I’m going to Jamaica for the first time in my life this Monday and I am really, really excited. I need to get a few tips from anyone who has been there if possible.
What currency should I take? US dollars? Jamaican dollars? US Travellers Checks? (not sure what the charge is to exchange them over there?
Any ideas of some good places to go visit? I’m looking to stay in the general vicinity of Negril (maybe an hours drive out) and wouldn’t mind being advised of some nice natural beauty spots as well as any don restaurants (I looove Caribbean food!)
Any other general advice? My brother told me you get a lot of crack dealers about and that it can be a little dodgy - I’m not too fussed as it sounds like down town St Pauls used to be when I lived there but any specific advice from someone who has been there before?
I know I could look this up myself but I thought it my be fun for people to be able to reminisce as well as educate a Jamrock virgin!
I have been several times, though I was mostly in Kingston. I did go out to Negril, though.
Most places take American dollars. If you choose to pay with US currency, though, be familiar with the exchange rate, because you will most likely get Jamaican dollars as change and you don’t want to get ripped off.
You WILL get harassed by the locals! I saw a T-shirt that had the following caption on it that pretty much sums up what you will hear constantly:
However, they do take no for an answer.
Be advised that there is very little in the way of central air conditioning anywhere. You WILL be out in the heat ALL the time. Hot water in the shower can also be hard to come by, even at the hotels.
GREAT food, great music, and friendly people. Have fun.
Cheers bud - I was worried I wasn’t going to get any replies!
I don’t mind hassle as long as they do take no for an answer, I once had to go to about 10 carpet shops in Tangiers ‘for bargains’ even though I was 15 and my Dad was explaining that he lived on a boat and therefore had no need of a carpet. It wasn’t even like we weren’t good at telling them to p*ss off but they would literally drag us in!
I have found the US dollar to be as prevalent as the Jamaican currency. It is easy to give dollars and get back Jamaican currency. It is difficult to do the reverse. The ATMs are plentiful, so I would never consider travelers cheques. I would recommend a couple of the bars at the north end of Negril, in the cliffs. They are wonderful for sunsets (and they know it, judging by the crowds and prices). Montego Bay is a much more “authentic” town in that there are more locals. Also, it is easier to get from Montego Bay to some of the great houses, which can be a neat tour. We enjoyed the drives in the cabs from Montego Bay to Negril, out to the great houses, etc. just to enjoy the countryside. Of course, the old adage is true: The only way to get a Jamaican to hurry is to put them behind the wheel. It can be adventurous on the winding roads, especially if you go up into the mountains.
I hung out in Negril for a couple of months, but that was 30 years ago. One adventure I enjoyed was taking the “country bus” to Montego Bay and back. It’s a way to meet real Jamaicans. They are extraordinary people.