The short answer: Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar (J$ or JMD). US$1 is about J$159 (early November 2026). US dollars are accepted in most tourist areas, but carry some Jamaican dollars for markets, route taxis, small shops and cook shops. Cards work in hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and petrol stations.
Quick conversions
| Jamaican dollars | US dollars (approx.) |
|---|---|
| J$500 | US$3 |
| J$1,000 | US$6.30 |
| J$5,000 | US$31.50 |
| J$10,000 | US$63 |
From Norway, convert NOK to US dollars or use your card, and check the day’s rate before you go.
Cash, cards and ATMs
- Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, resorts, larger restaurants, supermarkets and most petrol stations. Tell your bank you’re travelling.
- Cash: you need Jamaican dollars for markets, roadside jerk stands, route taxis, tips and small shops. Smaller notes are easier.
- ATMs: found at the airports, banks and shopping centres. Use ones inside banks or malls, in daylight.
- Changing money: banks and licensed exchange bureaus (cambios) usually give a better rate than hotels.
- Paying in US dollars: you’ll often get change in Jamaican dollars, sometimes at a poor rate. Ask the price in both currencies.
Tipping
- Restaurants: around 10–15% if service isn’t already on the bill. Check for a service charge first.
- Taxis and tour drivers: around 10%, more for a great day out.
- Hotel staff: a small tip for porters and housekeeping is appreciated.
- All-inclusive resorts: some include tips in the price and some have a no-tipping policy. Ask at check-in.
Taxes on your bill
- Jamaica adds General Consumption Tax (GCT) to most prices. The standard rate is 15%.
- Tourism services such as hotels currently pay a lower 10% rate. The government plans to raise it to 15%, phased in from April 2027, so expect prices to rise.
- Hotel prices online don’t always include tax. Check the total before you book.
What a day costs
Per person, per day, not including flights.
| Style | Where you stay | How you eat and travel | Per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modest | Guesthouse, small hotel or villa share | Cook shops, jerk stands and some restaurants; coaches and the odd taxi or tour | About US$200 (around J$32,000) |
| Exclusive | Resort or boutique hotel | Restaurants, private driver, paid attractions | US$300 and up (from around J$48,000) |
Money-saving tips
- Eat where Jamaicans eat: patties, jerk, cook shops and fruit stands are cheap and excellent.
- Travel town to town by coach rather than private driver.
- Visit May to November for lower hotel prices.
Last checked: 3 November 2026. Sources: exchange rate on 3 November 2026 · PwC: Jamaica GCT · Gleaner: proposed tourism GCT increase.