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

[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

[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...

[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

[JaJodi]

We had always used travelers checks and the challenge last time we got them (May of this year) was finding anyone who even had them available to purchase. We were still able to exchange them at the cambio by Hi-Lo. Next trip (December), we have some leftover J, will bring a wad of cash (I have started saving ones and fives), and use the ATM. I don't think we'll go back to getting travelers checks. The charge for the ATM is about what it cost us to buy travelers checks.

[captaind]

I keep one ATM card in Jamaica which I use to send money and get cash while I'm there.

I use Ja dollars exclusively.

[Al Drake]

Cash is king

I agree. Thanks.

[Al Drake]

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

Cash is my second favorite thing to spend. Second to time.