My two cents on taxi s

[gerryg123]

First time in Negril, I paid $30 to go to Ricks cafe. Newbie.

[Accompong]

Just read the post that accompang entered implying that he does not bargain a price for a cab ride. If he does not than either he has more money than needed ( which I hope is the case) or is foolish. The point I was trying to make is why fool with a route taxi when a private driver is happy to take a bit more. I have always negotiated the ride and paid what I believe to be a fair amount plus a bit extra . The driver can refuse this if he chooses. My opinion is the driver. Starts off high knowing the price would be negotiated. Am I wrong with that assumption?

Well, "original spanky" and not another "spanky" I guess.

I did not "imply" that I do not bargain. What I was saying is that I know what things cost and what a fair price should be. If I am quoted a "fair price" then I will usually pay it. I don't try to squeeze an ounce of flesh out of a driver by offering a ridiculously low fare even if I intend to give him a 'tip' to make it a little more.

The point I was trying to make is why fool with a route taxi when a private driver is happy to take a bit more.

Well, you certainly only offered "a bit more" and that was the point I was making.

I am retired and I don't have more money than what I need but I live in the same town as my Route Taxi Drivers and my Private Drivers and we treat each other fairly and honestly.

If that makes me foolish then foolish I am and will continue to be.

I guess that my driver friends wouldn't quote me a ridiculous price and do not expect me to counter with an equally ridiculous price so I guess in my case, you are "wrong with that assumption". Just keep doing whatever you are doing if it works for you. I was just saying that it doesn't work for me.

Peace and Guidance

[original spanky]

Accompong thanks for reply. Agreed

[Tanfastic]

While I'm not a regular to Jamaica like many of you, I have traveled (and lived) in the Caribbean/Mexico extensively in my lifetime. A point that should be made on this is once you have lived/made friends/traveled routinely in an area taxi drivers or vendors don't take you as a "mark" and start out high, they offer you a fair price eliminating the need for heavy negotiation or ridiculous low ball offers. Accompong it sounds like you have earned that respect with your time in paradise but most of us haven't so please excuse us if we do play the game, BUT with respect!

[original spanky]

Well said tanfastic.

[Big_frank]

Hey Bill; just an observation. 3X which I also take is getting more common in the Negril Shops these days.
My observation in January was this: Wow, lots of heavy gray haired over 50-60's travellers, outnumbering by far the younger folk.

[chris55]

Went to Bourbon Beach the other night till late. No idea what time it was but the music has stopped..lol....went to get a cab and the driver wanted $10 to go to The Rondel. I admit I burst out laughing and said $5. I think that's plenty for that short distance but the driver was mumbling as we got in the car. I don't mind paying a fair price and over pay sometimes but that's ok. I also don't go on vacation to save money and I don't care if someone gets a better deal. I took a taxi in Winnipeg last night and it cost us $30 and I didn't get to negotiate. Just saying