Money in Jamaica
Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- JMDJamaican dollar
- Symbol
- J$
- Tipping
- Expected
Paying in Jamaica
US dollars are accepted in tourist areas. Small vendors prefer Jamaican dollars.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Rough Guides says bus fares, short taxi rides and roadside snacks are almost always quoted in Jamaican dollars, so carry some. Smaller hotels and restaurants may not take cards.
- ATMs
- ATMs are common at banks, malls and petrol stations, but the Government of Canada (May 2026) says availability is limited outside Kingston and Montego Bay. World Travel Guide (2019) calls ATMs unreliable and says Scotiabank ATMs are considered the most reliable.
- Foreign currency
- US dollars are widely accepted in resorts and tourist areas, and hotels, car rental and tours are usually quoted in US dollars (Rough Guides, Original Travel). Rough Guides advises confirming in resorts whether change will be given in US or Jamaican dollars.
- Exchanging money
- Rough Guides says cambios (exchange bureaus) usually give better rates and longer hours than banks, airport bureaus are slightly worse than banks, and hotels are significantly worse.
- Watch out for
- Rough Guides notes the J$100 and J$1000 notes look very similar, so check before paying. The Government of Canada reports card and ATM fraud, and advises covering the keypad and using ATMs inside a bank or business.
Tipping in Jamaica
10–15% in restaurants unless a service charge is added. Tip guides and drivers, but many all-inclusives, including Sandals and Beaches, don't allow tipping.
Expected: Tips are customary, and staff often rely on them.
Sources checked: Rough Guides (Jamaica travel essentials), Government of Canada (Jamaica travel advice), Original Travel (Jamaica travel advice), World Travel Guide (Jamaica money and duty free), Aurum Transfers, Magic Guides.
Convert to and from JMD
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 159 JMD | 178 JMD | 213 JMD |
| 10 | 1,588 JMD | 1,779 JMD | 2,131 JMD |
| 50 | 7,940 JMD | 8,895 JMD | 10,655 JMD |
| 100 | 15,880 JMD | 17,791 JMD | 21,309 JMD |
| 500 | 79,402 JMD | 88,953 JMD | 106,546 JMD |
What each amount is worth in JMD. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Jamaica use?
Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD).
Do you need to tip in Jamaica?
Expected. 10–15% in restaurants unless a service charge is added. Tip guides and drivers, but many all-inclusives, including Sandals and Beaches, don't allow tipping.
Can you pay by card in Jamaica?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Rough Guides says bus fares, short taxi rides and roadside snacks are almost always quoted in Jamaican dollars, so carry some. Smaller hotels and restaurants may not take cards.
Are there ATMs in Jamaica?
ATMs are common at banks, malls and petrol stations, but the Government of Canada (May 2026) says availability is limited outside Kingston and Montego Bay. World Travel Guide (2019) calls ATMs unreliable and says Scotiabank ATMs are considered the most reliable.