money in negril

[nutz4travel]

One word of "warning" for non-Americans - if you're using a non-Jamaican credit card at the Hi-Lo (in Negril - don't know about MoBay) it is company policy (we were told) to convert your purchases to USD and charge the credit card in that currency. They will NOT charge your credit card in JA$, so you're effectively paying to convert 2x. Unless you're buying a lot, it really doesn't make a huge difference, but it is annoying none the less. The rate they were using to convert to US was 96:1, so what would have cost about $103 CAD if we'd been charged in JA$ ended up costing $111.69 CAD. Lesson learned, we'll probably just use cash there in the future...

[rompcherry]

I agree, the credit card is not the way to go anywhere in JA, although I take all the fees into account, when I'm saving in other ways, at least in my mind lol.
For those of us who do not stay in AIs, we've all found our unique way to manage our money.
And, what I said above does not always work. There are many locals who do not drink and they observe what you are doing of course.
I saw one fellow who sat around a place and he really wasn't accepted by the locals too much.
One day, and he was there many times, like we were lool, he asked to beg me for some $ for food. I asked the chef to make him a meal and off he went with it. He was there again several times and never asked for a thing again. Maybe he wanted cash, I don't know, but it's not what he got. Don't know if he ate the meal or sold it?
So, I don't purport to encourage drinking by doing what I do and I don't do it all the time, although if the vibes are right, it sure spruces up the music and ambience.
This can start fast and end fast and never happen again at the same place.
That's what I love about JA -- the freedom to bend the rules a little now and again without going beyond the limit.
And, before I decide to extend my generosity ... I always ask my local friends first if it's the right time and place.
I make sure I take something down to JA, personalized for each of the friends' circle of friends too. This way I'm not constantly prodded about buying things from them. Sorry but I can't buy from everyone as we know.
For the artisan, I took a bag of beads and fishing line to do his work, and some necklaces I found at yard sales, etc and he can take them apart and make different things for the busy season.
A bottle of Appleton for my back up driver.
Pack a lunch at the room for the owner of one of the bars, who doesn't serve food. He loves peanut butter and jam sandwiches and some raw carrots cut up.
I always take a pair of new shoes from a friend here who doesn't like them or wore them once, and wait for the right person to come along .. they may not fit her, but she sure knows someone or may sell them.
I take can openers, lighters or course, used and clean "magic bullets' for juicing (and they are not that heavy.)
I guess I'm getting a little off topic now, but it's all about da money.
Blessed Sunday !!

[Yvonne]

One word of "warning" for non-Americans - if you're using a non-Jamaican credit card at the Hi-Lo (in Negril - don't know about MoBay) it is company policy (we were told) to convert your purchases to USD and charge the credit card in that currency. They will NOT charge your credit card in JA$, so you're effectively paying to convert 2x. Unless you're buying a lot, it really doesn't make a huge difference, but it is annoying none the less. The rate they were using to convert to US was 96:1, so what would have cost about $103 CAD if we'd been charged in JA$ ended up costing $111.69 CAD. Lesson learned, we'll probably just use cash there in the future...

Good advice. The exchange rate they use is also very low. When I realized this is what happens, back to strictly cash - J$. I believe the standard credit card fee for foreign transactions is 3% of the charge. BTW... doesn't matter if it's charged in US$ or J$, you still pay the exchange fee.

[Melody]

One word of "warning" for non-Americans - if you're using a non-Jamaican credit card at the Hi-Lo (in Negril - don't know about MoBay) it is company policy (we were told) to convert your purchases to USD and charge the credit card in that currency. They will NOT charge your credit card in JA$, so you're effectively paying to convert 2x. Unless you're buying a lot, it really doesn't make a huge difference, but it is annoying none the less. The rate they were using to convert to US was 96:1, so what would have cost about $103 CAD if we'd been charged in JA$ ended up costing $111.69 CAD. Lesson learned, we'll probably just use cash there in the future...

Thanks for sharing 2nutz. Good news for Americans, but not for us...JMD cash all the way! I assume the same thing happens if dining at restaurants like Ivan's. I may borrow your experience to pass along to others.