In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette which is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades.

Tipping in Jamaica is pretty standard. More often than not a service charge will already be included in your price. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter.

Jamaican currency is the Jamaican dollar. The most common abbreviation is JMD, but you can also find it abbreviated as: J$ or JA$. Most tourist places in Jamaica accept US dollars, but you should always have some JMD on hand just in case.

You'll find a lot of ATMs in the major cities and tourist areas where you can withdraw Jamaican dollars. However, if you're looking to get more favorable exchange rates, you should go to a bank or a licensed cambio. In most cases, hotels and airports have ATMs that offer you worse exchange rates compared to a bank. Make sure you speak to your bank about your trip, so they don't block your card when you're in Jamaica.

The most common payment method in Jamaica is cash, but you'll be spending most of your time in tourist destinations, you'll be able to use a credit card for payment.

A 10 - 15% tip is average and customary. At a bar or cafe, you can round up the bill or leave a small tip for each drink.

Tipping Hotel Staff in Jamaica is standard practice. Make sure you check your hotel bill to be sure a service charge isn’t included. A 10 -20% tip is standard practice in high-end hotels with high service levels It is ultimately your discretion, and you should base it on the level of service you receive.

It is common to tip 10% in Jamaica for a longer journey, and if you were helped with your luggage. For shorter rides, the easiest option is to round up the bill to the nearest dollar.

If you receive a spa treatment is it common to leave a small tip of around 10 - 15% of the treatment price.

Whenever you tip during your trip to Jamaica it is important to use the local currency, that is the Jamaican dollar. Otherwise, you'll leave your service providers with cash they can't use without paying high fees on currency exchange. Prepare some small change in the local currency before leaving the airport.

Be sure to check your bill for service charges. Some establishments add a service charge to the bill when at restaurants, hotels or bars. Be sure to double-check your bill before deciding whether or not to tip.

Tipping is a great way to acknowledge great service. If the service charge is not already added to your bill, then tipping is at your discretion, but will always be appreciated.