Caribbean

Money, cards and tipping in Jamaica

Capital: KingstonEnglishUpdated October 2026

JMDDollar

Money in Jamaica

Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels, supermarkets and chains. Carry Jamaican dollars for jerk stands, route taxis, markets and small shops; US dollars are taken at tourist spots. US$1 ≈ J$158.50 (03 Oct 2026).

Key facts

Tipping: Many restaurants and hotels add 10–15% service; if not, leave 10–15%. Tip drivers and guides.
ATMs: Local ATMs charge a fee and cap withdrawals; use machines inside banks or hotels.
Paying by phone: Contactless cards work in chains and hotels; Apple Pay and Google Pay are limited. Cash elsewhere.
Price level: about 60% of US prices (World Bank PPP).

Cash or card, by place

Place	Cards	Notes
Montego Bay	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards accepted in hotels, restaurants and malls. Carry Jamaican dollars for route taxis, jerk stands and markets; US dollars are accepted by many tourist businesses.
Negril	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants; carry Jamaican dollars for jerk stands, route taxis and markets. ATMs can be unreliable after storms.
Ocho Rios	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. Carry Jamaican dollars for route taxis, markets and jerk stands; many tourist businesses accept US dollars.
Kingston	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in hotels, restaurants and malls; carry Jamaican dollars for route taxis, markets and street food.

Quick answers

Do you tip in Jamaica?

Many restaurants and hotels add 10–15% service; if not, leave 10–15%. Tip drivers and guides.

Is Jamaica cashless?

Mixed: cards and cash. Cards work in hotels, supermarkets and chains. Carry Jamaican dollars for jerk stands, route taxis, markets and small shops; US dollars are taken at tourist spots.

What currency does Jamaica use?

The Dollar (JMD). US$1 ≈ J$158.50 (03 Oct 2026).

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.