Juta Tour Drivers Scam

Luxury vacation...I know people have to eat I get that but it IS unethical to price gouge,noone has to have a beer but sometimes on this board some people turn a half closed eye to some of the day to day bull that local people try.I travel often to Negril and over the years have learned the hard way...it puts a bad taste in your mouth when you see these things happen. Why not just warn /" out the unscrupulous ones and praise and identify the one's where you get a fair deal. Even on vacation I want to be treated fairly...that's one reason why I now longer even listen to all the hard luck stories I hear...I think about all the overtime I have to work to enjoy some time in the sun, just do the right thing, tip but don't accept the rip.

I look at it this way, if I can afford $$$$ for my vacation ~~ I certainly can afford $$ for a beer ~~~~

there is reasonable and un reasonable charge the going rate of bout 3.00 get a tip charge 5.00 don't expect a tip nor return business

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Originally Posted by Patricia

I look at it this way, if I can afford $$$$ for my vacation ~~ I certainly can afford $$ for a beer ~~~~

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Amen. I sometimes cannot comprehend the level of cheap. 2 dollar difference to me is nothing. Surprise that a driver might get a kick back kind is shows a lack of knowledge as to how the works works.

8 bucks for 1 Miller in a bag to go, in Chicago at the Hotel we were staying at overnight before our trip..............I wanted it, so I paid for it........we all have the same choices..........??

Irie John
thank you for your posts...they stopped the bus at a side road bar .with a goat out in front the man was angry did not smile at anyone give out warm beers...sad way to do business..everyone wished they could have given the money to someone else...

STICK with your convictions Irie John,it is what it is.A RIP off is a RIP off no matter WHO sits home and tries to politically correct you.I thought THAT is what this board is about INFO. You never painted a broad brush? No need to defend yourself. If I was in a bar in NYC and they ripped me off I would do the same.

Some try to paint Negril as some perfect Nirvana where there are no alligators who TAKE...And I LOVE Negril.I know the spot,the shack by the water,below the beautfull hill where the goats roam. They were nasty to me also. It is what is is and Most are not like that.I get tired of this "there are no VULTURES in Nirvana thing.

So it's "standard" business to get ripped off? Gee, so then I guess there is no seperation from the GOOD folks in Negril who do NOT rip off,right?Right? I get sooo tired of getting Fatherly wisdom from the ELDERS as if I havent traveled to many many countries and know a ripoff when I see it.

Gee,just throw away your money,dont challenge.I mean your'e rich right? I mean you don't work your AZZ off all year to pay for your vacation and work for others back home in order to do so.

Holy Cow!! If you think the price is too high.....DON'T PAY IT!!!

If you aren't well-satisfied with Negril.....then......

I don't get upset when a taxi offers a ridiculous charter fare.....I simply say..."PASS ON!!!"....and wait for one that isn't an idiot. I don't even negotiate with idiots. I don't buy 500J beers from them either. It's nothing to get upset about. It's life.......

Fred Stripe
Great points...thank you Irie John for the posts...no one should be over charged like that nice to point things out for people that are new to the ride in scam...it is just the point...of it

Gee,,,so UMM if I stop at the bar and the beer is TWENTY dollars,according to the consensus I shouldn't b!tch right? I mean it's a cultural thing and I'm not a FOOL geting ripped off by the un Smiley faces who don't even say Welcome to Jamaica? Right? Gee,now I know how the Lemming feels when he walks over the cliff.

I agree with Fred Stripe and would like to thank Irie John for the heads up. Just another reason to use the drivers that sponsor Negril.com
I am guessing the the people that that are complaining about this thread are the same people that save beach chairs : )

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Originally Posted by Fred Stripe

Gee,,,so UMM if I stop at the bar and the beer is TWENTY dollars,according to the consensus I shouldn't b!tch right? I mean it's a cultural thing and I'm not a FOOL geting ripped off by the un Smiley faces who don't even say Welcome to Jamaica? Right? Gee,now I know how the Lemming feels when he walks over the cliff.

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Vote with your feet. Nobody is forcing you to buy a damn thing. If you don't like the price, don't buy it. Don't be offended, though. Its nothing personal against you. You just happen to be a tourist. Have you never been to a tourist trap in the US or Canada? Those things do exist, you know. And, they are not a ripoff or a scam. Just overpriced trinkets and drinks. You see these things at almost every exit on the Interstates in Florida. And, just like in JA, nobody is forcing you to buy a damn thing at the tourist traps. There are plenty of tourist trap bars in Manhattan and LA where you will pay 10 bucks for a Budweiser, if you want a beer badly enough. Same in JA. Ever been to Rick's? Bobsled Bar? Margaritaville? Should I continue? Me thinks the righteous indignation at the $5 beer is a bit overblown. As I stated previously, I hope this extraordinarily minor glitch in the vacation didn't ruin the whole trip....

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Originally Posted by Bob-n-Sandra

I agree with Fred Stripe and would like to thank Irie John for the heads up. Just another reason to use the drivers that sponsor Negril.com
I am guessing the the people that that are complaining about this thread are the same people that save beach chairs : )

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I HATE people that save beach chairs with the towel game and I HATE hotels that put up with it. But, I would never let something that MINOR spoil my vacation or cause me to rant. Well.....maybe I would rant a little...

Speaking of high-priced beers.....has anyone been to a MLB or NFL game lately? How about $12 for a beer? And that is to a captive audience who just paid more than $100 per person for the privilege of paying $12 a beer. Is that stopping anyone from going to the games? Is that spoiling the event for the ticket holders? Is that just about where the supply slope meets the demand slope?

Is sitting in the chair, considered saving the chair? : )

Oh oh, my towel is still on my chair and I am home. Kidding....

Why is it ok for the bar in this thread to overcharge for beer but in the Pub Crawl thread, Bella Donnas is getting kicked off the pub crawl stops for charging $5 a beer?

Each trip when I visit Negril I have Rocky's Taxi & Tours pick me up and he always has a complimentary cold Red Stripe waiting for me. Thanks Rocky!

I take Irie John's post in the spirit in which it was intended. Those traveling ( ESPECIALLY first timers ) are now better informed as a result. "Scam" may be a little strong, but telling people there is a place to get beer cheaper and finding $5 warm Red Stripes is misleading at best. I bring a soft sided cooler and have it at the ready upon clearing immigration and customs. I think the MoBay Mega Mart will now be my first stop ( although not realistic for a bus of 88 ) ... Having beer, rum, mixers N snacks and provisions all wrapped up upon arrival at hotel is a nice way to get there and let the fun begin. Lots of other really cool stops to be made for beer and other treats along the way and of course once in Negril.
I can attest that MOST JUTA drivers are awesome, and will take you to a place where reasonable prices, good service and yes a little commission for the driver can all be accommodated - striking a balance with all.
Fair winds and following seas to all.

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Originally Posted by NiceLady

Why is it ok for the bar in this thread to overcharge for beer but in the Pub Crawl thread, Bella Donnas is getting kicked off the pub crawl stops for charging $5 a beer?

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NiceLady I'm with you, so I'm confused with both threads, from the comment that people at AI's are cheap and don't tip, to one of the senior statesman saying its not right to overcharge on the other thread but saying here the extra few dollars is helping people earn a good wage.
It just seems to me that lately this forum has been more argumentative, less tolerant of others and lost the "respect vibe" I found when I first joined.

I think the whole situation could have been avoided by simply asking "How much a Red Stripe?" instead of ordering one and then not wanting it. Unfortunately, asking the price of things beforehand applies to tourist traps around the world.

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Why is it ok for the bar in this thread to overcharge for beer but in the Pub Crawl thread, Bella Donnas is getting kicked off the pub crawl stops for charging $5 a beer?

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because the pub crawl is a tour specifically set up with certain establishments (supposedly) participating in a discount program for "that" tour's customers. As part of said program, there are usually agreements made re: guidelines on pricing. An independent merchant on the side of the road is not participating in any "program" - they are selling to the general public and can charge whatever they wish.

this has nothing to do with "Fatherly wisdom from the ELDERS" - and it's not a 'cultural' thing either. It has everything to do with knowing how stuff works in the travel/tourism world. If you come across someone selling beer for $20 bucks, no you shouldn't "bi.tch" about it - that will do exactly nothing. Just don't buy from them. when they don't make sales, if they're smart, that will clue them in that their prices aren't supported by customers. But in any case there's no reason at all to bi.tch at anyone about their prices. Why get so emotionally upset about it? Would you do that in a Target or K-mart cause one of their TV's is $200 bucks but another is $800, and you don't want to pay $800? No. You would simply not buy the one that you feel is overpriced.

This is no different from inflated prices at US hotels and sports arenas, as someone else mentioned - we ALL know that if we go to the football game, a warm soda and one hot dog is gonna cost $15.00... and a beer is $10 or $11 bucks. but if we had bought the same thing out on the street before entering the arena, the same exact thing will be $5.00.

Buying a coffee and pastry in the hotel lobby in downtown Chicago or Philly, will cost you $20.00 bucks - but out the door at the bakery on the street, same thing will be $5.00.

nobody gets all self-righteous and indignant about this when at home in the states, we all know not to buy at the places that are known for inflated prices. it's the same thing everywhere in the world.

Well I guess we are back on the soapbox..just let it die already!!!!

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Originally Posted by Fred Stripe

STICK with your convictions Irie John,it is what it is.A RIP off is a RIP off no matter WHO sits home and tries to politically correct you.I thought THAT is what this board is about INFO. You never painted a broad brush? No need to defend yourself. If I was in a bar in NYC and they ripped me off I would do the same.

Some try to paint Negril as some perfect Nirvana where there are no alligators who TAKE...And I LOVE Negril.I know the spot,the shack by the water,below the beautfull hill where the goats roam. They were nasty to me also. It is what is is and Most are not like that.I get tired of this "there are no VULTURES in Nirvana thing.

So it's "standard" business to get ripped off? Gee, so then I guess there is no seperation from the GOOD folks in Negril who do NOT rip off,right?Right? I get sooo tired of getting Fatherly wisdom from the ELDERS as if I havent traveled to many many countries and know a ripoff when I see it.

Gee,just throw away your money,dont challenge.I mean your'e rich right? I mean you don't work your AZZ off all year to pay for your vacation and work for others back home in order to do so.

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Well said.

I'm not sure what is done elsewhere but, when ever I'm in a new bar or restaurant, I inquire as to the price of a beverage or food item if a menu isn't provided before I order. This is because a well drink at one bar might be $2 (local dive bar), the same drink at another bar might be $12 (atlantis casino bar, bahamas). It helps me decide if I want that drink (or 20), BEFORE I order. It helps me to remain Irie. Location means everyting, business is business, no scam there, my opinion.

Beer prices are all over the place in Negril, so if not posted just simply ask. Cheapest I found last week was $150J at a place right near Roots that is set back a little. So you can go there or a place like Sunnyside and drink a lot for a little, or go to Margaritaville, Rick's, and now Bella Donna's and pay roughly $500J for a beer. You know where I will be though I have no problem paying $400J at a place like Catcha with the ambience that is provided.

On a side note, the bickering has grown old. Respect your brother and sister and don't get caught up in the small stuff. The site has a moderator that will make the adjustments if necessary.

IMHO, if the price isn't to one's liking...then don't buy it! There are times when I am willing to pay a bit more for a drink and other times that it is not worth the effort. Times, they are a changing....but bottom line, I am the one that is paying for the drink....so, obviously....we, as the consumer, are in charge. Drink good!!! :)

First off,due to their HIGH prices I will never go there again. I also like to go to the bar that charges 2/3 dollars and then leave them a FIVE dollar tip. So many times when I used to take the bus from the airport and saw that beautifull shack by the water & the hills with the goats.

I finally stop there and my dream became a nightmare. Nasty/overpriced. I want the Lollipop to open again.

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I think the whole situation could have been avoided by simply asking "How much a Red Stripe?" instead of ordering one and then not wanting it.

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Indeed it could have been.

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I'm not sure what is done elsewhere but, when ever I'm in a new bar or restaurant, I inquire as to the price of a beverage or food item if a menu isn't provided before I order.

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So do I.

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Beer prices are all over the place in Negril, so if not posted just simply ask.

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Yep.

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IMHO, if the price isn't to one's liking...then don't buy it!

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Probably overkill to quote any more posts that basically say the same thing, but they're all so LOGICAL.

That said, I would also want my beer cold and if it were not, I'd return it for one that was, having asked for a cold one. Some people do prefer them warm but tourist establishments are generally aware that most tourists want cold. To be safe I specify "cold" when I order, as I did in England also.

Right now I'd pay almost anything to have a Red Stripe in Jamaica --- that first one always tastes so good --- and I could even do it lukewarm

I know I've probably paid $5 for a beer or 2 while in JA. I've also paid very little or nothing for a beer, many times. (The free beers usually come after paying for some other service - like a taxi.) Eh, it all evens out in the end. One time, I paid upwards of $4 for warm Red Stripes at one of the nicest restaurants in one of the nicest (non-AI) hotels on the beach road. I watched the bartender pull them out of the fridge, so I knew that was all they had and there was no point in asking for a "cold" Red Stripe. After that, we simply headed over to C&D for some ice-cold $200 J beers, in order to offset the warm, expensive beers we just had.

[QUOTE=kimbbeck;95359]Luxury vacation...I know people have to eat I get that but it IS unethical to price gouge,noone has to have a beer but sometimes on this board some people turn a half closed eye to some of the day to day bull that local people try.I travel often to Negril and over the years have learned the hard way...it puts a bad taste in your mouth when you see these things happen. Why not just warn /" out the unscrupulous ones and praise and identify the one's where you get a fair deal. Even on vacation I want to be treated fairly...that's one reason why I now longer even listen to all the hard luck stories I hear...I think about all the overtime I have to work to enjoy some time in the sun, just do the right thing, tip but don't accept the rip.[/Q I have been traveling to Jamiaca for numerous years, I feel the exact same way and couldn't have said this better myself.

True words

I have an idea , wait until you get to Negril and go to the chinamans across from the Scotiabank you can buy 3 cases that's 72 beer for 7200j , now load up your cooler bag and head to the beach. With the money you saved you can support the local beach venders , fruit lady , patty guy , musicians ,ect. Now sit back and relax.

Great advise Roy Mon! We do go to chinamans for cases of Red Stripe, and buy some at the bar of our hotel!

There is a small shop next to AhhBees.One morning my wife and I were going to AhhBees for Burgers and he wasn't open yet.We went inside the little shop,it has a couch a couple chairs and a small bar.There is an old Rasta in there and we decided to get a couple coffees and wait for Aubie to open.I ordered the coffees and he went and made them.They were very good coffees.When it was time to leave I asked him how much I owed him,he said $10.I said you got to be fu#@ing kidding me.He just looked at me with a blank look on his face as if I was an idiot.I guess I was since I didn't ask how much a coffee cost.So he got his $10 and we left.This **** is really too bad as they were really good coffees and if he hadn't ripped me off he would have made the $10 many times over as I spend at least five weeks a year there and I really like quality coffee.I don't think they even realize that by doing this to people they are losing more money than they ever get for the one time ripoff.

It takes away from the good/pure folks,like Sip & Bites who give you a good meal for a good price. I bought them a can of Old Bay seasoning last Dec.

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Originally Posted by NiceLady

Why is it ok for the bar in this thread to overcharge for beer but in the Pub Crawl thread, Bella Donnas is getting kicked off the pub crawl stops for charging $5 a beer?

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Because Lenbert makes a living off treating tourists right. Donna was screwing up. Relative or no, Lenbert took care of business. Nobody said a $5 beer is "right", just that if you don't want it, don't buy it....

mi paid mostly $200J's for a cold Red Stripe Beer at the establishments in Negril all winter long.....
typically mi buy mi beers at the Supermarket for the apt.....Red Stripe Beer is the least expensive
Corona Beer is the most expensive.......
when you go out to the nightclubs they usually get $300J's for a Beer if no cover charge.....
couple places were $200J's and $250J's for Red Stripes.......
if you are really on a beer budget when you arrive in Jamaica.........
just have the driver stop at MegaMart in MoBay on the way out to Negril.......
Megamart has the best prices for Beer period......that's always mi first stop in Jamaica....

Cool Runnings, Marko

Is Golden Apple the place with the goat out in front ...with a warm beer for 5 dollars & the angry man working there... iHe making triple the amount for his warm beer hope the goat at least gets a cut...you should have seen the look on the people's faces who ordered 3 mixed drinks ...he over charged them ..just greed.

Next time book with Dudley's Big Ship Tours. Free Redstripe Beer all the way to negril.