Touring & Tipping advise please!

Hey folks, 3 days on our countdown to Jamaica, 10 to Negril!

Since we're gonna be driving around the coast we thought buying a cheap cooler (styrofoam even) and filling it with ice, water, and maybe some better stuff too. Where would be a good place to get the cooler and to fill it up in MoBay? Is this a good idea, or is it had to find ice or cost a lot?

We figure to get outa Sangster around 3PM and heading to the Richmond Hill Inn to check in. Any recommendations for a new driver to Jamaica from the states, like a busy road that should be avoided or a quiet one to get my mind straight on "left is right", Assuming we survive the first coupla days in MoBay, heading east outa town should be no problem (cept round Ocho maybe). Am ready for crazy drivers, tailgating, symphonies of horns, and lotsa moving obstacles (I hope!), and vendors sticking their head in the windows and washing the windshield (kinda like Detroit).

And the latter brings up tipping, assuming I actually fell generouse enough to pay that windshild washer something, maybe $100J? I am NOT a world traveller, and haven't had the opportunity to tip anyone other than waitresses for years, so: Tips in $J or $US? I've heard $100-200J/bag for porters, same per day for maids in hotel (pay each day or at end of stay, and I hear ya dont wanna just leave it in the room). 15-20% in restaurants/bars. What about front desk, guys setting up beach chairs, or other folks I haven't thought up yet? Help!!

KJ

OK, found good tipping advise in other posts, but driving tips would still be appreciated! Jamaica tomorrow:)

KJ

They have a variety of coolers at the Mega Mart in Montego Bay...you can purchase most everything you need there & it's located on a easy (relatively) and accessible road. Ice can be found in many shops along the way.

If you're getting your rental car at the airport...(depending on the time of day) there's no way of getting away from busy roads & immediate traffic and it looks like the road to Richmond Hill will take you through even busier traffic...remember it's also two lane driving in these sections. If you want to learn the ropes quickly...driving around Mobay at the 5pm hour is one of the busiest times...this will teach you quickly or break you immediately. If you want to gradually learn to drive...avoid this hour of traffic. Patience is a must & don't be afraid to stop & ask for help...:)!

when tipping....remember average wage is around 25-35 US per week......so ANY amount is always welcome......

tip for two reasons.....Good Service and Smile...or.......you just feel like making someone smile and have a "likkle noise in their pocket"..lol

either one is perfect...........YOU are the the only one they can depend on......

sorry rambo- i have to dissagree with you- the average salaries of people working in negril hotels is around 85 american per week- although i do tip i cant be the only one they have to rely on- it seemed every single person i had any dealings with in negril expected a tip- i just dont have that kind of money- the tipping, begging, scamming and intimidation got old very quick. although a very beautiful and i do mean beautiful place in and around Negril i found it one of the hardest places to move freely without being hasselled for money

just my thought