Tips for Negril (& Jamaica) newbies

We're heading down in October with some friends who've never been to Negril or Jamaica for that matter. They aren't new to travelling, just to Jamaica. I thought it would be fun to put together a list of tips for them since they get in 6 days before we do. I'm hoping all of you can add your wisdom to the list :) We're staying at Coco, so a few are Coco specific...

Here's what I have so far:

Taxis - don't pay the $10 per head they want at the hotel, walk out to the road and a taxi will stop. Negotiate the price before you get in and make sure they have a red plate.

Change - no one ever has any. Go to the front desk in the morning and change a few thousand JA to small bills - you'll need it!

Beach vendors - a polite no thank you works well - treat them with respect and you'll get the same back

ATM's - there's a Scotia ATM at Times Square and downtown; no withdrawal fees for Cdn Scotia account holders

Coco Happy Hour - every day (except Monday) at the main bar (not the snack bar), 5-7, 2 for 1 mixed drinks, beer and wine

Patties - Neville's patties are good (steel box), Norman's are better (cardboard box) and Niah's are the best but you'd better be hungry!

Ice - available from the snack bar, it closes at 6 to make sure to stock up before then!

That's all I can think of for now, I know I'm missing lots - can't wait for your input :)

My advice is for you. Not them. I caught myself doing this when I took my buddy down in August. Trying to be the tour-guide and get to "everything" It's impossible and it takes away from the experience. Need to let it happen as it does.

If they are drinkers get a bottle or 2 from duty free for the room and bring a insulated cup for lounging on the beach...

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Originally Posted by Flipadelphia26

My advice is for you. Not them. I caught myself doing this when I took my buddy down in August. Trying to be the tour-guide and get to "everything" It's impossible and it takes away from the experience. Need to let it happen as it does.

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I hear ya Flip - we've decided it's their trip and we'll tag along wherever they want to go. By the time we get there I suspect they'll already have covered more ground than we ever have :)

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Originally Posted by love2travelchic

If they are drinkers get a bottle or 2 from duty free for the room and bring a insulated cup for lounging on the beach...

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LOL - I know they'll bring insulated mugs, but I just assumed they'd know enough to stop at the duty free. They connect through TO and the duty free there is expensive - I think I'll suggest the arrivals duty free to them, especially if they're buying rum...

remind them to take insect repellant with them, and to use it especially just before sunset when the sand fleas and/or no-see-ums want to eat them for dinner

There's a small store across the street from Coco to buy some supplies. Best in the West across the street for jerk chicken. Good drink prices a couple doors down at Sun Beach.

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Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel

LOL - I know they'll bring insulated mugs, but I just assumed they'd know enough to stop at the duty free. They connect through TO and the duty free there is expensive - I think I'll suggest the arrivals duty free to them, especially if they're buying rum...

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Haha! yea what's the point of the cup without d bottle...the duty free at Mobay is limited IMO for what mi like...lol

…that nothing is free...

Unsure that you see both sides of Negril ..
beach gravity will take over .. but the westend is a must-do
consider a day trip ... Tosh mosol/ Black River / Pelican Bar/YS Falls/Appleton can all be done in a single day ..
a fairly long day ..but you'll have a great time
drive back thru " Shrimp lady " area ..
Hire a driver .. the freedom of stopping & wandering make for a more enjoyable day ..than doing with a "bus tour "

Do NOT tell the peddlers "maybe later" or "we will be back tomorrow". They WILL remember you and they WILL find you. If you don't want what they are selling, (whatever it is) just say no thanks! (they hear that a lot) And if one or two of them gets a bit pushy, stand your ground. It's OK to be firm and NOT give in. (otherwise others will notice and try the same tactics)

Great suggestions / comments!

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Originally Posted by BIG SHINY n Mango

Do NOT tell the peddlers "maybe later" or "we will be back tomorrow". They WILL remember you and they WILL find you. If you don't want what they are selling, (whatever it is) just say no thanks! (they hear that a lot) And if one or two of them gets a bit pushy, stand your ground. It's OK to be firm and NOT give in. (otherwise others will notice and try the same tactics)

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So true - Mr. Nutz used to do that, always saying "maybe later", he's over that now!

Need to add not to let anyone "give" you anything - thanks Kaycee :)

We're doing the bar crawl with Lenbert again, so they'll get a taste of the west end. Hopefully we'll also make it to Ivan's for dinner!

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Originally Posted by kaycee

…that nothing is free...

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haha.
Had to yell at my buddy to stop letting people hand him things. Happend like three times over the first day and a half.

do not let the peddlers put anything on your wrist, or hand, , soon come

Don't forget the small easy to use flashlight if you are going out at night. And no wallets in your back pockets. That's not just for JA, I don't put one in my back pocket any time I travel. Cambio's give better exchange rates for your money.

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Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel

Ice - available from the snack bar, it closes at 6 to make sure to stock up before then!

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On our last trip we discovered Bob was guarding the ice machine - we pretty much accessed it 24/7. There is a tall fenced lean-to between the beach restaurant and the Bob Marley carving. The gate/door said keep door closed, not do not enter. So we peeked in and discovered it housed the big commercial ice machine. We certainly weren't the only guests going direct to the source.

Be firm and stand your ground and DO NOT stop if you don't want to look. Don't go over if someone calls you over. Just say no, and be firm. Don't waver - they can sense it if you are wavering. Be sure to get the cab fare worked out before you get in - if it's a route taxi, say, "$1.50 to the roundabout, right?" or something like that so they don't try to charge you more. Don't be shocked at the amount of $ you drop on tips - that was the only thing that really surprised me. We knew it was low season and made sure to tip 20% on meals (like at home) and a few bucks here and there for anything special or out of the way someone does for you - gets you a cooler, refills your ice, carries your bags, etc. Don't be afraid to, with caution, walk and see new stuff, try yard food, etc. Ask the locals if you're wondering if something is good - we found Erica's that way, otherwise we'd never have sought it out on its own. Don't be afraid to haggle - we got some good deals and some okay deals on things that we really wanted (we had very limited time and basically no time to shop, so we had to take what we could get for gifts for those we left at home). If you get coffee to bring home, go to the grocery store - much cheaper there - we went to HiLo. And finally, if someone was having a hard time taking our "no, thank you" for an answer, we said it again and then added, "respect!" and that ended it. :)

Well; there are many solid pieces of advice in this thread.
I would only add a couple of things, and I may get roasted for them.
First of all; if you have a compromised immune system or irritable bowel syndrome or anything related do not eat at the roadside barrels/stands unless they have a supply of clean fresh water to wash hands and food, and some ice on hand to store their product.
My wife and I were sickened by a very popular west end jerk stand guy (who is no longer with us), who served questionable chicken.
Others on this board have raved about him, so sometimes you can't really trust everything you read.
Don't carry any gov't issued I.D. on you. Just photocopy what you have and keep the real thing in your room safe or hotel's office safe. The photocopies will I.D. you in case of an accident.
Place your cash/room key in a zip lock baggie and put it in your swimsuit pocket (men) or add a little coin purse to the zip lock ladies and safety pin it to your top strap.
Eating at Burger King is not sacrilege. The fish Sandwich is Jamaica caught and the burgers are Jamaica beef according to the posters on the walls.
It's just a money-saver on occasion if you are so inclined and they have good A/C.
So does Juici Patti past the roundabout. I love those patty deals at Juici; often two beef patties and a drink box for 300 J, about 3.75 North American.
The bonus is you get to dine with the locals. Kids in school uniforms; moms and babies; cops; armoured car guards who prop their automatic weapons against the wall, everyone!
Don't negotiate with the taximen parked along Norman Manley Boulevard. In other words don't ask how much the fare is; You say, (if you're going from beach to a cliff resort) "How about 500 J to Catcha" with is about 6 dollars; which I have determined pretty close to fair. Walk away if they say no. Someone else will grab it or the guy will relent and say O.K.
Tell cab drivers you want a slow, safe ride and they will comply.
I've had idiots try to break the land speed record and I just tell them to 'One Stop' and get out of the cab.
As many others have stated; you can have the route cab experience (after establishing that you know the going rate first); but it's really not necessary.
To travel the distance of say the Margaritaville area to deep west on the cliffs in a charter cab is only 5 or 6 hundred dollars in the daytime. That's about 6 or 7 bucks which in your hometown would be an easy 20 dollar ride in a cab.

Well; there are many solid pieces of advice in this thread.
I would only add a couple of things, and I may get roasted for them.
First of all; if you have a compromised immune system or irritable bowel syndrome or anything related do not eat at the roadside barrels/stands unless they have a supply of clean fresh water to wash hands and food, and some ice on hand to store their product.
My wife and I were sickened by a very popular west end jerk stand guy (who is no longer with us), who served questionable chicken.
Others on this board have raved about him, so sometimes you can't really trust everything you read.
Don't carry any gov't issued I.D. on you. Just photocopy what you have and keep the real thing in your room safe or hotel's office safe. The photocopies will I.D. you in case of an accident.
Place your cash/room key in a zip lock baggie and put it in your swimsuit pocket (men) or add a little coin purse to the zip lock ladies and safety pin it to your top strap.
Eating at Burger King is not sacrilege. The fish Sandwich is Jamaica caught and the burgers are Jamaica beef according to the posters on the walls.
It's just a money-saver on occasion if you are so inclined and they have good A/C.
So does Juici Patti past the roundabout. I love those patty deals at Juici; often two beef patties and a drink box for 300 J, about 3.75 North American.
The bonus is you get to dine with the locals. Kids in school uniforms; moms and babies; cops; armoured car guards who prop their automatic weapons against the wall, everyone!
Don't negotiate with the taximen parked along Norman Manley Boulevard. In other words don't ask how much the fare is; You say, (if you're going from beach to a cliff resort) "How about 500 J to Catcha" which is about 6 dollars; which I have determined pretty close to fair. Walk away if they say no. Someone else will grab it or the guy will relent and say O.K.
Tell cab drivers you want a slow, safe ride and they will comply.
I've had idiots try to break the land speed record and I just tell them to 'One Stop' and get out of the cab.
As many others have stated; you can have the route cab experience (after establishing that you know the going rate first); but it's really not necessary.
To travel the distance of say the Margaritaville area to deep west on the cliffs in a charter cab is only 5 or 6 hundred dollars in the daytime. That's about 6 or 7 bucks which in your hometown would be an easy 20 dollar ride in a cab.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CherryNorth49

On our last trip we discovered Bob was guarding the ice machine - we pretty much accessed it 24/7. There is a tall fenced lean-to between the beach restaurant and the Bob Marley carving. The gate/door said keep door closed, not do not enter. So we peeked in and discovered it housed the big commercial ice machine. We certainly weren't the only guests going direct to the source.

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Great tip, thanks!

I prefer Shamrock for picking up drinks and other supplies, much more selection than Mikey's across from Coco. Good prices too, unless they're wanting to go all the way downtown. I walk the beach to Alfred's then cut through to the road, just across the street and down towards town a bit from there. He (John) also sells freshly squeezed oj (if they miss the juice guy on the beach). Nice man, I enjoy giving him my business.

When mentioning to get change at the front desk, specify lots of 100s. Those 100s run through my fingers like crazy everyday, as I use them the most. (maybe moreso as a single buying one drink, etc.) But with tipping housekeeping everyday, short taxi rides, etc., they go fast!

nothing is free..very good..
I would make sure to have trip insurance that can medevac you out if you have medial/health issue...its a 3rd world with 3rd world medical facilities and responders..thats the fact..
I would also have the number of private ambulance to get you to airport -medical facility..Yes, Negril has ambulance...but cant count on it always to be available..Have the number of the embassies from where you come from -in case of emergency or lost passport,etc...and some extra cash set aside for emergencies-many do not take credit cards, etc..cash only..
Not trying to scare anyone-just the facts as it would be for other islands, countries not on same standards as US,etc..


have a copy of passport with info where you staying to be on you at all times...put passport in safe place,..same goes for credit card info,etc...




always good to only use recommendations from trusted sources...not total strangers..




get out of the hotel and wander and discover....theres alot going on outside of the hotel walls..


pack light...if you forget something-chances are you can find it in negril at hi-lo,etc..

live in the moment and enjoy yourself..let all your senses takeover (ie put down that smartphone/computer away ) listen, look, hear, taste, feel..some freedom from the matrix...

I copy my passport/plane tkts and write down my CC # but I invert the last 4 #'s just in case?

Attachment 30722

Had a guy from the beach tie this bracelet on my wrist on our last visit, July 2012. I think I gave him $5 US.

Hopping it will stay on till our trip in mid-November. If so, I will have paid about .31 a month for a daily reminder of the beach in Negril.

A good bargain I believe.

Green Flash Kids, great bargain and great reminder!

Green Flash Kids.......I have had the same one on since November of last year. An added bonus was that no one stopped us to sell us one when we were back in March!

The Hot Tub at the Coco La Palm is hot ( rare in Ja...Lol) a nice place to relax before sleeping.
Check out a Broadcast and meet some people from the board.
Go to the Saturday Night Reggae Show at the Sea Star, Buffet , show and a Return bus ride for $20, can't be beat.You'll run into a great bunch of boardies every Saturday night.
The Canoe , Thursday sunset broadcast , great food and vibe there.

try to get some color the first few days, lessens that "new white look".......buy wrist bands and jewelry first couple of days...good "shark" repellant...lol........
remember not all Jamaicans understand American slang....like the guy who just wanted to give the change as a tip....."Tourist kept saying, thats ok...when she was giving change...she looked at him each time he said it...finally she replied "I know its OK"......so say what you mean.."The change is for you"........
its not a "Drug Store, but a Pharmacy......and not "Coke" but Coke a Cola or "soft drink" ....you dont want your "wants" to be mis-construed....
Always know the currency that you are dealing in...Is it 100.00 Jamaican or 100.00 US????????...some will flop back and forth between the two, its easy to get overwhelmed and confused and agree to something you didn't really want.......
Be nice........ your a visitor.....but dont overlook rudeness or improper behavior.......being a Tourist is good..it offers some sort of "protection" as a LOUD voice on your part will carry a long way....Speak UP you will be listened to............
HAVE FUN...most of all

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Originally Posted by Rambo

try to get some color the first few days, lessens that "new white look".......buy wrist bands and jewelry first couple of days...good "shark" repellant...lol........
remember not all Jamaicans understand American slang....like the guy who just wanted to give the change as a tip....."Tourist kept saying, thats ok...when she was giving change...she looked at him each time he said it...finally she replied "I know its OK"......so say what you mean.."The change is for you"........
its not a "Drug Store, but a Pharmacy......and not "Coke" but Coke a Cola or "soft drink" ....you dont want your "wants" to be mis-construed....
Always know the currency that you are dealing in...Is it 100.00 Jamaican or 100.00 US????????...some will flop back and forth between the two, its easy to get overwhelmed and confused and agree to something you didn't really want.......
Be nice........ your a visitor.....but dont overlook rudeness or improper behavior.......being a Tourist is good..it offers some sort of "protection" as a LOUD voice on your part will carry a long way....Speak UP you will be listened to............
HAVE FUN...most of all

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LOL Rambo! There is no need for anyone to worried about "American slang". Jamaicans know what "drug stores" are as well as asking for a Coke in a restaurant, store or bar!

As a matter of fact, there are "pharmacies" in Jamaica that have the name "Drug Store" in their store name, such as "Nelson's Drug Store" - check out just a few articles from the Gleaner - some from years ago!

"About a month ago, I went to Nelson's Drug Store in Cross Roads to fill a prescription."

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/2.../out/out4.html

"Sharon Hutchinson, 18, Miss March's Drug Store is a graduate of Oberlin High School"

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/2.../ent/ent2.html

"Long converted into a household name, Haughton's Pharmacy in Mandeville is more than just a pharmacy; it's a landmark. It has been around for four generations: first generation was Richard Haughton who founded the Drug Store in 1920"

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/2...business2.html

This is 2013 man, Jamaicans know what you are talking about... they deal with North American tourists more than any other visitors to the island.

LOL imagine ordering a coke and the someone comes at you with the white substance... thats an awkward moment for sure....no i wanted the soda thanks.... lol someone needs to consolidate everything that was said.... maybe i'll do it just to make it easier for the first timers and even us second timers... maybe

Flashbacks Rambo?

have an icy cold water coconut. (rum optional).

Talk with Jamaicans. Often I'll reject a salesman when approached, by saying I don't need anything thanks. But would you like a beer? Often they will drink a beer, chat, and be on their way. I do discriminate between drug/hooker salesmen and legal goods salesmen. It's amazing that they never continue to push their sales pitch after that offer.

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Originally Posted by dash

Talk with Jamaicans.

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So true Dash - part of what makes Jamaica so special is the people :)