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Jamaica's unit of currency is the Jamaican dollar (J$),
divided into 100 cents. It comes in bills of J$1000, J$500,
J$100, J$50 and J$20, and coins of J$20, J$10 and J$5. It's
worth keeping a sharp eye on J$100 and J$1000 bills, which
look alarmingly similar. At the time of writing the rate
of exchange (04/20/2006) is roughly
1 USD = 65.4859 JMD.
This is prone to fluctuation, and as a result, the US
dollar has emerged as an unofficial parallel currency,
with prices for tourist-oriented goods and services usually
quoted in US$.
Accommodation
is likely to be the major expense, although extremely basic
rooms can be found for as little as US$30. Expect to pay
US$60-80 for a room with air-conditioning and cable TV.
Accommodation aside, if you travel around by bus or shared
taxi and get your food from markets and the cheaper cafés
and roadside stalls, you can just about survive on a daily
budget of around US$30 per day. Upgrading to one decent meal
out, the occasional taxi and a bit of evening entertainment,
expect to spend a more realistic US$40-60; after that, the
sky's the limit.
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Banking hours
are generally Monday to Thursday 9am to 2pm and Friday 9am
to 3pm or 4pm. Cambios, which are widespread
throughout the country, are often more convenient, opening
later and offering better exchange rates. FX Trader, with
Branches Island wide, is one to look out for; call
1-888/398-7233 to find the nearest outlet. Exchange
bureaux at the main airports offer rates slightly lower
than the banks, and at hotels the rate is invariably
significantly lower.
Jamaica is not a cheap country to visit. Still, don't
hesitate to negotiate on prices, particularly in
taxis and at markets and roadside stalls. Even hotels and
guesthouses are generally fair game for a bit of bargaining
when things are slow.
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Jamaica
Travel Guide
Montego Bay, Kingston, Ocho Rios, Negril, Blue Mountains, Portland
Caribbean Travel Guide
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