The official currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar. Currently the exchange rate is approximately US $1.00 = JA $67.00. You may exchange money into Jamaican Dollars at banks or licensed exchange bureaus in the airport or in resort towns. Most establishments also accept US dollars, travellers checks, and credit cards.
The Jamaican dollar is the only legal tender, though prices are often quoted in US dollars, which are widely accepted. The current rate is about $J60 = $1US dollar. Hard cash can be used but your best bet is to have US dollar traveler’s checks. All major brands of traveler’s checks and credit cards are accepted in Jamaica. You can exchange money at banks, licensed exchange bureaus (called Cambios) or hotels, though the rate at hotels is usually 2% to 5% below the bank rate. Do not exchange all of your money when you get to Jamaica. Its best to exchange it as needed; you will lose money converting Jamaican dollars back to U.S. dollars when you depart Jamaica. Plenty of Jamaicans will approach you to change Jamaican dollars on the black market. This is illegal and the black market rate is usually only 5% better than the bank rate so why risk falling for a scam. Most restaurants and shops accept major credit cards. There are a few ATM machines available, but they run out of cash on the bu
A. The Jamaican dollar is the legal tender; as of 2008, the exchange rate is about $70 Jamaican to $1 U.S. Travelers checks are accepted virtually everywhere, as are U.S. dollars. Credit cards are accepted at many of the larger restaurants and more sophisticated stores. There are many places to exchange your money (from euros, pounds sterling, and American and Canadian dollars) to Jamaican dollars near the airports and in the Treasure Beach area. (We don’t recommend changing money at the airports, because the exchange rates are quite poor there.). If you use one of our drivers to transport you from the airport, they will show you the best places to exchange your money on your way to the villa.
The official currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar. US dollars, and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Commercial establishments will accept credit cards. We suggest that you pay for groceries and tips in local currency. You may exchange foreign currency at local Cambios. There are about a dozen of them in Ocho Rios. Their only service is exchanging money. Major banks are also available in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. ATM machines are at Scotia Bank and Commercial Bank on Main Street in Ocho Rios. The ATM will dispense Jamaican dollars.