Money, money, money...
Jamaica's national currency is the Jamaican Dollar (called "Ja" by the locals). There are 4 banknotes and 7 coins available to pay your..., whatever :-)
Banknotes
Jamaican banknotes are issued in denominations of $50, $100, $500, and $1000.
The notes are all of the same size (145 x 68 mm) and each has a watermark featuring Jamaica's national bird, the swallow tailed hummingbird, a serial number, date and signature of the Governor of the Bank of Jamaica. Special symbols to aid the visually impaired appear on the front of all notes except the $1000 note.
The front of each note bears the portrait of either a Jamaican national hero or a former Prime Minister, where as local scenes and popular landmarks appear on the back.
Coins
Jamaican coins currently in circulation are minted in denominations of 1c, 10c and 25c, as well as $1, $5, $10 and $20.
The Jamaican coat of arms appears on the obverse (front) of each coin, while Jamaican national heroes are portrayed on the reverse (back) of all coins, except the 1c coin which features the national fruit, ackee.
Today's currency rates
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| 1 United States Dollar |
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| 1 Canadian Dollar |
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| 1 Euro |
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| 1 United Kingdom Pound |
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| 1 Australian Dollar |
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| 1 Japanese Yen |
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Exchanging money
In Jamaica, you have several choices to exchange you money.
Most common is using the exchange services of commercial banks like National Commercial Bank (NCB), Scotiabank, Jamaica Citizens and the CIBC Ltd. Most have branches in each major town or area. The exchange rates are mostly competitive.
Other options are the 'Bureaux de Change', operated by the same banks mentioned above, the 'cambio', private and small exchange companies, most located at shopping centers and malls, also with competitive rates, and the hotels.
However, the rates in most hotels are a lot higher than the rates of the banks or 'cambio's'.
Beware that exporting or carrying Jamaica currency out of the country is illegal. Save your exchange receipts you get, you might need them while leaving the country.
Exchange your money on the streets or black market is not recommended, it helps to drive down the value of the Jamaican Dollar which, as you can understand, is not good for the local economy.
Foreign money
Most hotels and shops in the tourist areas accept US Dollars and Euros. If you want to pay this way, keep an eye on your change. You will get change in Jamaica Dollars, so beware that your are not be short-changed!
Cards and traveler's checks
All major credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted in the business and tourist areas. In other areas it is wise to have a small amount of cash with you, just in case.
Also remember that most gas stations in Jamaica only accept cash and that credit cards are not welcome here.
In lager towns you can use your regular bank card or cashpoint card in cash dispensers located in or near a bank. Remember that these services are not available everywhere and that cash dispenser sometimes are out of order.
And last but not least: don't carry or show large amounts of cash money when you are traveling or shopping in Jamaica. First it is not save (not in Ja, not in New York, not in Amsterdam, not in...) and second it is not respectful to the locals...
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