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We were harassed for our first time over Christmas. We were at LTU . Guy was a real Ass. Went on to tell us he had a wife and kids to support. Bartender told him to stop. My husband is no small guy. Neither of us backed down and he left. Another guy was there selling CDs. It made him mad. Other Jamaicans don't like this rude behavior.
The herbmen hustling is no problem. If I'm not in need I just try to sell them what I have and they move on.
The real shame for us is the craft market. We would love to shop there but it just isn't worth the hassle. Instead we try to avoid any areas with a concentration of vendors.
There's also many times I opt to take cabs when I could walk just because I don't feel like being bothered and just want to get where we are going. But for some even getting a cab can be intimidating.
I only felt harassed once and even then I didn't feel threatened but was glad it was our last day and wouldn't be seeing that guy again anytime soon. There was one other time that I wasn't sure what was going to happen next but my friend quickly ran the guy off and that was the end of that.
We spent some time in Sav last trip and not one person approached us.
For new visitors it can be intimidating just trying to leave the airport to catch your ride and the cruise ship ports in Jamaica have a reputation for not being the most tourist friendly. These "first impression areas" should be the main focus of any education efforts. But doing so would be difficult without running out the little guy. It would take years before vendors would see increased traffic and sales from not being so aggressive. That's understandably too long for most vendors. What would really be needed is some sort of incentive or subsidy to offset losses while trying to rebuild the bad reputation. I don't see that happening.
what is so hard about saying NO.......dat all it takes here.......
and mi been saying it since mi first reach many moons ago....lol
Cool Runnings, Marko
Marko, glad it has worked for you, but there are many people here saying that it's actually not that easy, and that NO is all it takes. I've had NO not be enough when walking by myself, followed down the beach being told that I need to stop and respect them, and give them money for things I don't want.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marko
I don't understand why people continue to pop in here to laugh and belittle the experiences some have had, as if it's their fault.
Look, I'm a lifetime New Yorker, in my 40's, live and play in and around NYC, have a thick skin and know how to deal with hustlers. Some of these guys take it too far, and if it's making my wife uncomfortable, it's too much. That's all there is to it in my mind. Bottom line is it changes how we spend our time in Negril, the amount of time we spend, and where the money gets spent.
I'd also like to say that we're going back in 6 days, and I'm looking forward to relaxing on the beach, buying fruit from the fruit lady, patties from the patty mon, lobster from the lobster guy, and my wife always gets a kick out of the guy with all the hats. The guys that accept "No thanks" and move on, I appreciate that this is their living and it doesn't bother me or my wife at all.
I usually try and buy something from the vendors outside of the restaurants I go to the the west end -- REALLY stupid bracelets, I think I probably have 100 of them in my bedroom dresser drawers, really kind of ugly unfit together type of cheap bracelets. In the 1980's when Negril would often be without any kind of water at all I would drive my daughters to Ochi to stay just so we could have shower access, water access... oh brother those vendors were so totally aggressive and hostile. The biggest thing when my kids were young was going to the main "Falls" and walking up and down them. So I am a veteran of that area, you have NO idea what that place Chela Bay was like during the 1970's, owned by those Atlanta guys whose name I won't mention (love to you all). What a lovely crazy place, Mighty Diamonds playing in the cellar, Burning Spear too, so many British rock stars in the place, the Playboy Club next door with SO many brothers and fathers in the place really ANGRY that their daughters and sisters were working there..... A totally NUTS late night scene. The owners of the place would come to my oh so quiet west end home for some quiet time.
I get off .. the plane with one of those stupid bracelets on ....
saves me some of the hassle
Does anyone know where you can get those FREE bracelets on the beach?
The worst harassment we experienced on our last trip was a guy trying to give us a free bracelet in the parking lot of the Pork Pit in Mobay. Linston took care of him, as the staff at the Pork Pit did nothing to help.
In comparison, the vendors in Negril were a pleasure to deal with.
I too am tiring of Negril. Too many hard eyes and words these days. Last trip, I had a wide angle lens on my camera and was taking a picture of a building along the beach and some guy comes running down from the property and starts yelling at me. I told him I hadn't even seen him, and that I had a wide angle and he couldn't even be seen in the picture. On the way back from our walk as we hit that property, of course I started to lift my camera again and hubby said, 'Don't you dare'. LOL.
So I'm not scared, just sick of it. It's so different than it was 15 years ago and not in a good way. Don't know how long we'll keep going, but hubby just LOVES the food.
It's a bit discouraging to read all the negative comments about Negril. I recently made reservations for our 40th Anniversary in Montego Bay, then saw lots of great comments about Negril- places to go, things to see... so changed our reservation to 6 nights in Negril and 4 in Montego Bay... and now I have come across these threads that are a little worrisome. I just want to go somewhere to listen to some great reggae music, eat some delicious Jamaican food, walk some beautiful beaches, watch people braver than I jump off cliffs, and enjoy the vibe that I hear so much about in Jamaica. Now I'm wondering if I've made a mistake and maybe should have planned somewhere other than Jamaica to celebrate 40 years of marriage. *sigh* Tell me it's not a mistake!
Baileymom,
It's not a mistake. Just find a nice place to stay and hook up with a good driver to take you around town. You'll love it.
Cap
Baileys mom, don't change a thing.....you will have your great reggae music, your delicious food, your beautiful beach, your cliff jump watching, and great vibe......theres no
place anywhere else you can get all this ! some focus on the negative and forget what drew them to a place from the beginning! The only thing you will regret is that maybe you didn't
spend your whole time in Negril! Enjoy!
you will have a wonderful time in Negril. the parade of vendors up and down the beach are fun and not a hassle. they bring warm coco bread, fruit, ice cream, lobster, anything you want right to your beach chair. you will get to know them by the end of your stay.
I hope ..it's the 1st (4 days ) in Mo Bay & the last 6 in Negril
Almost everyone .. on this board have been to Ja. - multiple times
I for one since '89- there are many reasons ..that I love da Rock
Go with a postive vibe & it'll come back your way
JoJo and Sonja are right!...My wife and I celebrated our 40th Anniversary in Negril last year and had a great time...we split our time beach and cliffs!!!
You'll have a wonderful time. I went the first time in May 2012. I am going for my 11th time next month. 12 times in October. I am sure 13 and 14 not long behind it.Quote:
Originally Posted by BaileysMom
Bailey’s mom, the complaints and concerns posted in this thread are real. If you walk that beautiful 7-mile beach for more than 15 minutes let’s say starting after breakfast, you WILL be approached by a vendor, hustler or beggar. Some more aggressively than others but you will be approached more than once. For some first time visitors, this could be overwhelming. Good you voiced your own concerns and are seeking answers and reassurance of a pleasant vacation. Yes, you can have a splendid time in Negril, but unless you are staying in an AI, you should get plenty of tangible information on the runnings in Negril. Connecting now with Rob, or another seasoned boardie who is traveling same time as you is my first recommendation…securing a driver from this site is the second…going to Bloody Bay beach is my third.
BaileysMom - don;t worry everything will be fine. We took some new people this year who we were sure were not going to like staying at a NON-All Inclusive. After the first two days on the beach all they could talk about was how it was their best vacation EVER and how soon can we go back. We took them everywhere and did everything there is to do. No Problem
Phew! So great to get the positive feedback. We're staying at Catcha Falling Star in Negril, and Polkerris in Montego. We've experienced the vendors at Cozumel and Cabo, but I never felt seriously harassed and certainly never felt threatened- it never felt as bad as some in this thread have stated. I really appreciate the wealth of information that can be gleaned from this forum. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!
Well, the vendors in JA will be far more persistent than they are in MX, that much is certain. You just have to respectfully (definitely not fearfully) say no thanks, and most will leave it at that. Some will not, but you just need to be firm. I've been a lot of places, and I have yet to find anywhere that has the "vibe" that Jamaica does.Quote:
Originally Posted by BaileysMom
I would consider ditching the Mobay part of your trip though, I've never cared for Montego Bay myself. I do recommend Treasure Beach on the south coast, it's a wonderful and peaceful town with great scenery and very little harassment.
You will love Catcha!
If you have any questions while you are here, as Vi said you can always link up with us - our local number is 423-5479 if you want to contact us when you are here!Quote:
Originally Posted by BaileysMom
See you soon and have a great time!
We come prepared: bring your Jamaica towels, beads, hats, and t-shirts. You won't appear to be a "Newbie". No thanks works great. Years ago we also did as someone else suggested, we handed out candies (those sucker type rings) and everyone seemed please. You cannot possibly buy something from everyone you meet.
I do exactly the same thing!Quote:
Originally Posted by Slightly Stoopid
Thanks, Rob- will definitely be in touch! We don't go until Feb, but sure looking forward to it!
Vi- I've been reading your trip report from last Summer... so entertaining, and I'm only on page 18. I love the way you write- It's like reading a good book, hard to put down!
Like Shelly, we will usually buy something from the vendors we will be seeing often during our stay. Beth's bracelet collection is growing and so it my carved wooden pipe collection.
It's rare that encounters ever get anywhere near what I would call harassment. Annoying...at times yes. When I'm not in the mood I take a cab to wherever I'm going.
Do you ever have any trouble bringing them home? We've been searched for no reason at PHL customs a couple times, and wouldn't want to give the agents any more reason to detain us - even if the pipe is clean.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin, PA
I actually did buy a pipe a couple years back, but I ended up leaving it at the hotel.
You can bring UNUSED pipes home. They are not illegal since no one can say what you intend to smoke in them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_D
Yup, but even an unused pipe might give the customs agents a reason to search you and your luggage further. Just want to avoid the hassle.Quote:
Originally Posted by fawnridge
When I was college I was once stopped at the Canadian border, and an immigration official found a pack of EZ Widers in my glove box. They then detained me and my friends inside the building while they tore apart our luggage and the interior of my car. Of course, we weren't stupid enough to be bringing any contraband over the border, but it is a hassle I would rather not relive.
Ya'll should see Linston's collection of used pipes!
Cap
Sometimes it gets on my nerves and I think "This doesn't happen at home" and then my brain cell kicks in and says "it's -30 at home!" .... and suddenly, it's not so much harassment as "soaking up the culture"!
I had that same concern the first time I took one home. I only bring home unused ones and never had any problems.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_D
rent-a-challice ,Quote:
Originally Posted by captaind & Linston
new bizz
He has one that looks like an old Dutchman should be smoking...Damn thing is at least a foot long and double curved... I wonder who left that?Quote:
Originally Posted by pine tree john
I grabbed a nice little glass pipe...
Ganja smoke much better in a pipe or chillum.. Me no whan smoke paper
Cap
Agreed on the glass for sure, but you gotta keep it clean...
My husband and I love our vacations to Negril. We enjoy the Caribbean. We have been to Jamaica 6 times, Negril 4 times. As far as the vendors, well, it is a bit more of a noticeable annoyance than most other places than we've been. And my husband travels all over the world. He was away 33 weeks last year. We have never felt uncomfortable in Negril, really, aside from being at a small place for lunch and a bit of a fight happened with the proprietor loosing it and we just walked away as the craziness ensued. Our first two trips were to CSA and we spent a good bit of everyday walking everywhere we noticed a bit of a bother on our walks. I understand that this is the way these folks make a living, but don't understand why their methods would translate into sales sometimes. I don't want to be bothered or intimidated. If you are walking along the best stretch of beach I have had the pleasure of strolling along, I "ain't" necessarily shopping. We have been able to do a wave of the hand and a no thank you with no problem. Having said that, we are at this point an "older" (shudder) couple and no one bothers us. I guess at this point they can tell we know the ropes. We have plenty of stuff from our many travels. We don't go on vacation to shop and buy trinkets. We go to wake up on the beach, dine and drink while hanging on the beach. It would behoove the Negril community to discourage harassment of their guests. There is so much there to keep people coming back, again and again. It is just the right mix of what we want in an island get away, for us, and a great number of visitors. But visitors want a carefree, comfortable, laid back time when they head to Negril. Hassle free. The last two times we went to Negril we were at Idle Awhile and Charela. We were totally left alone, wherever we went. They were two of our most favorite trips. At Idle Awhile we welcomed the food vendors and enjoyed the breads, juices, fruit and such. When at Charela all we had to do was to let the seller know we were on the all inclusive plan and they left us alone. On our last day the boat guy off the coast came over and said, come on, you guys have hung at the beach every day, you need to head out on the water today. Na, not today either. We have done just about everything from the beach and what we go to Negril for is to set up at our spot each day and walk. We have never done an excursion. The Negril vendors need to lighten up some if they want to be able to keep people coming back. No one wants to be hassled on their vacation. We love to go to markets wherever we go and have been able to visit markets on many a Caribbean island, Europe, Asia and the US. And the haggle is far worse in Jamaica. I hope they can work things out. We found it was better the last two visits. I hope they find a balance where the locals can make a living while visitors can feel safe and comfortable. We missed a get away trip this past two years, had a daughter get married. We are heading to Cancun for a wedding this winter. That should be interesting. My husband has been to MX many times and is not a fan. Negril remains our favorite place to decompress. And I hope to go many more times in the future. We have for the most part felt safe and happy and we look forward to traveling to our spot many times in the years to come. The water, the trees, the sand, the low profile of the buildings. What can I say. St Martin, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Antiqua, Bahamas cannot compare. And well, the other places I might love are just out of our price point for a yearly trip. I hope that people will give a trip to Negril a try. It is a great place, with great people, great food, that has casual, nice places to stay along the most wonderful stretch of coast imaginable.
I had a chat with .. a few vendors ..last reach & let them know
that if they can produce ... "one of a kind " or custom goods for sale
they won't have to "fight" for business
It would come to them ...far too many "run of the mill" goods
the customer base is in search of items .. that are not of the norm ...ie- same old woodcarvings/braclets..etc
some of the very best items ..I've purchased are unique ..ie- Coinmon necklaces/custom -made shell necklaces & braclets
jcjcnj....a couple of things:
I too am a market place aficionado. Make a trip over to the Sav-la-Mar market on a Friday or Saturday. You won't be disappointed. We just take route taxi's back and forth.
Regards,
Bob
Thank you, rjonson for the heads up on the market. Friday is always our last day and we are not heading out anywhere. We stayed at Duncan's Bay once and went to the local market with the staff of the villa and enjoyed our time there. We loved the Weds market in Marigot, St Martin. And you cannot beat any market in Hong Kong, London or Rome. We enjoy a bit of the hunt. I don't like to hear that visitors to Jamaica are concerned about being "bothered" by vendors. But then so many people are not really travelers. Us, we take it all in. I can understand that visitors do not want to be bothered while they lounge on the beach or walk the shoreline. I don't like it either. We have engaged in conversation with many a local person in our travels. I have to admit, we are not the friendliest of people in our travels. We don't go on vacation to make friends, in all honesty, we go to spend time, together, that we don't get to do all too often in our day to day life. So we don't usually get involved in any drama in our travels. We have purchased many a more unique item. I do agree with the suggestion that people have hand made items that are different from the norm. One of our favorite pieces is a wooden wall hanging of a fish that we got in Antiqua that we requested for a particular spot and the artisan came back in a few days with the piece. We like the wood carver at the wave stalls, don't know his name right now, but we have picked up a number of items from him. Hey, we don't not want to buy stuff, we just don't need any more stuff and we certainly don't want to be bothered with selling while we are vacationing.