Travelers Checks versus Debit Card

[Mike_D]

Debit Card here, I'd recommend the HiLo or Times Square ATM. At Scotia Bank you'll be hassled by beggars and people wanting tips for point to the door for you. It's annoying and can be a little unnerving for some people.

This is true. If I go to the Scotia Bank at the roundabout, I usually have a taxi wait for me, so that I can make clean getaway.

OT: One time I waved down a red plate on the West End Rd. to take me to the ABM at Scotia Bank. While I was inside the bank, a couple motorcycles/mo-peds were parked behind my taxi. I guess I didn't really notice this as I was making a mad dash to the car and avoiding the beggars. Apparently, my driver didn't notice either. He backed out of the parking space and knocked over one of the motorcycles. Soon, the taxi was surrounded by all the locals that spend their day sitting on the side of the bank, drinking Red Stripe. My driver got out of the car to deal with the owner of the bike and left me alone in the car. The hassle was pretty intense. Of course it was hot, so the windows were rolled down as random guys came up to the car, "Hey mon! Your driver hit my bwoy's bike! give me some money so I can buy a beer!" I tried telling them that I didn't have any money, but they just saw me leave the bank. Out of frustration, I gave a couple hundred J's to the guy who appeared to be the ring leader and he told everybody else to back-off. My driver finally got back in the car holding a shiny plastic cap that came off the motorcycle he hit. He said,"I have to replace this part. It will cost me $15 US!". I just chalked it up to another Negril adventure.

So yeah, the ABM machine at Time Square is definitely hassle-free and is owned by Scotia Bank. I haven't used the one at the HiLo, but I'll check it out next trip since it's pretty convenient to the West End.

[Flipadelphia26]

This is true. If I go to the Scotia Bank at the roundabout, I usually have a taxi wait for me, so that I can make clean getaway.

OT: One time I waved down a red plate on the West End Rd. to take me to the ABM at Scotia Bank. While I was inside the bank, a couple motorcycles/mo-peds were parked behind my taxi. I guess I didn't really notice this as I was making a mad dash to the car and avoiding the beggars. Apparently, my driver didn't notice either. He backed out of the parking space and knocked over one of the motorcycles. Soon, the taxi was surrounded by all the locals that spend their day sitting on the side of the bank, drinking Red Stripe. My driver got out of the car to deal with the owner of the bike and left me alone in the car. The hassle was pretty intense. Of course it was hot, so the windows were rolled down as random guys came up to the car, "Hey mon! Your driver hit my bwoy's bike! give me some money so I can buy a beer!" I tried telling them that I didn't have any money, but they just saw me leave the bank. Out of frustration, I gave a couple hundred J's to the guy who appeared to be the ring leader and he told everybody else to back-off. My driver finally got back in the car holding a shiny plastic cap that came off the motorcycle he hit. He said,"I have to replace this part. It will cost me $15 US!". I just chalked it up to another Negril adventure.

So yeah, the ABM machine at Time Square is definitely hassle-free and is owned by Scotia Bank. I haven't used the one at the HiLo, but I'll check it out next trip since it's pretty convenient to the West End.

LMAO. Only in Negril.

[hille141]

Tip: If you want a few smaller JMD bills, withdraw X,900 or XX,900 and you will get a 500 bill and four 100's as part of the withdrawal.

Good tip!

Debit Card here, I'd recommend the HiLo or Times Square ATM. At Scotia Bank you'll be hassled by beggars and people wanting tips for point to the door for you. It's annoying and can be a little unnerving for some people.

I would say it is a unique experience using the ATM at Scotia Bank, maybe worth doing once. The Times Square ATM is much safer and you don't have to battle the crowds and beggars. Never tried the Hi-Lo ATM, I'll try next time.

I'd skip the travelers checks and go with debit cards from two different accounts from different banks, both with enough cash to get you through the trip should something happen.