Need cash when I land, best place in Jamaica? Airport or places in the city?
I exchanged $100 at Sangster Airport in Montego Bay and instantly regretted it - the rate was poor. Luckily, I found an NCB ATM in town and withdrew Jamaican dollars at the proper rate. Taxis, food stalls, and bars all wanted cash, so having small notes helped a lot. Resorts let me pay with card, but anywhere local preferred JMD. Since then, I just withdraw at Scotiabank or NCB and never use the airport counters. It’s the easiest and cheapest way.
Airport counters in Kingston and Montego Bay aren’t competitive. The better option is to use ATMs from Scotiabank, NCB, or Sagicor, which give official rates and accept foreign cards. USD is widely accepted in tourist areas, but you’ll often get change in JMD, sometimes at a worse rate. Safer plan: withdraw Jamaican dollars from ATMs, especially if you’re traveling outside resorts. Keep small bills handy for taxis, street vendors, and tips. Counters are okay for emergencies, but ATMs save money.
When I landed at Montego Bay, I skipped the exchange desk and used an NCB ATM near the arrivals exit. Worked fine with my Mastercard. Later, I used Scotiabank ATMs in town - they’re all over the place. Exchange counters in the city give better rates than the airport if you’re carrying USD. I withdrew about 10,000 JMD for taxis and food, then paid with card at resorts. Best advice: grab some cash at a bank ATM, not the counters.
At Montego Bay and Kingston airports, exchange counters are pricey. I usually take out just a little for taxis, then withdraw Jamaican dollars from ATMs in town. NCB, Scotiabank, and Sagicor ATMs are reliable and everywhere. Cash is important for local taxis, jerk chicken stalls, and markets. Hotels and resorts take cards, but outside the tourist areas, cash is king. I always carry $50 in small USD notes to cover taxis if I can’t find an ATM right away.