiLo and Value Master are near the roundabout?
Sandman66, I will investigate setting up an account with Scotibank which I don't have now.
Captaind, the aerodrome is near the blood bay end of 7 mile is that correct?

Thanks for taking time to answer a newbie! With a question that has probably been answered many times before.

[booger]

Kylake,
Check out this map
http://www.negrilinfo.com/negril-map.html

It will show you where pretty much everything is at in Negril. Print it and take it with you so you know where everything is at.

[SweetSue]

Lola, remember newbie here. I will assume the HiLo and Value Master are near the roundabout?
Sandman66, I will investigate setting up an account with Scotibank which I don't have now.
Captaind, the aerodrome is near the blood bay end of 7 mile is that correct?

Thanks for taking time to answer a newbie! With a question that has probably been answered many times before.

Setting up an account with Scotia Bank is not quite as simple as opening a US bank account. If you plan on be a frequent visitor to JA it might be worth it, but it is not necessarily a one afternoon process. You will need a TRN - Tax Registry Number. For that you can go to the Tax Office in Lucea, apply for the ID card and then you can return to pick it up in about 6 weeks. Your receipt will have your number on it. There is a Scotia Bank across the street. You will need notarized letters of reference (2) from a JP or from a professional such as doctor, lawyer, minister, nurse etc.; a letter or document from your primary bank stating how long you have been a customer and that you are in good standing; a utility bill with your address; proof of employment, a reference contact from your job, paystubs or tax statement. I think that was about it. They actually did call long distance to my reference contact at work. It took me two trips to complete the process.

OF COURSE, If you are from Canada, it simplifies everything because you can visit your local branch and see what they will require. You might not have to go through any of the above steps.

Don't stress. At the roundabout there is a Value Master with a ATM in front. Go over to the next parking lot and you will see a Foreign Exchange/Cambio. UNLIKE your experience in Mexico, they are quite LEGIT, give receipts and do not short change you. DO NOT SEEK TO CHANGE MONEY IN THE STREET although you will get plenty of offers to do so, especially right there. ALSO, most of the Duty Free shops can accommodate you and will change money. I have never had a problem going that route. Gift shops also, but I have noted that it seem the further away from downtown you are when you try to exchange with alternative methods, the rate gets a little worse. Convenience cost I guess. Balance it out. If it's going to cost more for the taxi than you would lose on the transaction, well you can figure it out... The Scotia Bank is next up the road and they have three ATM's - 1 inside & 2 outside, one of which gives local AND US $.

MOST IMPORTANT FOR THE NEWBIE TO KNOW? Don't stress, relax, keep your common sense handy and ENJOY!

[SweetSue]

@ Booter - re link.... http://www.negrilinfo.com/negril-map.html

This is great - very detailed & helpful. I will share this with friends, wish I had it years ago.

[sandman66]

If I wasn't clear I have a account with Scotiabank here in Canada, which allows me to use the ATM's in Jamaica without fees. It would be nice if they would add another machine or 2 to reduce the lineups though.

[bchfun]

In previous visits we have used the atm machine at Times Square. I don't believe the fees were more than any other for us, considering out of country and not our regular bank of course. Can't remember but I think I got JA money.