Cash, Traveler's checks, debit card?

[Al Drake]

I need some advice on what to use these days in Jamaica. I haven't been able to travel in 9 years so I'm wondering if things have changed in this regard. Before I would always bring traveler's checks. At home I never carry cash and always use my debit card. If I'm not wrong what could possibly happen other then loss or theft but that could be the case no matter which option I go with. I'd feel better with a simple card. Easier to watch out for than anything else I think. If I lost mine my wife has hers.

Yes? No?

[Lorax2]

Cash is king

[Al Drake]

Cash is king

I agree. Thanks.

[Marko]

big roll of ones...some cash...and a debit card or two for the ATM's which give out the best rate....
people don't use traveler checks anymore.....never change money at the airport.......

Cool Runnings, Marko

[IRIEchic]

big roll of ones...some cash...and a debit card or two for the ATM's which give out the best rate....
people don't use traveler checks anymore.....never change money at the airport.......

I second this the way to go rolls of small bills...

[Craig123]

I second this the way to go rolls of small bills...

Last reach I instructed our newbie travellers not to bring any bills larger than a $20. Well, he didn't listen and not being used to the colourless US currency, gave a $100 tip by mistake. This happened more than once before he realized the mistake upon taking inventory of his money. We called him the "high roller" for the next 14 days.

[gregandkelly63]

11 trips so far and we have never taken anything but cash.

[nutz4travel]

I used to get Jamaican cash from the bank here, but now I just use my bank card and withdraw cash as we need it in Jamaica. I always use the Scotia ATM's (no fees for me - they're my bank here at home), we haven't had a problem yet. I don't like carrying a lot of cash with me...

[Al Drake]

I used to get Jamaican cash from the bank here, but now I just use my bank card and withdraw cash as we need it in Jamaica. I always use the Scotia ATM's (no fees for me - they're my bank here at home), we haven't had a problem yet. I don't like carrying a lot of cash with me...

I didn't know you could get JA dollars anywhere but JA. I have several thousand JA from my last trip. I bring it to pay for the taxi although not needed.

[Mr B]

Took travellers checks last year and had a hard time cashing them at beach road cambio. Had no problem in town next to Hi Lo. Big headache. This year we are bringing cash