What to spend your Dollar on
A tour around the Bob Marley Museum
2,310 JMD
Taxi from Norman Manley International Airport to Kingston
4,860 JMD
Three-course meal for two out in Montego Bay
6,100 JMD
Bobsled ride at Mystic Mountain
7,850 JMD
Night-time scuba dive in Kingston
10,970 JMD
Hooray for ‘the Jay’
The Jamaican dollar (JMD) came into circulation in 1969 and is commonly referred to as ‘the Jay’ by locals. Given the low value of a single Jamaican dollar in comparison with other currencies, traders never really deal in cents; coins below 10 JMD are rarely used. For convenience, many people choose to round up their bills to the nearest 10 dollars, since it’s easier than getting change.
Most major credit cards are accepted in the restaurants and hotels around the island, but you may struggle at the smaller businesses.
A 10-15% service charge on your bill is quite common, but many all-inclusive resorts have a no-tipping policy, so be sure to check what the etiquette is where you are staying.
Frequently used banknotes
The banknotes currently in circulation in Jamaica are to the value of 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 JMD. 10 and 20 JMD coins are commonly used.
Buying Jamaican Dollar online is easy
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