JAMAICA

CURRENCY:

Jamaican Dollar - JMD, Symbol J$

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: J$1,000, 500, 100 and 50.

COIN: J$20, 10, 5 and 1, and 25, 10 and 1 cents.

Note: The US dollar is accepted widely in Jamaica, despite official Jamaican law stating that local currency be used. Make sure you clarify which dollar unit is being used before making a transaction!

US DOLLAR ACCEPTED?

Yes, widely (see above).

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

All major credit cards are accepted in Jamaica, and the majority of ATM machines will accept international bank cards. You may even be able to get credit card cash advances at some banks.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

Available at bureaux de change in stations, hotels and main banks. Make sure you retain proof of money exchange as there is black market exchange in Jamaica which is illegal.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

Widely accepted as long as they are in US dollars.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Thurs 0900-1400 Fri 0900-1200 and 1430-1700

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

N/A

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

Jamaica is part of the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1962 although the official language is still English, with Jamaican Patois a recognised regional language. Queen Elisabeth II is the monarch of Jamaica. The capital is Kingston.

POPULATION:

2,804,332

ECONOMY:

Jamaica's economy comprises the major sectors of agriculture, tourism, mining, financial and insurance services. The government has been working on a reform of the economic system to better the liberalization and stabilization. Trade has increased in openness as has financial flow, and the restrictions on foreign investments have been removed. The main agricultural exports are bananas, sugar, coffee, yams and rum.