Quote Originally Posted by kylake View Post
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!