What budget to travel en Jamaïque? Money and currency

The currency is the Jamaican dollar (JMD). The US dollar is accepted everywhere. Many ATMs offer a choice of both currencies. However, it is always better to pay in JMD. Always bring cash with you to avoid any inconvenience and to negotiate as best you can. Prices in supermarkets, souvenir stores or restaurants with international standards are generally comparable or even higher than in Europe.

What budget for activities and outings en Jamaïque?

Visits are expensive in Jamaica, and almost all museums are privately owned. The Institute of Jamaica, with its fine museum collections, remains very affordable, while other tours generally cost US$25 per adult, and the guided tour is often included. Amusement park tours are usually between US$50 and US$150 per person (swimming with dolphins, zip-lining, Jamaican rafting, etc.).

Free beaches are not easy to find; everywhere they are either privatized by resorts or subject to a fee. But we've included them in this guide. There's Jamaican rafting, tubing on the rivers, golf - one of the island's most popular sports - and water sports on the coast. A Jamaican rafting trip costs between US$80 and US$100 for 2 people, and a park entrance generally costs around US$20, for example at the Blue Hole, YS Falls or Dunn's River Falls. Tubing costs around US$30 per person, and swimming with dolphins costs at least US$120.

The duty free stores, reserved for foreigners, all have a branch in the capital, but it is better to reserve your purchases for the tourist centers of Port Antonio, Montego Bay or Ocho Rios. The hypermarkets, present in all the shopping centers, are well supplied.

What budget to eat en Jamaïque?

A jerk chicken on the street will cost US$5, a burger in a small restaurant or a Jamaican dish between US$7 and US$10, fish or meat dishes more like US$15, in a chic restaurant US$20, lobsters from US$30, but dishes can go up to US$40 in upmarket restaurants. Cash, Jamaican dollars or US dollars are accepted in modest restaurants, but credit cards are accepted in fast-food outlets, hotel restaurants and tourist areas in general.

National brand Red Stripe beers don't cost much. For cocktails, you'll have to shell out between US$5 and US$10, depending on the bar, and on the composition, as many use low-end sodas. Ask for fresh fruit juices blended into your rum!

What is the budget for accommodation en Jamaïque?

Youth hostels. It's possible to stay in Jamaica with the hostel option, and thus focus your expenses on adventure and discovery. Comfort is admittedly rudimentary, but in no way detracts from the functional dimension that is essential when traveling on a budget. Most offer dormitories as well as private rooms, with shared bathrooms and kitchens. The atmosphere is often friendly, even family-like, and it's easy to make travel partners. Far from being the preserve of backpackers, youth hostels are also very popular in reggae country. It's advisable to book early, as there are unfortunately very few addresses, and only in the big cities.

Campsites. A few hotels offer camping space and equipment for hire, but on the whole, camping is not a widespread practice in Jamaica. Backcountry camping is not recommended.

Rentals. Jamaica has not escaped the success of private rental accommodation platforms. And offers are multiplying at breakneck speed. Just look at the multitude of solutions available on Airbnb. The country also boasts a number of resorts offering this type of accommodation. Apartments, villas, lodges, there's something for every taste and budget. Independent travelers will appreciate renting a room or apartment, and recreating their own Jamaican home sweet home for the duration of their stay.

Guesthouses are widespread and by far the most economical option. They offer the advantage of being able to rub shoulders with the local population, who are often very friendly, in more intimate and authentic settings than the big hotel chains. They offer a wide range of services, from the most basic to the most sophisticated, with or without meals. They are identified by small roadside signs.

Travel budget en Jamaïque and cost of living

Prices in supermarkets, souvenir stores and international-standard restaurants are much higher than in France, as inflation in Jamaica is correlated with that in the USA. The following average budgets correspond to daily expenses on site, including hotel, food, visits and miscellaneous expenses. Small budget: US$50 to US$100 per day; medium budget: US$100 to US$200 per day; large budget: over US$200 per day.