A Guide to Money, Costs & Budgeting in Jamaica
Welcome to your complete guide to managing money in Jamaica!
Whether you’re planning your first trip to our beautiful island or you’re a seasoned visitor, understanding how money works here is crucial for a stress-free vacation.
In this guide, I’ll answer the biggest questions visitors have about Jamaican money: What currency should you bring? Where should you exchange it? How much will things actually cost?
Let’s dive in.
Chapter 1: Understanding Jamaican Currency
Here’s the thing that confuses most visitors:
Jamaica has its own currency (the Jamaican Dollar, or JMD), but the US Dollar is widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.
So what should you bring? And when should you use which?
The Basics of Jamaican Money
Our official currency is the JMD, and you’ll see it written as J$ or JA$. Bills range from $50 to $5,000, and coins from $1 to $20.
Want a closer look at Jamaican bills and coins?
Yes, USD is Widely Accepted
Hotels, restaurants, resorts, tour operators, and many craft markets all accept US Dollars. But there are a few things to keep in mind:
- You’ll often get change back in JMD
- The exchange rate used may not be in your favor
What to Bring: My Simple Currency Strategy
Use this blended approach for the best experience:
- Bring USD for hotels, excursions, nicer restaurants, and tipping resort staff
- Use JMD for local cookshops, public transport, small tips, and street vendors
This gives you better prices and supports local businesses directly.
Avoid Airport Currency Exchange
One of the biggest money mistakes I see: exchanging cash at the airport.
The rates are significantly worse.
Instead, exchange at:
- Banks (Scotiabank, NCB, CIBC FirstCaribbean)
- Licensed cambios (authorized money changers)
- Hotels (convenient, but often higher rates)
Avoid exchanging with street changers or anyone unofficial.
Chapter 2: How Much Does It Really Cost to Travel in Jamaica?
Let’s be real, Jamaica can be expensive, but it definitely doesn’t have to be.
I’ve seen travelers spend $300+ USD a day on high-end experiences, while others stick to $50 a day and still have an incredible time. It all depends on your choices — where you stay, eat, and how you get around.
Real-World Price Snapshot
Tourist prices vs local prices can vary a lot:
- Jerk chicken: $8 from a roadside stand vs $30 at a resort
- Red Stripe: $2 from a shop vs $5 at a tourist bar
- Taxi: $60 private vs $4 on a local route taxi
You get the idea — where you spend matters.
See the full breakdown: A Guide to Daily Costs in Jamaica
Budget by Travel Style
| Budget Type | Daily Spend (USD) |
| Backpacker | $40–60 |
| Mid-Range | $100–150 |
| Luxury | $300+ |
Mixing local eats, smart transportation, and budget-friendly lodging can stretch your money way further, without sacrificing experience.
Chapter 3: Building Your Jamaica Budget (Step-by-Step)
Now that you know what things cost, let’s figure out how much money you should actually bring.
Most guides will tell you to “bring some extra cash.”
Let’s do better than that, with real numbers, based on your travel style.
For All-Inclusive Guests:
Most of your major expenses are covered, but you’ll still need cash for:
- Tips for staff
- Shopping and souvenirs
- Off-resort dining experiences
- Spa services and premium activities
- Transportation for excursions
My recommendation: $300-500 USD for a week-long stay (couple)
For Independent Travelers:
You’ll be covering:
- Meals and drinks
- Transportation
- Accommodation (if not prepaid)
- Tours, entry fees, and shopping
Recommended: $800–1,500 USD per week (per couple), depending on your style
Budgeting Your Full Trip (Quick Formula)
Here’s a simple way to build out your trip budget:
Step 1: Fixed Costs
- Flights: $___
- Accommodation: $___
- Insurance + airport transfers: $___
Step 2: Daily Spending
- Food & drinks: $___ per day × ___ days
- Transport & tours: $___
- Shopping/misc: $___
Step 3: Add a 20% buffer
Cover unexpected expenses (or fun splurges!)
Want help walking through this step-by-step?
See my guide on: How Much Does a Trip to Jamaica Really Cost?
Chapter 4: Cash, Cards & ATMs: What to Actually Use
“Should I bring cash or use my card?”
I get this question all the time. The honest answer?
You’ll need both. But knowing when to use each can save you money, stress, and awkward moments.
When to Use Cash
Cash is still king in many everyday situations, especially at:
- Local restaurants and cookshops
- Craft markets and street vendors
- Tips for service staff
- Route taxis and buses
When to Use Your Card
Cards work great for:
- Hotels and resorts
- Upscale restaurants
- Tour operators
- Car rentals
The reality? Many local spots are cash-only, while tourist-focused businesses prefer cards.
Using ATMs Safely
ATMs are your best friend for getting JMD, but you need to be smart about it.
- Choose bank ATMs (NCB, Scotiabank, etc.)
- Withdraw during the day, in safe, public locations
- Never count your cash at the machine
Credit Cards: Quick Tips
- Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; AmEx is hit-or-miss
- Let your bank know you’re traveling
- Bring at least two cards from different banks
For all the details, read: Using ATMs and Credit Cards in Jamaica: A Traveler’s Guide.
Chapter 5: Tipping Etiquette: How We Show Appreciation
Tipping in Jamaica isn’t quite the same as in other countries — and yes, it can be confusing. I’ve seen travelers stress more about tipping than budgeting!
Here’s what you need to know upfront:
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s deeply appreciated, especially by service workers who often rely on tips to boost their income.
Pro tip: When you tip well, word gets around. It can actually lead to better service throughout your stay.
But who should you tip? And how much?
Restaurants, taxis, hotels, tours, it all adds up fast.
Instead of guessing, check out my full tipping breakdown, including real numbers and insider tips:
Understand how to tip properly, with my complete guide: Tipping in Jamaica: Who to Tip and How Much.
Chapter 6: My Best Tips for Saving Money in Jamaica
You’ve made it to the best part, my personal, tried-and-true strategies for stretching your vacation budget in Jamaica. These are tips I’ve learned from living here and helping travelers make the most of their money.
Eat Like a Local (Your Biggest Money Saver)
One of the fastest ways to slash your food budget? Ditch the resort restaurant at lunchtime and hit up a local cookshop instead. The meals are more flavorful, more filling — and way more affordable.
(Think $10 instead of $30.)
Travel in the Low Season
From May to November, hotel and flight prices drop by up to 60%. Fewer crowds, better deals, just pack travel insurance and you’re set.
Know When to Negotiate
In markets and with vendors, polite haggling is expected and can save you real money. But tone matters. Always lead with a smile.
Try Route Taxis (If You’re Adventurous)
For travelers who want the real local experience, and major savings, route taxis are a hidden gem. But they’re not for everyone.
Bonus Money-Saving Hacks
There are plenty more clever ways to keep your costs down — from buying local SIM cards to timing your bar visits right.
Your Money Questions, Answered
There you have it, everything you need to know about managing money in Jamaica.
Quick recap:
- Bring USD for major expenses, get JMD for local purchases
- Budget based on your travel style
- Use a mix of cash and cards
- Tip service staff — they appreciate it
- Eat local to save serious money and get real flavor
The most important thing? Don’t stress about money while you’re here.
Plan ahead, budget smart, and focus on enjoying our beautiful island.
Still have questions?
Check out the detailed guides I’ve linked throughout this article, or drop a comment below.
Read my full guide: How to Plan a Trip to Jamaica (Without the Overwhelm)
Or if you’re still deciding when to go, start here: Best Time to Visit Jamaica