This will be our primary form of communication while we are in Jamaica. WhatsApp allows you to send texts and make calls over WiFi or using data if you have a data plan (using international phone plan or Jamaica SIM card).
If there are important updates or changes to plan (example: change in pickup time for an event) we will be using WhatsApp.
We have added everyone who provided a WhatsApp number and is currently active to WhatsApp group chats. Please be respectful and only use these chat groups to ask questions or share information that is relevant to the group. If you have a personal question please send us a direct message (not in group) through WhatsApp.
You can drive in Jamaica- You might not want to...
If you have never driven in a foreign country where speed limits and travel lanes are considered suggestions instead of rules; if narrow, winding, cliffside roads make you nervous; if aggressive driving and cars passing you when you can see oncoming traffic scares you... DON'T plan on driving in Jamaica.
In addition, the police do frequently pull cars over at checkpoints. When we last visited we were pulled over by police twice. In both instances our driver handled the interaction with police and we moved along quickly. It is not uncommon in foreign countries that visitors may be 'ticketed' for minor violations even when locals are all doing the same. Typically you can handle tickets quickly by paying cash on the spot. While you may not be pulled over please be aware that you are a visitor in another country and they will expect you to obey all laws and comply with police.
When we stayed for a week in Negril we did not run into any issues getting around without a rental car. Airport transfers can be arranged through your hotel in advance or many private reliable services you can find through trip advisor. To get around town local taxis can be arranged by your hotel and your Airbnb/HomeAway hosts will most likely recommend a local taxi service, they are fairly low cost for getting around the Negril area. Most hotels also offer complementary beach shuttles from the cliffs to 7 Mile Beach. We will arrange for transport for all out of town excursions listed in our itinerary.
However if you would prefer to drive yourself and have the freedom to explore on your own you can rent a vehicle. Daily rentals may be available (at a higher price) in Negril or you can rent from one of the many rental companies in Montego Bay.
An international drivers license is not required to rent a car or drive in Jamaica. Your American drivers license will be required.
US Currency will be accepted, but you will get a better deal if you pay in Jamaican $J.
The local currency is the Jamaican dollar, typically referred to as "J". While you can pay with US currency almost anywhere (and will see prices primarily listed in USD), when you pay with $J you will get a better deal. Even if the price is listed in USD you can still pay with $J.
If you would like to use local currency we recommend getting a currency calculator that you can use to make sure you are aware how much you are paying. An easy way to get taken advantage of is not knowing the conversion. Presently the rate is about $1 USD to $152 J.
We use an XE Currency which is an app that pulls live conversion rates. It can also be used without data service and relies on the last updated rates.
Check with your bank and find out if they charge foreign transaction fees for ATM withdrawals or purchases. Everywhere will accept USD or Jamaican $, if you want Jamaican $ you can use ATMs in Jamaica or preorder from your home bank. Always avoid exchanging money at the airport, they give you a terrible rate and you will be better off paying in USD.
Before you leave the States notify your bank and credit cards that you are traveling so they don't lock you out of your accounts.
Tipping
Jamaica is a tipping culture. Be sure to carry small amounts of cash on you to tip drivers, tour guides, or anyone else who provides a service to you as this is considered respectful. Tipping at restaurants is the same practice as US 15-20% is customary.
When we travel we try to only carry enough currency (local currency) for one day at a time.
This way, should anything happen we have not lost too much. We use local ATMs like ones attached to banks or inside hotels to take out cash and always have someone stand behind us watching to ensure safety. We avoid stand alone ATMs in secluded areas, always check ATMs do not look tampered with.
If you don't have a bank card that doesn't charge fees and would prefer to bring cash to avoid high fees. We suggest only carrying what you need for 1 day on you and locking the rest in hotel safe. If you want local currency get it from your home bank, always avoid the money converters at the airport, they give you a terrible rate and you will be better off paying in USD.
Before you leave the States notify your bank and credit cards that you are traveling so they don't lock you out of your accounts.
Be smart with your cash. We do not take large amounts of cash out or count money in areas where people may be watching. We only take out as much as we need to pay and always secure change immediately before walking away, do not walk around and carry cash or your card in your hand. Money and cards should be secured in an area in front of your body, it should be in a zippered compartment and not easily accessible.
In many countries, Jamaica included, the price of goods and services are not set like they are in the US. Typically there is a friendly negotiation before a final price is agreed upon. This is not a set rule, read the situation and don't be rude if someone insists that the price is not negotiable. If you aren't interested simply move on.
We follow these practices no matter what country we are traveling in because when you are a tourist you become a target. However if you show awareness and act with precaution you won't appear to be an easy target and opportunists will leave you alone.
Jamaica's primary economy is tourism and everyone is a salesperson.
However this doesn't mean you need to be sold. Everything from food items, to art, jewelry and gifts can be purchased by beach or roadside hawkers. Even if you keep walking they may continue to sell to you. Be choosy about when you decide to engage with someone who is selling.
If you are not interested use a firm but polite "I'm not interested" or a simple "No, thank you". If you give a soft no, "not right now", "maybe later", "I'll think about it" your message will not be clear and they will continue to engage with you.
If you want to purchase something it's okay to go back and forth a few rounds negotiation the price. It's also okay to give your final price and then walk away, and sometimes this can work. Remember that even though Jamaica isn't a wealthy nation, their goods still have value, don't offer disrespectful amounts of money. Consider what a fair price is and be firm, but don't be rude.
If you do purchase something on the beach or while you are walking around, put that item away in a bag or if small enough in your pocket. People who carry bags of recently purchased items look like soft targets and you'll have a harder time keeping other sellers from approaching you.
Consider how you will want to use your phone. If you would like to use your phone as you do in US (calls, texts, data) you will want to either contact your service provider to get an international plan (usually on a daily rate) or purchase a SIM card in Jamaica.
We personally purchase a new SIM card with data only. We then do calling/texting over WhatsApp which uses data instead of ‘minutes’.
There is a retailer at the airport that sells SIM cards, we will warn you that they were closed when we arrived so we opted to drive ourselves into town to find another retailer. I would not suggest it even if you do have a rental car as Montego Bay is a very congested city, with narrow streets and a lot of foot traffic (not to mention you're driving on the wrong side of the road). If you can't/don't purchase a new SIM card at the airport there are places you can purchase one here in Negril as well.