Irie Vibes Cyber-Up Internet Cafe, Beach Bar and Restaurant, Negril Jamaica, West Indies Jamaica Currency Page

Currency: Jamaican dollarExchange rate:US$1 = J$46.6(called jay) Relative costs: cheap meal: US$2-5 restaurant meal: US$10-20cheap room: US$15-25 hotel room: $US30-60 Jamaica is relatively inexpensive compared to other Caribbean Islands, though how much you spend depends largely on the style in which you travel. Budget travellers will need around US$25-30 per day, while those staying in comfortable hotels and eating at tourist restaurants will need at least US$75 per day - add another $US50 per day if you hire a car. The Jamaican dollar is the only legal tender though prices are often quoted in US dollars, which are widely accepted. European currencies are generally frowned upon so it's best to have US dollar travellers' cheques. All major brands of travellers' cheques and credit cards are accepted in Jamaica. You can exchange money at banks, licensed exchange bureaus or hotels, though the rate at hotels is usually 2% to 5% below the bank rate. Plenty of Jamaicans will approach you to change Jamaican dollars on the black market. This is illegal and the black market rate is usually only 5% to 10% better than the bank rate so it's not worth the risk of falling for a scam. The government charges a 15% General Consumption Tax on hotel and restaurant bills and most purchases from shops. A 10% tip is considered normal in most hotels and restaurants, though some restaurants add a 10% to 15% service charge, in which case there's no need to leave an additional tip. Most prices in shops are fixed but bargaining (higgling) at street stalls and markets is expected. Bargaining occasionally gets a bit brusque so do your best to keep things good natured.

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