{"id":133737,"date":"2018-10-31T14:31:25","date_gmt":"2018-10-31T14:31:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?p=133737"},"modified":"2024-03-13T13:13:01","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T13:13:01","slug":"using-a-credit-card-in-jamaica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/credit-cards\/travel-credit-cards\/using-a-credit-card-in-jamaica","title":{"rendered":"Using a credit card in Jamaica"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jamaica\u2019s got it all \u2013 pristine beaches, lush green forests, waterfalls and picturesque mountains \u2013 making it a must-see for many travellers.<\/p>

If you\u2019re planning to play or work in this Caribbean nation, you can rest assured that most big businesses in tourist areas, like hotels and excursions, accept credit cards. However, if you\u2019re rambling into more remote areas or checking out smaller, local shops, it\u2019s best to carry some cash.<\/p>

Which credit cards are accepted in Jamaica?<\/h3>

Mastercard and Visa branded cards are commonly accepted across this island nation. Some large hotels and shops accept American Express cards, but don\u2019t count on your Diners Club or Discover cards.<\/p>

If you\u2019re looking for some souvenirs or local goods, cash is your best bet. Several small businesses and shops don\u2019t accept credit cards at all, even in the capital Kingston.<\/p>

Cash in Jamaica<\/h3>

Cash is still widely used in Jamaica, with small shops and businesses more likely to accept it over credit cards. The local currency is the Jamaican dollar (JMD), but many places also accept US dollars.<\/p>

Due to a high crime rate, you\u2019re advised not to carry too much cash so make sure you carefully budget every time you leave your hotel so you\u2019re not carrying more than you need.
Find a great deal on your travel money for Jamaica<\/a><\/p>

Cash machines in Jamaica<\/h3>

Cash machines are easy to find in big cities such as Kingston, Montego Bay and Mandeville, as well as around popular resorts spread across the island. In more remote areas, look for cash machines in petrol stations. However, ATMs in Jamaica can be unreliable, so it\u2019s best that you have a backup plan.<\/p>

Muggings in Jamaica are common, so look for well-lit cash machines and those located within locked vestibules when taking out cash.<\/p>

Can I use a chip and PIN card in Jamaica?<\/h3>

Using a chip-and-sign card in Jamaica shouldn\u2019t be a problem. If a clerk is unsure about what to do with your card, suggest pressing the Enter button if it requests a PIN.<\/p>

As with most countries the world over, Jamaica is transitioning from magstripe cards to chip cards. If you have a magstripe card, you can use it with card readers designed to work with chip cards \u2013 you\u2019ll just need to sign a receipt. Because most chip cards come with magstripes at the back, you can often use your chip card with older card readers. Credit card skimming and cloning is common in Jamaica, so you might want to request a chip card from your bank or provider before your flight.<\/p>

If you travel often \u2013 whether to Jamaica or elsewhere \u2013 consider applying for a travel credit card that comes with no foreign transaction fees<\/a>.<\/p>

Potential credit card fees in Jamaica<\/h3>

When you find a merchant that accepts credit cards in Jamaica, you may face a handful of fees.<\/p>

Foreign transaction fees<\/h4>

British credit card issuers typically charge a fee equivalent to 1% to 3% of your transaction, so carefully review your card\u2019s fine print to avoid statement surprises. Some cards designed for travel come with no foreign transaction fees, so this could be a good time to switch.<\/p>

Learn more about cards designed for overseas spending<\/a><\/p>

Currency conversion fees<\/h4>

If a retailer offers to bill your credit card in sterling, dynamic currency conversion comes into play. While this might sound like a good deal, you will actually end up getting a less-than-favourable exchange rate, and you might also end up paying currency conversion fees. Whenever you are presented with an option, choose to pay in Jamaican dollars.<\/p>

Cash advance fees<\/h4>

Using your credit card to withdraw money from an ATM may not make sense unless it\u2019s a bona fide emergency. Each time you withdraw funds from an ATM, you\u2019re likely to pay a cash advance fee. Your APR for cash advances is typically higher than your purchase APR, and you\u2019ll often get no grace period on interest \u2013 instead, you start paying interest immediately. Again, some cards designed for overseas spending<\/a> will waive this fee.<\/p>

The table below serves as an example of how much extra you may pay to use your credit card in Jamaica.<\/p>

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Additionally, you can get an idea of costs by using these online currency conversion tools from Mastercard<\/a> and Visa<\/a>.<\/p>

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\n \n \n <\/circle>\n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n What is a cash advance fee?<\/span>\n <\/h4>\n
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A cash advance fee<\/a> is assessed when you withdraw cash from your credit card. It\u2019s usually the greater of a flat fee or a percentage of the transaction. For example, \u201c2.5% of the transaction, minimum \u00a33.00\u201d.\n <\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Is it safe to use my card in Jamaica?<\/h3>

Using a card in Jamaica comes with its share of risks. The island has a high crime rate so you are urged to be vigilant when carrying money or valuables.<\/p>

To be most careful when taking out money, follow these three easy tips:<\/p>