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.
When do you need cash in Jamaica?
While it is possible to make certain purchases by card in the most touristy areas, it is still essential to carry cash when travelling in Jamaica. Cash is the country’s preferred method of payment, so having JMD on you every day is crucial.
Transport in Jamaica relies almost entirely on cash. Whether you take a taxi, a minibus, or a boat, you will need to pay in cash.
Street food plays an important role in Jamaican culture, and you will frequently come across food stalls. Card payments are generally not accepted, so make sure you carry Jamaican dollars with you!
Tipping is also very common in Jamaica and is handled exclusively in cash. Some attractions or tours also require cash payments. Finally, in rural areas, almost all establishments will require payment in cash.
So be sure to exchange your euros for JMD before you leave in order to benefit from the best exchange rates, 0% commission, and full financial autonomy as soon as you arrive.
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?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need & enjoy our best price deals online
2. Select branch pick-up
Choose branch pick-up & create an account and finalise your order.
3. Receive travel money
Pick-up your currency from one of our branches the next day & enjoy your trip!
FAQ about exchanging GBP to JMD
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the GBP/JMD exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to best reflect market conditions and offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your GBP-to-JMD exchange in advance, you can compare market trends, choose the most favourable moment and obtain your JMD at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your JMD from the exchange bureau of your choice. For added convenience, we can also deliver your order directly to your home within 24 hours for just £6.95.
By choosing to reserve your JMD online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees or commissions on your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many JMD you will receive after the exchange.
Thanks to our home delivery currency service, we can exchange your GBP to JMD wherever you are in the United Kingdom.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQs


