Semi-newbie questions - drivers & cash

Are all of the drivers listed under the Transportation section also available for local short trips to bars/restaurants or do they just do the airport/tour stuff only? Last year we had Catcha security guard hail a cab for us to have breakfast at Just Natural. He ended up being white plate (which I objected to but was told don't worry about it by the guard) and he & his friend who picked us up from breakfast (about an hour late) charged us $15.00 each way. I'm pretty sure we got ripped off on that one. Is there a different list of local trusted red plate taxi drivers? If we have a list, do we just call from the list until someone is available? My concern is that we might not find anyone available to bring us back to the resort.

Cash - last year we didn't enjoy the ATM experiences and were thinking this year to just exchange enough cash for the week on our way from the airport & keeping the cash in the safe at Catcha. Is this not a good idea? Where is a good place to exchange?

We always use Shane Taxi. Check out his facebook page.

Most, if not all those listed in the transportation section will do any taxi jobs including short trips around town. I won't get into the route taxi option as that is a topic unto itself.

Opinions vary regarding money and ATM's. Some simply take enough cash for the trip and then exchange at local cambios. Others prefer to use ATM's exclusively while some use a combination of credit cards, ATM's and cash. Each method has it's advantages and potential drawbacks. I personally bring enough cash only as a backup in case there are ATM issues along with a credit card as a redundant last resort. Search previous posts for PLENTY of discussion on both topics.

Most of the drivers in the transportation section of this website are available for short trips. Check their description/web page to be sure. I would recommend Michael's On-Time Taxi. He hangs out at the taxi park in Negril when not in service, so he's always nearby. It's a good idea to call an hour or 2 before you want leave, to make sure they are available.

If you call a taxi to take you to a restaurant, you can make arrangements with that same driver to pick you. If you don't have a phone, just schedule a time that you want to be picked up. Also, agree to pay for the round trip when they drop you back off at your hotel. This will assure that they return to pick you up.

Do not take white plate taxis..........ever.............ever !!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by KitchenBeeotch

Are all of the drivers listed under the Transportation section also available for local short trips to bars/restaurants or do they just do the airport/tour stuff only? Last year we had Catcha security guard hail a cab for us to have breakfast at Just Natural. He ended up being white plate (which I objected to but was told don't worry about it by the guard) and he & his friend who picked us up from breakfast (about an hour late) charged us $15.00 each way. I'm pretty sure we got ripped off on that one. Is there a different list of local trusted red plate taxi drivers? If we have a list, do we just call from the list until someone is available? My concern is that we might not find anyone available to bring us back to the resort.

Cash - last year we didn't enjoy the ATM experiences and were thinking this year to just exchange enough cash for the week on our way from the airport & keeping the cash in the safe at Catcha. Is this not a good idea? Where is a good place to exchange?

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I use Michaels on time taxi for all trips short and long he's a great guy.
As for cash I don't recommend storing a weeks worth of cash in your safe as those are easy to break into but I usually go to an atm every 3 days for cash to get the best exchange rate and limit my spending and chance of loss to thieves

A taxi in jamaica should always have red plate and the roundtrip price around negril should be 20 usd to restaurants and bars. Crossjamaicatours applies usd 20 for roundtrip all around negril. We also provide for transfers from and to airport and Tours all over the island. We cover all jamaica. We always have cars sitting in negril and ready for short distance transfers. Anywhere you are in negril call us and we will reach you in less than ten minutes. Call us (876) 3624906 we would be keen to take you around.

I like the ATM at HiLo/Sunshine Plaza; its generally calm there. There's quite a few shops too, you might enjoy some shopping.