Money

[Kevin, PA]

We brought plenty of US $1's and $5's for tipping. We also exchanged several hundred US to JA every couple of days and when we went out one of us would carry JA and the other US$. Typically we would carry more JA than US though. I'm going to estimate the 2 of us spent about $100 a day on food, drinks taxis and tips but we are not big eaters. If I had to break it down a typical day looked something like this for us:

Breakfast - $20
Afternoon drinks - $30
Afternoon snack $5
Evening drinks $30
Dinner $20
Transportation - $10

We didn't always have breakfast and kept our room fairly stocked with snacks which we would use to hold us over during our drinking sessions. If we didn't have breakfast typically we would have a bigger dinner. The breakdown may have changed day to day but I'd be willing to bet the overall total was still fairly consistent except for the day we stayed in to nurse my hangover and the day we went to the beach but these two days probably offset each other.

Beth Ann might be able to confirm or correct my estimates

[Yvonne]

I always take US $, but change it into JMD in Negril. The breakdown I use for my USD is the pretty close to what you posted. My tips are usually in USD, but when I'm out and about I use JMD. If you pay in USD, chances are you will get change in JMD. Hope that helps.

Ditto. This works best for me. My trips are long stays so I take LOTS of singles for tips. I usually exchange at least $100US at a time so take 100s & 50s for exchanges. I pretty much only use US$ when paying for an outing or airport transfer. Day to day transactions... much better off using J$.

BTW... the exchange rate on travelers checks is less than exchanging cash at most cambios.

[Yvonne]

But if the cambios in Jamaica are giving 85/1, and xe is 89/1, you're losing $4 JMD per dollar you convert, losing roughly 5% of your value.

I guess it beats pulling out a currency calculator every purchase....

Blake... XE & most online converters are giving the bank rate, not the actual exchange rate. You are not losing 5%. That is how the banks & cambios are able to offer the exchange service. The 5% is their operating expense. I was most recently in Negril a couple of weeks ago & - depending on where you exchange - the rate was $1US = $86 - $86.50J. Hope this helps.

[Beebeluv]

This was very helpful to me as well it will be my first trip... I couldn't help but notice ur tickers are close to mine... I'll be going nov.10 anyone else?

[Flipadelphia26]

This was very helpful to me as well it will be my first trip... I couldn't help but notice ur tickers are close to mine... I'll be going nov.10 anyone else?

16th

[Beebeluv]

So close anticipation is crazy

[Elvino]

Best to change your money in Jamaica but not at the airport! It also seems to me that the best deals happen when you spend Jamaican dollars. Makes it easier on the brain too, not trying to do conversions in your head! lol

Peace
Elvino

[Blake]

So close anticipation is crazy

Yea I can't wait either.

I'm going in order to finish up my scuba certification+take a vacation before my busy season for work.

I went to Jamaica last year for my moms wedding and love almost everything about Jamaica... except for the imitation Italian they served at the wedding :-p.

I wish there was Google Street View for Negril... Does anyone know of any good places to get cigars while in Negril? I will probably bring a few but want to also support the locals and grab some Jamaican ones.

[Yvonne]

Blake... another option IF & only IF you bank w/ BOA. They are a partner - for lack of a better term - w/ Scotia Bank. You can use your ATM card to w/draw J$. I just got my bank statement & checked the rate because I did get some extra $$$ this trip. The exchange rate was $1US = $87.60J. Beats the cambio rates.

[Melody]

I wish there was Google Street View for Negril... Does anyone know of any good places to get cigars while in Negril? I will probably bring a few but want to also support the locals and grab some Jamaican ones.

I have no idea if they're good or not, but Chances on the beach has a store with a special cigar room. They had Jamaican, Cuban.....lots.