it amuses me to play the fool when going to a new establishment. i know the current exchange rate and so do they. if they choose to rip me off over a dollar or two then i just consider it a cheap way of finding out the character of who im dealing with.
Jamaicans use Jamaican currency when they purchase things, and outside of the tourist areas USD is often not used at all. Although it is a convenience for a tourist to be able to use US currency, it is a hassle for Jamaicans to receive it. They have to convert it to JA dollars before they can spent it at home. Therefore, most businesses will charge you for that hassle. You would never get anywhere close to the actual exchange rate at a money exchange place in the US or Canada, so I wouldn't expect to get a good rate at a business in Jamaica. It is well known that cambios and ATM machines provide the best exchange rate, and by using them you will get more for your money.
This reminds of the time I saw a tourist stop at the cambio at Sangster Airport with a puzzled look on his face. There was a brisk business at the counter this day, as even I stopped to exchange a few bucks to get me through a stop at the jerk chicken stand. Wondering what everyone was doing, this guy asked the lady at the counter what the cambio was for. The lady responded, "for exchanging money". The guy then asked, "For exchanging what? Euros to US dollars?" The lady behind the counter said, "No, for exchanging whatever you have into Jamaican dollars". It appeared that this guy had no idea that Jamaica even had its own currency. It looked like he was staying at an AI, so he probably didn't have to spend any cash on this trip anyway.
Last edited by Mike_D; 05-08-2013 at 03:34 PM.
Some do not want to get the point I am making and are twisting words around... Where did I make direct comparisons to US businesses? Nowhere did I say I prefer to use USD... I already said I use $J so it's not MY problem. It's others problem, and I've noticed it. Responses of "if you don't like it, don't go" are borderline hostile, don't add to the discussion and I think it's best if I let this go.
Last edited by HarryS; 05-08-2013 at 03:08 PM.
"Another Negril apologist" ... I think you're the one who attempted to bring this down into the gutter.Originally Posted by HarryS
The exchange rate varies daily. It is best to convert your money. And as far as change goes...I have been traveling to Jamaica for almost 45 years and I have learned two things...#1. Don't shake your head up and down and smile if you don't understand fully what is being spoken to you and #2. Nobody has change.
And #3 Nick You are still missing HarryS's point. You didn't finish reading his post.
I do all my transactions with the original Jamaican pirates currency,piece's of eight.
I like to use Jamaican currency...it's easier, I don't have to convert in my head all the time (sometimes a little fuzzy) :-)
and I love handing over a couple hundred U.S. and getting back a stack that I can't fit into my pocket....
guess mi one of the ones that know you are suppose to use the currency of the country you are in.....lol
mi can't remember the last time mi used US dollars in Jamaica......ummmmm.....probably 1984...lol
some people have such a hard time getting out of the North American mindset when in paradise.....lol
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Well said Rob. I always use the cambios, and the bank to withdraw J's converted from my Canadian account. Using local currency always wins both ways. But there is no rule that says you can't use another currency, as long as they accept it and you accept the rate. Sometimes it is convenient for us if we are low on J's and we want that item. That is all I was trying to say.
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