Can we use US dollars as back up in Negril?
 

Hi! We leave for Negril on Tuesday and we are trying to determine how much money to bring. I know some places accept US dollars. What is the preferred method of payment, Jamaican dollar or US dollar? We plan on getting Jamaican dollars when we arrive in Negril, but we don't want to "over purchase" Jamaican dollars if we can use US dollars as back up. Thanks!

Yah mon, no problem! If you use USD, you'll receive change in Jamaican ($J). I encourage you to use $J whenever you can. Small USD are great to use for tipping at your resort. Enjoy your trip....have a great time! BTW...the best place for exchanging money is the Hi-Lo Grocery in the town center. There is also a Bank of Scotia located in town center with an ATM that dispenses $J on your US bank cash card.

I agree. We rarely used JA money but you do get a better rate with it. We took US with us & then hit the ATM by HiLo. The exchange rate was good there.

Thanks CaribbeanSoul and Benj!

"I know some places accept US dollars."

Is there any place in the world that doesn't accept US$? ((C))

We only had trouble with US$ when we were away from tourist areas...then it was only an issue because no one knew the exchange rate.

Negril will be fine...and do bring small bills, they're very hard to come by in JA or US.