Jamaica, the land of reggae, stunning beaches, and lush mountains, offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Montego Bay, exploring waterfalls in Ocho Rios, or immersing yourself in Kingston’s vibrant culture, having access to cash is essential. While major resorts and businesses accept cards, cash is still widely used, especially in smaller towns and local markets. This guide covers everything you need to know about cash and ATMs in Jamaica, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and worry-free trip.
Where to find ATMs in Jamaica?
Urban Areas: In major cities like Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios, ATMs are widely available, especially in city centers, shopping districts, and near bank branches. Banks such as JN Bank and Scotiabank Jamaica have extensive ATM networks.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios have ATMs in hotels, shopping centers, and near tourist attractions. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash, as smaller vendors may not accept cards.
Rural Areas: In less populated regions, ATM availability can be limited. It’s recommended to withdraw cash before traveling to remote areas.
Best ATMs to use in Jamaica for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Jamaica are those owned by popular banks such as:
- NCB
- CIBC First Caribbean
- JN Bank
- Sagicor Bank
There is a Global ATM Alliance member bank – Scotiabank which allows fee-free withdrawals for member banks in Jamaica.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Jamaica, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in JMD).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate. You need to pay an extra fee for this service to the ATM.
- If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in JMD’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Jamaica?
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Jamaica.
Types of cards accepted at ATMs
ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Others like Amex, JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours
General Availability: ATMs in Jamaica are typically available 24/7, especially those located outside of bank branches.
Bank Branch ATMs: ATMs situated within bank premises are generally accessible during the bank’s operating hours. For instance, the Bank of Jamaica’s teller services operate from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
ATM operations
Identify an ATM by looking for the signage saying ‘ATM’ in English.
ATMs typically present English as the primary language.
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in North & Central America.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs
ATMs dispense cash in the local currency, Jamaican Dollar (JMD), and some also offer US Dollars.
ATM withdrawal limits in Jamaica?
ATMs in Jamaica have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of J$ 100,000 (Jamaican Dollar J$).
ATM Fees in Jamaica
There are many fee-free ATMs in Jamaica. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Jamaica do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. There is one bank that charges US$ 3 per transaction so there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Jamaica as a foreign cardholder!
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Jamaica. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s forex charges.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Jamaica?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs in Jamaica on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Jamaica. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 100 + countries including Jamaica.
Safety at ATMs
Jamaica has reported instances of ATM-related crimes, including theft, card skimming, and fraud. Some ATMs, especially in less secure areas, have been targeted by criminals using skimming devices to capture card information. Additionally, there have been cases where individuals were followed after withdrawing cash. While banks and major hotels offer relatively safer ATM options, there are concerns about certain machines running out of cash or malfunctioning. To minimize risks, it’s advisable to use ATMs inside bank branches or reputable hotels. Be cautious of anyone loitering near ATMs, and avoid using machines in isolated locations, especially after dark. For added security, monitor your bank transactions via a mobile app, avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and carry a backup card.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM akes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Jamaica?
Yes, there are many fee-free ATMs in Jamaica.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Jamaica
Bitcoin ATMs
As of now, there are no known Bitcoin ATMs operating in Jamaica. Coinhub has announced plans to expand their Bitcoin ATM network to cities like Kingston and Montego Bay, but these installations are not yet confirmed.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Jamaica
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here.
