$JA , $US, cash or travelers checks?

[MBR64]

Haven't been to Negril since 1998, and can't remember if it is best to convert $US to $JA, or just pay with $US? I've read different opinions on this recently? For example, if I'm eating out somewhere at a small local bar/restaurant, do people prefer payment in $US or $JA?

Also, should I take travelers checks with me? Are they easy to cash at the cambio's and/or Hi-Lo?

thanks!

[geocox]

Re: $JA , $US, cash or travelers checks?

I never take Travelers Checks there just to difficult to cash and not worth the problems. MBR64, ALWAYS convert your money. $2-300.at the cambios in Negril .Lots of places to convert; this is a must.
Than keep a watch on your money and convert when the J money is getting low. You don't want to get converted by a restaurant or bar; you will lose money.
Some restaurants like,Rock House,Xtabi,take US and will have the bill done in US. ATM's are easy to use in Jamaica if you need more money. But you need to remember it's coming out in Jamaican currency so ask for 5000J at the conversion rate 47.5 now;not $100.US.
When are you coming and where are you staying? g

[Nanook]

Re: $JA , $US, cash or travelers checks?

I myself find it very easy to cash travellers checks. There are cambois aplenty, and alot of hotels will also cash them for you. All you need to cash them is your driver license ot passport for ID.

Sometimes the ATM machines go down, and there is a fee for ATM transactions. I don't put alot of faith in them....

I always pay in Jamaican currency, it is just so much easier.

[Tami]

Re: $JA , $US, cash or travelers checks?

I too always take Travler checks. It just seems smart. If they are lost or stolen, they are covered. I set a side what cash I will need for the day and exchange that amount from Travlers checks to JA. It helps me keep track of my spending and it is a breeze to cash them in at the Hi-Lo (or other places).
I have had troubles with the ATM's so, I do not like to count on them for cash.

[Guest]

Re: $JA , $US, cash or travelers checks?

[beach lover]

Re: $JA , $US, cash or travelers checks?

I usually change some US$ into JAs just for inital conveniences (ie stopping for a drink on the way from the airport to hotel, etc.) but then use credit cards and US$ for everything after. Everyone takes US$s. You will get JA change for US$s. I would suggest taking lots of fives and tens rather than larger denominations so you don't get stuck with lots of JAs at the end.

[Bandana]

Re: $JA , $US, cash or travelers checks?

When I first went, I had a hard time with the conversion rate, they would ask for so much in JA and I would say how much is that in US?? Often times they would say an amount WAY over what the actual conversion rate was, or give me change in JA and it would not add up...

By my 3rd day I figured out I was getting ripped off! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]
After that I converted all my money into Ja, and had no more confusion. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Guest]

Re: $JA , $US, cash or travelers checks?

I use all three. I bring mostly travelers checks. When I cash them I get som US and some Ja.

[MBR64]

Re: $JA , $US, cash or travelers checks?

Thanks to everyone for their replies!

[MBR64]

Re: $JA , $US, cash or travelers checks?

Geocox - we're coming down 10/18, staying at Rockhouse and then over to Treasure Beach. Stayed at Rockhouse in 1998, loved Negril, from what I can remember of it (rum and tonics, er......rum, ice and lime very strong!). Won't use so many limes next time.

mbr

[freqtraveler]

Re: $JA , $US, cash or travelers checks?

Hello Everyone.

I actually logged in to ask to this same question.
You beat me to it MBR64. Having traveled a bit in Europe, I always relied on my ATM and credit card for cash instead of travelers checks and a wallet full of cash.

Thanks to everyone who replied. I will not depend on the ATM's and plan out my cash usage a bit better.

By the way, I will be in Mo'Bay next Thursday for a week.

Lata