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The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar, with one Dollar equalling 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of J$1000, 500, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of J$20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, as well as 25 and 10 cents. Money can be exchanged easily at a number of banks, bureaus, hotels on the island, as well as at the airport. Traveller’s cheques are accepted widely, though to avoid additional conversion charges they should be in US Dollars. ATMs are available, and major international credit and debit cards are accepted. See: Visa: http://www.visa.com/atms/ MasterCard: http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm The import and export of domestic currency is prohibited. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. Business: General banking hours in most areas are from 0900 to 1400 Mondays to Thursdays, and from 0900 to 1200 then from 1430 to 1700 on Fridays. Shopping hours are generally from 0900 to 1700, Mondays to Fridays, with shops in Kingston usually having half days on Wednesdays. Business encounters in Jamaica are a surprisingly formal affair, especially when the laid back lifestyle is taken into consideration. A handshake and general politeness are the way forward, though. Resorts tend to include tips in all bills, but outside of these confines tipping is expected around ten to fifteen percent for taxi drivers, restaurants and hotels.
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