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I'm a little confused about the Taxi service in Negril? I will be there with my family December 31st.
If I need a taxi to take us to Ricks Cafe and the Seven Mile Beach, do I just ask my hotel for a referral? Do they have their own Taxi service at Riu Negril? Or should I have someone in mind ahead of time. I see there are Taxi Drivers mentioned on these post, but not sure what is best.
Thanks for any information, Bonnie
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there will be taxis at your hotel or right outside of your hotel. they'll charge you around 10 bucks to get to ricks (probably try ot charge you more, but 10 bucks is what they usually get). or you can step onto the road and take a route taxi to the roundabout and then another route taxi to the cliffs- you can get dropped off in front of ricks. each route taxi is 130 JA, i think, which is a little under 1 US dollar. so, if you go the route taxi way it will take you the equivalent of slightly less than $2 US for the one way trip.
route taxis have the name of their route written on their door. you probably wouldn't notice it because it's written so small, but the route taxi i posted below travels from st. ann's to long bay (it's a route taxi in portland parish).
Attachment 51658
The route taxis now have a checkerboard pattern as well as the words which makes them easier for first timers to use. Just be aware that you share the ride so the taxi can be very full at times. I never use them during peak times. They are used by kids to get to school and people to get to work.
Thank you so much for the info. Is the cost per person or per route?
The cost is per person
Link to current route taxi fares all over Jamaica.................. http://www.ta.org.jm/content/route-taxi-fares
Most of the Negril fares are listed in Westmoreland Parish ............ http://www.ta.org.jm/documents/Fares...stmoreland.pdf
Also remember that only vehicles with red license plates (as in mwenvlay's posted picture above) are licensed taxis. Don't use cars with white plates which are "bootlegging" and are not licensed or insured to carry paying customers.
Route cabs are free to act as charter cabs, so don't be surprised if you get in a route cab and the driver asks where you are going and offers to take you there. If you're interested, negotiate the fare right then, don't wait until you get there and he tells you it's $10./person...
If you have more then 2 people..probably better off getting a van or larger car then messing with the nuances of a taxi..as mentioned..negotiate a clear price first so there are no misunderstandings
If you walk out the front gate, you will see many taxis waiting to drive you where ever you want to go. We use the red plates as they have insurance and registration with the island transportation. As someone else said, make sure you agree on the price BEFORE you get in the car and don't be afraid to negotiate for a fair price - the first one you ask will always be too high:) Depending on where you want to go on Seven Mile Beach - that should be a very inexpensive ride. Ricks is further and will cost more. On another note, don't let the resort talk you into taking their shuttle bus as you will always pay too much. New Years Eve in Negril is very special and I can't imagine spending it anywhere else!Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland9
Thank you! This is all so helpful. I have been stressing about it. We will have at least 8 in our party at a time. So thankful for this forum, I get so much helpful information,
oh and should I use American or Jamaican money?
For 8 people I’d contract a driver and expect to pay for it... DONT USE A ROUTE TAXI FOR 8 PEOPLE. I’d get a private driver. If just a one time trip, pay the money, about 5 dollars a person, one way. Going from riu to ricks is quite a haul, relatively speaking. If you took a route you’re paying almost the same. Anything more than 6 person one way is too much to me.
oh heck yah. 8 people, expect to pay, and get a big van. Ten bucks each way, is very fair for that large group. Also, be aware that there are many places on the cliffs that will send a complimentary van to pick you up, including Seastar, which is a great place, especially on a Saturday night. Buffet and show. And as far as your money question, I always go with American money. Everyone takes it, you will actually see more prices in American dollars. another tip, bring a lot of small bills. This will take care of tips, and small purchases , and will avoid the '' I HAVE NO CHANGE ""> :)
Okay, great info! How do I go about contacting a private driver to get a van? We will all go to Ricks and the seven mile beach. And what about if we do a horseback ride on the beach excursion? Should I do the same for that? ugh...thank you so much for all the help.
check out the transportation link at the top.... lots of options... :encouragement:
Hi, please consider using Collin Frew (Collins Tours). He is safe, reasonable, and has vans large enough to accommodate your party. He has a red plate license. His number is (876) 354-4663. He is available on WhatsApp also.
Dr. Jeffrey Williams
(810)650-7915
Agree - for a large group to Rick's you definitely want a van and a driver who will wait for you. Contact a few people from the transportation link on this thread and give them your specifics and see which response best suits you. We use Kingsley James of Takecare Tours and I know there are other good ones (everyone seems to have their favorite!) Also, think about where on 7 mile beach you want to go - since that is a much shorter trip, I wouldn't worry about a taxi as you can easily split into two groups and stay together.
Okay I will keep both of these driving tours numbers with me. Also, wouldn't it cost more to have a driver wait for us rather then call one to come get us when we are ready to leave Ricks? Thanks :)
Yes. If you have them wait around for you it might cost a beer, food etc.. Most drivers I know will drop you off and pick you back up at a prearranged time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland9
Sometimes I don't pay and tip them until the roundtrip is finished.
Yes, but remember that if you're talking about New Year's Eve, Negril will be mobbed. Probably worth it to have your driver there rather than hope he makes it back when you want to leave.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland9
He said he arrived on December 31st but didn't say specifically that he wanted to go to Rick's for New Year's Eve. If that is what he is intending, then you are correct. I, myself, wouldn't go to Rick's for New Year's Eve when their are better functions on the beach and more room to navigate the crowds. Good point though. Peace and GuidanceQuote:
Originally Posted by wrtiii
We don't plan to go to Rick's for New Years Eve, I think we will stay on the beach by our hotel at the Riu. But during the week we will head to ricks and to the seven mile beach. I want to be prepared and know what to do before we get there, so I am not stressed out trying to figure it out on vacation. I'm so thankful for all of your help and advice. I would not have known to have the driver wait for us.
Another consideration and what we do is, we use the same 1 or 2 drivers throughout our stay.
When we need a lift we just call. They are quick, courteous have your back and prices will be reasonable because you’re a repeat customer. We consider them friends.
Many excellent drivers in negril, likely the first one you take will be that one. Just get his number and call him when you need him.
Great advice! Thank you :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Weeboy1
Are the fares not set in advance? That's where I get confused. Maybe it is only for the Route Taxis that have set prices?
Route Taxis fares are set. Please see the links in my earlier post for the official fares for various routes. These fares only apply if you stay within their assigned.
However Route Taxis can turn into a "private" taxi and go beyond the boundaries of their assigned route as was mentioned earlier. Then the fares are negotiable between you and the driver.
We personally enjoy using Route Taxis for the personal interaction with the drivers and other local passengers. The vast majority of them are friendly, entertaining and informative.
Listen to Captain Oil, he will steer you correctly.
Enjoy!!
Thank you :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Markospoon