How much $ to bring?

I realize this is a HIGHLY subjective question but I'd like to come up with as best of an estimate as I can for how much cash I should bring for our trip so I can hopefully avoid needing to use an ATM, but also not go overboard with a huge chunk o' change.

We're staying 7 nights at an AI but not one that prohibits tipping so I'd expect to give something to housekeeping, breakfast/lunch/dinner servers each day, and bartenders. Also tips for the driver of our shared airport transfers, to Lenbert for the bus crawl, and to our guide for an all day snorkeling and sunset cruise excursion. (The excursion itself has already been paid for.) No idea who else I'd need to tip. (Club MoBay reps? Others I'm not thinking of?)

I'd only get a few smallish souvenirs like maybe an ornament - if I can even find one - and something for my daughter. What else am I forgetting that I should budget for? Are there places where you end up spending money that a newcomer may not have considered?

When we stayed at our usual no all inclusive lace on the beach we always budgeted $150 per day for food, alcohol, entertainment and other party favours lol. We party hard when we go to Negril but also learned how to do I relatively cheap and stayed away from the overpriced places. I always got a good deal on a scooter rental from our money changer friend which saved a lot on cab fare and we took the route cabs a lot but also supported the regular red plate cabs. On some trips we had money left over and pulled xtra out of the bank and extended our stay. Some days we went over the daily amount we set aside and on other days we just relaxed on the beach and our porch and hardly spent anything. I think the most important part to remember is you are on vacation because you worked hard for it and deserve it and the memories are priceless. Hope you enjoy your vacation in Negril

Party favours. Haha. :) Cab fare! See, these are examples I was forgetting. Thank you.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm... $40- 50.00 US ..per day ???... ( might be on the high end ) but, your right it's a very hard question
It's an AI ..but , you'll wanna get out & about & explore..& you may come home with some extra cash
Countryside @ Times Square is by far your best bet for any souvenirs - best price possible & super selection

SS - That math works out pretty darn close to what I was thinking I'd bring so that's reassuring. Seeing the thread here about ATM issues (and hearing about it elsewhere) has me really wanting to avoid the need for them during the week.

And thanks for the tip about Countryside! I hadn't done any research yet on where to shop so that helps.

The old joke says: 1/2 the clothes, twice the money!

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Originally Posted by Ras Walleye

The old joke says: 1/2 the clothes, twice the money!

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This is true. Double your cash OP and empty half your suitcase.

Doubt I'll be able to get myself to empty half the suitcase. We're not staying at Hedo. :)

Found the best prices and quality for souvenir's like clothing items at the airport. Linda kept saying; wait till the airport to buy gifts. Same for rum, rum cream, even vodka. A 26'er (750 ml) of off-brand amber Port Royal rum was 8 U.S. dollars as was island made vodka. Rum Bar Rum Cream 9 dollars and Port Royal over-proof was also 8 U.S. To a Canadian, that's about half what we have to pay in our government liquor stores where tax makes up the largest percentage of the price. T-shirts and Jah colours dresses for the grand-kids were very high quality and less money than the stores at the Sunshine Plaza. I mean; they were really nice in comparison. Some silly prices at those plaza stores in some cases; like 25 U.S. for a sun-faded simple dress. I'm sure they were negotiable on those prices but even if they were offering two for one; it just wasn't worth it. At least at the airport the items were fresh, clean, higher quality and well-priced. Keep in mind we did not visit every store in that Negril complex or other plaza's or Times Square or Margaritaville.

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Originally Posted by MNchill

Doubt I'll be able to get myself to empty half the suitcase. We're not staying at Hedo. :)

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Hahaha. You can do it! I am doing a carry on next time and will have no issue doing it. You can do laundry for cheap in Negril, so keep this in mind.

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Originally Posted by booger

You can do laundry for cheap in Negril, so keep this in mind.

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Yup. A lot people don't realize that your housekeeping staff will do your laundry, if you ask. Staying at Sea Grape, we had some clothes washed and I asked the housekeeper how much I owed her. She just said, "No charge. You can give me a little something at the end of your trip, if you want."

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Originally Posted by MNchill

Doubt I'll be able to get myself to empty half the suitcase. We're not staying at Hedo. :)

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Seriously...nobody is going to care what you're wearing or how often you worn it but you.

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Originally Posted by Kevin, PA

Seriously...nobody is going to care what you're wearing or how often you worn it but you.

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You can always pack a small bottle of Frebreeze ;)

Don't listen to em .....I bring a bag for my shoes alone...lol... jk..:) kinda........but seriously, go to your bank and get a couple hundred 1's and a couple hundred 5's. Perfect to

have for tips, route taxis, little things on the beach, drinks, etc.

We normally tip Lenbert around $20 per person and our driver from the airport $20 no matter if it's 2 or 4 people unless we make him stop for us. If you go out to eat any nice meals you will pay about the same you would pay for the same food in the US. Cheaper places exist. I agree with Big Frank that you can get most any souvenirs at the airport for about the same price as in town but you can haggle with a shop owner in town and I haven't been cut any deals at the airport. I only buy coffee from a place that goes through it quickly like a major grocery. Every bag I have ever bought at the airport has been stale even if the expiration date is months in the future. When we do our major shopping run I use a credit card (not debit card) so I don't deplete my cash supply. I have never had an issue using a credit card at an expensive restaurant tied to a resort. One new perk on some credit cards these days is no foreign exchange charges. Check with your credit card company.

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Originally Posted by MNchill

Doubt I'll be able to get myself to empty half the suitcase. We're not staying at Hedo. :)

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I fit mine into a carry on once. 2 swim suits, 2 pr shorts, wore my long pants,1 nice shirt,7 t-shirts sandals and toiletries. Gave away the tennis and t-shirts. Room for souvenirs.

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Originally Posted by MNchill

Doubt I'll be able to get myself to empty half the suitcase. We're not staying at Hedo. :)

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Most of the ladies at Hedo bring an entire suitcase full of shoes!

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Originally Posted by tahrheel

Most of the ladies at Hedo bring an entire suitcase full of shoes!

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I know my wife does! Sheesh! (But she looks awesome in them!)

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Originally Posted by gregandkelly63

I know my wife does! Sheesh! (But she looks awesome in them!)

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The ladies at Hedo are all beautiful and sexy!