Currency & Payment

Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD), written with the symbol J$. In tourist areas, resorts and hotels, US dollars are also widely accepted, though your change may be given in Jamaican dollars. Away from resorts, prices are usually quoted in Jamaican dollars, so it helps to carry some local cash.

You can exchange money at the airport, banks and licensed exchange bureaus called cambios. US dollars are the easiest currency to change and often the best value. Airport rates can be less favourable, so change only what you need there. Keep receipts, and compare rates between a bank and a cambio for larger amounts.

Cards are widely accepted at resorts, hotels, larger restaurants, big shops and popular attractions, with Visa and Mastercard the most useful. In rural areas, local markets, small shops and some taxis, cash is still king. Carry a card for the tourist economy but keep cash for everyday and off-the-beaten-track spending.

ATMs are plentiful in cities and tourist areas, operated by banks such as NCB (National Commercial Bank), Scotiabank and JN Bank. Many dispense Jamaican dollars, and some tourist-area machines also offer US dollars. Use ATMs during the day and inside banks, malls or hotels for safety, watch for foreign-card fees, and decline home-currency conversion (DCC) for a better rate.

Contactless payments with Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many resorts, hotels and larger businesses that already take contactless cards, and adoption in cities is growing. Local mobile-money services exist but are aimed at residents. For visitors, the most reliable combination is a contactless card plus some cash for smaller and rural spending.

Tipping is customary in Jamaica. In restaurants, around 10-15% is usual when a service charge is not already included, so check the bill first. Tips for hotel staff and tour guides are appreciated. At all-inclusive resorts, tipping policies vary, so confirm whether gratuities are included before you tip.

Prices in Jamaica vary widely. Resorts, tourist restaurants and popular attractions can be expensive, especially in areas like Montego Bay and Negril, while local eateries, markets and roadside jerk stands are very affordable. You can save a lot by eating where locals eat and by buying fruit and snacks at markets.

Jamaica levies a General Consumption Tax (GCT) on most goods and services, and there is generally no tourist VAT-refund scheme like those found in Europe. Some duty-free shops let visitors buy certain goods free of local duties on departure. Do not expect to reclaim GCT on ordinary shopping, and check current rules if you plan large purchases.