Sometimes I bring a few traveler's checks, just because they can be replaced fairly quickly if stolen, but most of the time I use an ATM card to get cash as needed. Traveler's checks are best cashed at a cambio or bank. A lot of the small local businesses deal in cash and will be unable to give change in a timely manner, if they will even take a traveller's check.

Please note, I am a traveller who spends exclusively in the locally owned lodging, restaurants and businesses, so I use only Jamaican currency, except for occasionally tipping in US dollars if I have no J. So I do what works for me.

Enjoy your time in Jamaica!