Why is the Canadian dollar so under rated in Treasure Beach? I'm trying to book a room for my stay and knowbody seems to accept canadian money for payment. Its worth just as much as the US dollar, with a difference of a few cents. What's the problem with it? Will I even be able to exchange canadian money there?

I don't think it is under rated, it is just folks are not as familiar with the exchange rate of the Canadian as they are for the US dollar. You can easily exchange the Canadian dollar at any Cambio (official money exchanger).

I just called and the current rate for US is $87.50 JA to $1 US and the current rate for Canadian is $77 JA to $1 US.

I think you will find it is not only Treasure Beach!!

Bring U.S dollars. The only places you can exchange Canadian $ are banks and perhaps some cambios in larger towns such as Black River or Junction. It takes about a hour to get through the exchange process (which includes surrendering your passport for a short while) at a bank, and they give you the worst possible rate. Buy enough U.S. money in Canada to use while you're in Jamaica. Cash is easier to exchange than travelers' cheques (Canadian sp.) If you're flying out of Toronto, it's also a good idea to buy some Jamaica dollars at the airport so you'll have a bit of cash in your pocket when you arrive.

Why travel internationally (especially to a rural area) and expect them to accept your home currency?

Exchange your Canadian $$ to $JMD upon arrival (well, not actually ON arrival because the airport rates are TERRIBLE, but at a bank or cambio soon after arriving) and the problem is solved.

I knew i would get some help on this site.
Seems like buying US and using/exchanging it is the easiest way.
thanks
BTW: didn't know you can buy jamaican at the T.O. airport, thanks for that info KayDee

While in Jamaica last spring, I noted that the bar in Margaritaville presented my invoice in "euro, US dollar, Cdn dollar and JA dollar". My family and I also had a meal at Jack Sprat in TB and I am pretty sure my invoice was the same (all four currencies listed). However, I do normally take US funds and try to exchange them in whatever country I am visiting.

i'm canadian and have been goin gto Jamiaca fro over 20 years and changing cdn Dollars to J has never been a problem . I have never taken Us $ ...yes the banks are a pain but also an experience !!!