Printable View
As I've said (probably too many times) this is my girlfriend's first trip.
I thought making some stops on the road to Negril (Clarity mentioned Bigga's) might help her get into the spirit of Negril a little quicker.
I've never stopped on the way down before - always in too big of a rush.
Will I need J $ or can I get by on U.S. $ until we get to a cambio?
Is there a good cambio on the road to Negril?
I'm almost positive U.S. greenback is accepted at almost all places. Your driver will certainly know where you can exchange money in Montego Bay.
US dollars are fine. I usually don't change money till I am in Negril. Have stopped at Biggas many times on ride in.
take the "back way" to Negril, more like the old road, many places to stop for "whatever".....many cool photo ops.........
Happy Holidays
If Rambo's suggestion is thru the hills I would second that one. Maybe save it for the road home though as I believe it is longer, at least it felt that way. Bigga's jerk is awesome and it's a good place to stop and grab some beers as well.
pay in ja, soon come
Change $100 US at the airport, make sure they give you some (a lot, like $2kjmd in 500's, 100's and 50's) small bills - you will feel more at home with JMD in your pockets (and be sure to put most of it in a separate pocket). I've only had soup at Bigga's (my driver calls him "Biggs") and its very reasonable, and delicious. He has lids for soup, if you want to take some to the hotel with you.
Its a good idea to eat on your way to Negril; that way you can settle in without feeling desperately hungry.
Change $100 US at the airport, make sure they give you some (a lot, like $2kjmd in 500's, 100's and 50's) small bills - you will feel more at home with JMD in your pockets (and be sure to put most of it in a separate pocket). I've only had soup at Bigga's (my driver calls him "Biggs") and its very reasonable, and delicious. He has lids for soup, if you want to take some to the hotel with you.
Its a good idea to eat on your way to Negril; that way you can settle in without feeling desperately hungry.
I use J$ when I get to Negril...but same as you I don't want to stop. Not sure if there are cambios, don't want to rely on them being open, etc.
So I always bring $100 US in singles, fives. And have any US cash I carry on the way down in 5s, 10s, easily done at the airport while I am waiting for my flight. I can't get hurt too badly that way on the exchange during the ride and maybe my first night. The $1's help with the constant early trip tipping, but the $5 and $10 are just easier for my brain to translate into J$. $5 is roughly two beers etc. LOL $10 is a beer/2 and a half chicken, with a little change back. haha. $20? Wayyyy too much math starting to happen. :p
Although I agree with Lola about changing money at the airport being the wise choice, I never want to wait. And the exchange rate seems off by 10 or so J per dollar usually, and that just bugs me...but she's right, that's probably the best way to travel---if not the fastest way to get to Negril.
I don't agree with changing at the airport--I am always trying to get out of there as quickly as possible and rates are usually not as good there. But whatever is comfortable--go for it. But in answer to are US dollars accepted on the drive from Mobay to Negril, yes.
If you feel you MUST have J$ to spend on your way to your hotel(?), then the exchange at the airport is your option, but not a good one.... No commission, but they are 10J lower than the daily "buy" price, so that spread is actually their commission. So, on a $100USD exchange where you should get 8500J you will net 7500J, which is a 12USD difference! Or, a 12 percent commission!!! RIPOFF TO THE MAX!!
On the other hand, if you use an ATM, your local machine fee is about 250J($3US), you get the exchange rate that is correct, and your bank may not charge you a fee! Plus, you aren't carrying wads of $$$$ around. We hit the ATM as needed, for no more than 2 days cash at a time.
However, most food shops/convenience stores will be happy to take your USD, and most will give a fair exchange rate. For example, DrinksPlus(a little convenience shop next to BourbonBeach) gives you 85J to the USD on purchases, and gives you change back in J$, with a smile! We stopped at the chineyman store in Hopewell for some RedStripes this time down, paid USD, got the 85J exchange rate and change back in J or USD, as I wished....
Don't let your desire to seem "local" cost you $$ by exchanging currency at the airport...there is NO shame in using USD at any shop, just ask first. They know the exchange rate, they want your business, and trading J$ for USD is a win-win for the shop/store.:)
I just got back for my 14th trip.I just cant stand when everyone on the bus does not want to stop for a Red Stripe....Next time I'm taking my own cab and stop 2/3/4 times,enjoy the ride........I remember the bus always stopped at Lollipop Bar right on the beach for a beer and a pee.
you can certainly use your US $ when you stop by Bigga ... you may get your change if you have it coming in Jamaican $, but he will always be spot on with your money back to you.
I am so thrilled to hear that more and more are stopping by and giving him the business! YeeHaa!
Your driver will not mind to stop at a cambio (one in Green Island that I have used that is quick on/off access) - if there are other riders they might groan but just say you will make it quick. As others said though you can use US $ until you make arranagements. If you are not in a hurry I think its a good idea and Bigga's is a MUST DO......try everything he's got....and share with the other riders - it will bring smiles to everyones face and a great way to start experiencing the culture for newbies!!!!!
Is there an ATM at the airport besides the one in the departure lounge? Also, I have been thru twice this year, in May and Oct and it has been down both times as well. Any Scotia ATM's that are easy to stop at on the way?
My wife and I will be there in 3 weeks! We always ride with Dandy and he always has a stop or two along the way for Red Stripes or a snack. It's part of our ritual and it gets in the flavor before we even get to the hotel. I like to use JD so I exchange $100 or two at the airport. Don't sweat the exchange rate it's not going to make or break the trip.
So few people anymore know of or appreciate the Lollipop Stop. Those were the days!
I agree that the exchange rate at the airport isn't that great. We did that and regreted it. The exchange rate was better at our hotel
Enjoy Biggas! It's definitely worth the stop! It's gooood chicken! I hear the conch soup is amazing too! I want to try that next time:D
While the exchange rate at the airport is high, the convenience might justify the cost to some. After reading this thread everyone is in a position to make an informed choice.
I have great memories of the stops at The Lollipop. ;)