Money & Payments in Kingston

Good to Know

• ATMs are ubiquitous in Kingston's city center, shopping malls, and near banks; use Scotiabank, NCB, or JMMB for best rates and fewest surcharges.
• Always decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and currency selection offers at ATM terminals; insist on Jamaican Dollars to avoid 3–8% markups.
• Card skimming is a documented risk in Jamaica—use ATMs inside bank lobbies, hotels, or guarded shopping centers only; avoid standalone street machines.
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid fraud blocks on your card.
• Cash is essential: hotels accept cards, but local restaurants, markets, taxis, and street food require JMD.
• Scotiabank ATMs are part of Global ATM Alliance, potentially offering fee-free withdrawals for member bank cardholders.
• Tipping is customary but not mandatory in Jamaica, particularly for service workers in tourism; USD 1–5 is appreciated for casual service, USD 5–20 for substantial service.
• Check restaurant bills before tipping—many automatically add 10–15% service charges; tip additional only for exceptional service.
• Tips via POS machines are taxed in Jamaica; service workers strongly prefer cash tips handed directly.
• All-inclusive resorts vary on tipping policies: Sandals and Beaches officially prohibit tipping (staff trained to decline), while others welcome it.
• When paying in USD in markets or shops, confirm the exchange rate offered first—vendors often quote 10–15% below mid-market rates.