Travelers Checks versus Debit Card

[wrtiii]

To answer the original question, I don't think the cambios (except maybe FX Trader) take debit cards.

Cash always works, travelers checks might work but you should expect a lower exchange rate, and anything you can use at an ATM works.

When you call your card provider to tell them you'll be in Jamaica so not to issue security holds on your card, also ask them if they can bump the daily withdrawal limit on your card. I had mine bumped from $300 US to $500 US and it made things easier. The ATM itself may have a transaction limit, but that way you can at least do another transaction.

This may be obvious, but if you're at an ATM getting Jamaican money, remember that if you ask for $300 you'll get $300 JA, which is $3.30 US and will pay the same transaction fee as if you ask for $30,000.

[Limo Mon]

[QUOTE=wrtiii;82529].

Cash always works, travelers checks might work but you should expect a lower exchange rate, and anything you can use at an ATM works.

Years before they would give lower rate for travelers checks, last 3yrs gave me same as cash.

[Kathy]

I'm with RasWalleye on this ... we just returned from our trip to Negril. We took American Express Travelers Cheques... AE has a locator tool on their website for where to purchase them based on your zip code. I think I paid a small fee to purchase them at Citibank near me. For me, it's worth it for the peace of mind. Without getting too caught up in the exchange rates offered and as a matter of convenience, we were able to use the cheques and get cash at a couple of small stores on the beach road, and we were able to exchange for cash at Treehouse Resort. And as has been constant for as long as I can remember, the FX Trader Cambio by the HiLo honored them at the same rate as any other exchange -- no additional fees or different rate for traveler cheques. They also have a new set-up and their facility is separate from the grocery store...allows for more privacy in transaction. We found it strange that the cambio by Kuyaba "didn't have enough money" to exchange a $100 TC...? "Come back tomorrow..." Wishing you safe and happy travels...

[MN Jeff]

We are in Negril right now, and have been using AmEx TC at cambio by HiLo with no problems. $91.50 yesterday (same as cash)

[Jenn]

When we were there last time, Shamrock cashed a couple of $50 TCs for us to get us through. We arrived on a Sunday, and the cambio was closed!

[MrsPurina]

WOW you guys are all so awesome. I knew I would find answeres from the Boardies! Thank you again. I'm not leaving for a few weeks so I'll keep checking back to see if anyone else jumps in with more tips. This is really great and I truly appreciate all of you for responding to my thread.