Jamaica’s stunning beaches, reggae rhythms, and rich cultural heritage make it a top Caribbean destination, where understanding how to handle money is just as important as planning your itinerary. Whether you’re relaxing in Montego Bay, exploring Kingston’s music scene, or shopping for local crafts, this guide covers everything you need to know—what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Jamaica (Jamaican Dollar (JMD)), cash safety tips, and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and fully enjoy Jamaica’s laid-back island vibe.
How to pay in Jamaica – cash or card?
In Jamaica, both cash and card payments are commonly used, with the U.S. Dollar (USD) widely accepted alongside the Jamaican Dollar (JMD), especially in tourist areas. However, it’s advisable to carry a mix of payment methods to ensure convenience across various situations.
You can use cash for:
Public Transportation: Buses and route cabs mostly take cash. Local markets and street sellers mainly accept cash for purchases. Small businesses, like family shops and restaurants, often like to use cash for sales. Tips and Gratuities: It’s normal to give cash tips for services like eating, tour guides, and hotel staff. Rural Areas: In places with fewer people, there might not be many options for internet payments, so cash is important.
You can use cards for:
Rooms: Most big hotels, especially in tourist spots, accept credit and debit cards. Many restaurants and cafés, especially in cities, allow you to pay with cards. Retail places like shopping malls, brand-name shops, and supermarkets usually take card payments. Car rental companies usually accept card payments. Online Bookings: Reservations for flights, hotels, and tours can usually be made using cards.
What’s the best currency to take to Jamaica
Using the local currency for payments or withdrawals usually has the lowest fees, and sometimes there are no fees at all. The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) can only be used and traded in Jamaica. It’s a good idea to use ATMs when you arrive to get local money and to change any leftover JMD before you leave, since it’s hard to turn it outside the country.
Euros or Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Jamaica
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Jamaica. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Jamaica
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted for payments by swiping. You may also find some places that take Amex and other cards, but it’s not as common.
Types of cards at ATMs in Jamaica
If you’re withdrawing money in Jamaica from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Others like Amex, JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Jamaica
Bringing a small amount of Jamaican Dollars (JMD) before traveling can be helpful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. However, this might not be possible as JMD is a closed currency.
Withdrawing JMD from ATMs in Jamaica is easy because ATMs can be found in airports, towns, and tourist spots. Most ATMs take Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but make sure to check your bank’s fees for foreign withdrawals. It’s better to switch currency in Jamaica at banks or approved exchange offices, as they provide better rates than airports or hotels. In tourist places, USD is commonly accepted. However, using JMD for transactions often gives you better value because businesses might use poor exchange rates when giving prices in USD.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is advisable. If bringing USD, GBP, or CAD, they can be easily exchanged at local banks and exchange bureaus. Paying in JMD is recommended to avoid poor exchange rates on USD transactions.
Where to withdraw currency in Jamaica
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Jamaica are those owned by popular banks such as:
NCB
CIBC FirstCar.
JN Bank
Sagicor Bank
There is a Global ATM Alliance member bank – Scotiabank which allows fee-free withdrawals for member banks in Jamaica.
Where to exchange currency in Jamaica
Currency Exchange Offices: In Jamaica, currency exchange offices are referred to as Cambio centers. These are widely available in tourist areas, shopping centers, and airports. Notable providers include FX Trader, with multiple locations across the island, and JN Money Services, which operates several Cambio centers.
Banks: Major banks such as National Commercial Bank (NCB), Scotiabank Jamaica, and First Global Bank offer currency exchange services. These banks have branches throughout cities, providing reliable services. Operating hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays, with some branches open on Saturdays until noon.
You can use the ATM Fee Saver app to find good cash exchanges. It will show you the closest ones on the map. The app assists you with forex locations in over 100 countries, including Jamaica.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Safety of carrying cash in Jamaica
It’s not safe to carry cash in Jamaica because of high crime rates, including robbery and stealing. Whenever you can, it’s safer to use credit or debit cards for payments. If you need to take cash, keep the amount small and stay alert, especially in busy places and when using ATMs. To protect your money: Only bring what you really need. Take out small amounts of money when you need it. Be careful and keep things private. Don’t show cash in public. Stay alert. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in busy areas and when using ATMs.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Jamaica
Use a card if it doesn’t have any fees, meaning your bank and the store do not charge you for using it. This is helpful if you want the card’s insurance, avoid tying up cash for big purchases, and if the card fees are less than withdrawal fees. You can pay in cash by taking money out of an ATM or by swapping currency. ATM withdrawal fees are lower than card swipe fees. If you want to keep your spending private and find it easy to make transactions, using an ATM is a good choice.
