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Probably for your first time, yes, just make sure that's round trip (don't expect the driver to wait around, set a pick up time). Once you have some comfort level with how things are, then maybe move on to route taxi's (we only take route taxi's, generally).
Oh, and it's Xtabi, not Xtapi.
Got it! I really appreciate you taking the time to educate me. Spelling & all! (LOL)
Of course. Also, if you're not staying at an AI (and really, even if you are) I'd recommend buying a cheap Jamaican cell phone when you get to Jamaica. You can pick up a phone with enough credit for a few weeks for under $40, that way you can get phone numbers from any drivers you like and just call them when you need a ride. Also great for calling back home, and it's almost always cheaper than what you'd pay using your US phone.
OK I'm bracing myself for everyone telling me it's too short...... I know, I know. Rather too short than none at all, right?!
We'll only be there for 5 days at an AI. Still get a phone? Don't plan to "travel" a lot. A couple of short day trips XtaBi, One Love pub crawl, maybe a trip to the market. Otherwise see if beach gravity will take over the rest.
You probably don't need one for this trip but if you plan on returning you might want to think about it. I keep my Jamaican SIM active buy adding a small amount credits avery couple of months. The minutes and the phone are there for me to use when I return. Even When I'm home I make any calls to Jamaica on that phone. This way I have no need to give out my personal number and can keep phone books separate. I actually have 3 sims\numbers....personal, work and Jamaican.
Got it! So do I just have the hotel call the driver you mentioned? Not sure if they have "arrangements" with preferred drivers? Same on the other end at Xtabi?
Do not have the hotel call a driver for you, they will gouge you. Go to the road and flag down a taxi. Negotiate.
Not sure what you're doing for a driver from the airport, but many of them will give you a phone to use while in JA, as long as you use them for your airport transfers. Check the list of drivers on this site.
Understood. Screwed up and bought the transfers in the "package" before I realized that a private driver would have been preferred. Probably a bus if I'm guessing right. Live & learn... next reach...
Quote:
Originally Posted by needsomebeach
I would make sure you have a working cell phone even if you don't want to buy a ja sim.
No worries. We did the same thing on our first trip. You'll likely be riding in a 20 seat mini-bus with other passengers. You trip from the airport to your hotel will take longer, but at least you are saving some money. There are many boardies who actually prefer to take a JUTA bus from the airport to Negril. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.Quote:
Originally Posted by needsomebeach
Although you won't be able to stop wherever you want, the driver will take a vote among the passengers and ask if you want stop for a Red Stripe and bathroom break. (Unfortunately, in my experience we had a bunch of cranky passengers who wanted to go directly to their hotel without making any stops.)