Don’t forget to buy Jamaican dollars (JMD) before you leave for Jamaica
When planning your trip to Jamaica it is important to have some knowledge of the country and the local currency. In Jamaica the local currency is the Jamaican dollar (JMD). For most of your purchases you will be able to pay by bank card but for a few others, you may need to pay in cash, such as if you shop in small boutiques or if you pay for a boat trip. Remember to exchange pounds into Jamaican dollars before you fly to Jamaica so as to get a better rate. You can plan a budget for your future expenses to have an approximate idea of the amount of travel money you will need.
Practical tips for planning your budget
You can expect to spend approximately 18,745 jmd per day per person for your stay in Jamaica. This estimate includes accommodation in a 3* hotel if there are two of you, one meal and one public transport ticket.
A Jamaican dish in a local restaurant will cost you around 1535 jmd, fish or meat dishes are worth a bit more and can cost around 2300 jmd
4000 JMD
Average cost of a one night stay
2000 JMD
Average food budget per person per day
Good to know
Some price indications in Jamaica
100-200 JMD
Public transport ticket
296 JMD
The price of a cup of coffee
3000 JMD
A visit to Greenwood Great House
768 JMD
A jerk chicken
440 JMD/KM
A medium taxi ride
3000 JMD
Entrance fee to the Bob Markey Museum
Some suggestions
- Jamaica has several waterfalls that you should visit explicitly: the "blue hole" waterfall, the Dunn River waterfall, the Kwame waterfall among others.
- A visit to the Bob Marley Museum is a must!
- Never tried scuba diving or are you a scuba diver? Jamaica has a lot of marine treasures to discover! Visit Montego Bay, Negril, Port Royal, Runaway Bay.
- Do you want to discover the country from another angle, do you like sailing? Let yourself be carried away by the waves.
- Cruises and catamarans are also activities not to be missed during your stay, with a local atmosphere that you will certainly appreciate.
- Do you have a license? Or not, boat hire is yours!
- Of course, the beautiful beaches of Jamaica are waiting for you: Seven Mile Beach, Treasure Bay Beach, Ocho Rios.
Some facts about the Jamaican Dollar
Denominations of the Jamaican Dollar
Notes: 50 JMD, 100 JMD, 500 JMD, 1000 JMD and 5000 JMD
Coins: 1 JMD, 5 JMD, 10 JMD and 20 JMD
The Jamaican dollar has been the country's official currency since 1969. Its sign is either J$ or JA$ to distinguish it from other types of dollars. The Jamaican dollar was the first dollar to be based on the British currency rather than the US dollar. Today, the Jamaican currency continues to be a link to other Commonwealth countries, as well as to the modern UK.
"Nanny" is the nickname given to the 500 jmd note and refers to the leader of the Jamaican Maroons, a group of people descended from Africans who escaped slavery and established free communities in Jamaica.
Why buy Jamaican dollars (jmd) from ChangeGroup?
Change Group has been providing currency exchange services to tourists since 1992. You can find exchange bureaus all over the world, including a wide coverage in the UK. The company offers a range of 60 foreign currencies. ChangeGroup ensures an attractive rate when you exchange your pounds into Jamaican dollars online on our website as you can benefit from a better offer and 0% commission. You didn’t use all of your travel money and have some Jamaican dollars left? Do not worry, ChangeGroup has set up a Buy-Back guarantee for only £ 5.99 that allows you to see your remaining Jamaican dollars when you get back from your trip. We’ll purchase them from you at their original exchange rate.
Traveling soon?
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1. Choose your currency
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2. Select delivery method
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3. Receive travel money
Pick-up your currency from one of our branches or have it delivered conveniently at your doorstep. Enjoy your trip!