Common Money Mistakes Tourists Make in Jamaica (And How to Avoid Them)

Common Money Mistakes Tourists Make in Jamaica (And How to Avoid Them)
Best Jamaica Travel Guide
Real Jamaica. Real guidance. From people who are here.
Category: Travel Advice • Practical money guidance

Common money mistakes tourists make in Jamaica

Jamaica is not “expensive by default,” but travelers can quietly lose money through small choices—especially around exchange rates, USD vs JMD pricing, and how change is handled. These mistakes are usually misunderstandings, not scams. Once you know the patterns, spending becomes simple.

Stevert McKenzie • Editor, Best Jamaica Travel Guide
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Updated for 2025 travel habits

The mistakes that quietly cost tourists money

These are the most common patterns we see from visitors. The goal is not to overthink money—it’s to avoid the few decisions that create unnecessary losses.

1) Exchanging too much money on arrival Common

Many travelers exchange a large amount immediately, then realize most tourist services are priced in USD. If you later spend in USD-priced places using JMD, you can lose value through extra conversions.

Better move: Exchange smaller amounts and adjust based on where you actually spend money.
2) Paying in JMD where the price is quoted in USD Sneaky loss

In tourist areas, businesses often convert JMD back into a USD price using their own in-house rate. If you exchanged at a lower rate earlier, you may lose again.

Better move: Use USD where USD pricing is the standard.
3) Carrying large US bills ($50 / $100) Avoid

Large bills can be hard to break. Some vendors may refuse them, or offer an unfavorable rate to compensate for the risk of counterfeit notes. This becomes more noticeable in markets and smaller shops.

Better move: Carry smaller bills ($5, $10, $20) for everyday spending.
4) Assuming one exchange rate applies everywhere Reality

Jamaica doesn’t run on a single retail exchange rate. Banks, cambios, hotels, and individual businesses may all use different rates depending on their costs and policy.

Better move: When paying in JMD, ask what rate is being used before you hand over cash.
5) Mixing “tourist pricing” with “local pricing” without noticing Big picture

Many visitors move between tourist and non-tourist areas in the same day. In tourist zones, USD pricing is common. In local areas, JMD is the norm. Confusion happens when you treat both the same.

Better move: Keep USD for tourist services and hold a smaller JMD amount for local spending.

FAQ

What is the biggest money mistake tourists make in Jamaica?
Exchanging too much into JMD and then spending in tourist areas where prices are quoted in USD. This can create “double conversion” losses.
Is it better to use US dollars or Jamaican dollars in Jamaica?
USD works best for most tourist-facing services, while JMD is more useful for local spending outside tourist zones. A mix is usually ideal.
Do exchange rates vary in Jamaica?
Yes. Banks, cambios, hotels, and individual businesses may use different rates. Always assume rates can vary and ask when it matters.
Should I carry large US bills in Jamaica?
Smaller bills are easier. Large bills can be hard to break and sometimes lead to poor rates or refusal in smaller businesses.
Travel Advice note: Most money problems in Jamaica come from misunderstanding, not misconduct. Keep it simple: use USD where USD pricing is normal, keep some JMD for local areas, and carry small bills.