JAMAICA CURRENCY

The best things in life, admittedly, are not free. When traveling, you probably bring along every credit card in existence to avoid the hassles of getting acquainted with the currency of your destination. But are you sure those are going to be honored in all the establishments?

If you’re going off to Jamaica, it would be best if you learn about their money. While credit cards are widely accepted on the island, it is still advisable that you know some things about Jamaica currency. Even if you hardly use cash in your transactions, knowing the equivalent amount of your payments in your own currency would tell you if it is going to be worth buying or not.

Jamaica currency is called the Jamaican Dollar (JMD), and is divided into 100 cents. Its equivalent in U.S. dollar is about 48.5 Jamaican Dollars to 1 U.S. dollar. Jamaica currency is dictated by Jamaican law as the one that should be used to pay for the good and services anywhere on the island. However, that particular Jamaica currency law is not strictly implemented and few people really follow it. This is the reason why the U.S. dollar is accepted in most establishments. And like the U.S dollar, credit cards are accepted as well.

“Cambio” centers or money exchange offices are available throughout the island, and offer the best rates. There are exchange bureaus that can be found at the airports and hotels, offer lesser rates than the cambio, but have higher rates than the banks. Changing your money to that of Jamaica currency can obviously be done in banks, most of which operate from Mondays to Thursdays 9am to 2pm, and Fridays 9am to 4pm.

It is a must that you keep your receipts as proof of the legal Jamaica currency exchange. It is illegal according to Jamaica law to exchange your money through black market. So another payment option would be through travelers’ checks which are advisable if they are in U.S. dollars.

The Jamaica currency exchange rate changes everyday, which is why it is not recommended to exchange your money into the Jamaica currency while still in your country. It is best to have them changed when you arrive on the island and through a cambio. You don’t necessarily have to bring cash as well. There are numerous Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) all over the island. Most hotels also have ATM booths for their guests’ convenience.

Leaning the Jamaica currency shouldn’t be too hard. Aside from the fact that you will have more ease in your transactions, it will also help you get the best deal from the goods and services that you intend to pay for. Unless English is a language that you still need to learn, Jamaica currency shouldn’t be too hard to get to know.