Scam in JamaicaChanging money
Poor exchange rates and inflated US-dollar charges in Jamaica
How it works
Some businesses give a poor conversion rate when you pay in US dollars. Others may try to charge ten times the intended amount by taking advantage of currency confusion.
Warning signs
- A price is written with a dollar sign but no currency.
- The US-dollar total does not match your own calculation.
- The seller will not explain the conversion rate.
How to avoid it
- Ask whether each price is in Jamaican dollars or US dollars.
- Check the exchange rate and use your phone calculator before paying.
- Withdraw Jamaican dollars from an ABM for local purchases.
- Use commercial banks or forex cambios when exchanging cash.
If it happens to you
Ask for an itemised receipt and check the calculation. Request a correction calmly. If you paid by card and cannot resolve an incorrect charge, contact your card issuer.
- Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
- Call 119 for urgent police help. Call 110 if you need an ambulance or the fire brigade.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorised or incorrect charges. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or a copy for your records.
- Contact your insurer if you need to make a claim. Ask your embassy or consulate for help with a stolen passport or a serious incident.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Jamaica2024Charged $1100 USD for some jerk chickenA holidaymaker reports being charged US$1,100 instead of J$1,100 for chicken, with the transaction corrected and most commenters considering it an accidental currency selection.Read on Reddit
- Travel blogJamaica Travel Essentials | Rough GuidesRough Guides warns visitors paying in US dollars to check whether change will be returned in Jamaican dollars and whether the exchange rate is reasonable.Read on Travel blog
- Redditr/solotravel2023Solo female in JamaicaA contributor advises visitors to calculate currency conversions quickly to avoid scams and notes that many Hip Strip menus list US-dollar prices.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the poor exchange rates and inflated US-dollar charges scam in Jamaica?
Some businesses give a poor conversion rate when you pay in US dollars. Others may try to charge ten times the intended amount by taking advantage of currency confusion.
How can I spot it early?
A price is written with a dollar sign but no currency. The US-dollar total does not match your own calculation. The seller will not explain the conversion rate.
How do I avoid poor exchange rates and inflated US-dollar charges in Jamaica?
Ask whether each price is in Jamaican dollars or US dollars. Check the exchange rate and use your phone calculator before paying. Withdraw Jamaican dollars from an ABM for local purchases. Use commercial banks or forex cambios when exchanging cash.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for an itemised receipt and check the calculation. Request a correction calmly. If you paid by card and cannot resolve an incorrect charge, contact your card issuer.
Where in Jamaica does this happen?
Businesses accepting US dollars, including tourist-facing shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions.
How common is this scam in Jamaica?
Common. Visitors to Jamaica can face inflated taxi fares, poor currency conversions, higher tourist prices and persistent sellers. Theft and robbery also need care, especially in Kingston and busy transport areas. Agree on prices first, check the currency and keep valuables out of sight.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 119 for urgent police assistance. For a non-urgent theft or fraud report, seek help at a police station and ask for a report reference. An immediate response is not guaranteed. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or a trusted contact number to freeze a card, report unauthorised payments or ask about disputing an incorrect charge. Embassy or consulate: contact your own government's embassy or consulate after a serious incident, passport theft or a troubling encounter with officials. Use its official contact details. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance contact in your policy. Keep receipts, police report details and evidence of the loss. Hotel staff: ask reception for help finding trusted transport, reaching police or locating medical assistance.
What number do I call in an emergency in Jamaica?
Police: 119, Ambulance and fire brigade: 110.
Reviewed by @snuck