Could someone explain to me why I would exchange my US or CAD dollars for JA dollars on the street in Black River rather than at a Cambio or bank? What is the advantage of dealing with a street money vendor? And how do they make money doing this? I am really curious. I would like to support the street money exchangers over the big multi-nationals but i would like to know how it works. Thank you for whatever info you can provide.

I do not know how it works for the street money vendor and I understand where you are coming from but having traveled alot I would NEVER exchange money on the street.
The one time my driver stopped the person wanted my passport and I'm just not comfortable giving that info to someone off the street.
I asked him if we could please just go to the store where I knew there was a Cambio.

On that thought I also rarely change money at the airport if I can help it. You get a really crappy exchange rate at airports.

I will tell you how it works, you could get robbed!! Street money changers are illegal.

What Spooky Dude and Kathy said, right on...and I have heard stories of the money you get back (from illegal street vendors) being counterfeit.

Visitor: I have often used (if that is the correct terminology) a very nice lady on the road in front of Juicy Pattie - (the choice of words seem to get worse - I apologise). I suggest you do your conversion rate research so you know what sort of rate you should expect.

Frankly, the street trader is illegal and gets a a cut from the guy who employs her to tout on the street. You are unlikely to get the "best" rate. The supermarket cambio in BR gives a pretty good rate as did Naps when it was in existence.

As Kathy says - DO NOT USE AIRPORT BANKS. Their exchange rates will bankrupt you.

Dude...not gonna get robbed by the main money changer on Main St. in B. River in broad daylight...not to mention he's a nice guy. {edited by TBNet}

Never change money on the street !!!!!
Why would you, when you can change it at a legal cambio ?
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

I can tell you from experience...don't use the money changers on the street corner. For me, one bad apple ruined the whole bushel basket. It cost me $100 US dollars but it was a lesson well learned. The ''hand'' really is ''quicker than the eye''. Go to the Cambio.
PS: This took place at the Round-about in Negril..not in TB.