I have to admit that I prefer to book prior as my driver gives me much comfort. However to assume that someone asking this question is naive cracks me up. You absolutely can walk out of the airport and secure a safe ride at a comparable price in a matter of seconds. Just cause a person only has a few post does not mean that they are new to international travel or are not cultured, and to assume so is ridiculous.
As we say at home....there are many ways to skin a cat! Please don't take this as an assault to felines.Have to agree with you booger. I generally book transport ahead of time..but, I would not be opposed to taking a different approach if I felt like it.
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Haha, thanks. We're certainly not naïve. Very street smart, business savvy and acute. But I still genuinely appreciate the advice/insight from those who know more than we do about the area.Originally Posted by booger
Consider another factor. The driver you pick outside the airport arrival might drive like a maniac!
Pick someone with a safe driving reputation from this board.
I think for your first trip to Jamaica (even if you have been around the world umteen times) it is a good idea to travel a little more conventionally. Here is a brief story of something that happened to me in 1996 even after I had been to Jamaica more that 20 times previously.
Peace and GuidanceI flew into Kingston even though my final destination was Maggotty where my wedding was to take place the following weekend. I got a flight on Spirit Airlines for $7 so I figured that even a relatively expensive taxi ride would be cheaper than flying into Montego Bay.
I arrived about 11pm and after clearing Customs and Immigration, I went outside to negotiate a taxi fare to Maggotty. I tried to size up the drivers first so that I wouldn't get a drunk or someone who looked desperate for my money. I narrowed it down to three drivers almost immediately and as it was they were all parked closely together so I could next pick a serviceable vehicle for the long ride.
I didn't take the low offer nor the high offer but settled for a good price, good car and what I perceived to be a good driver and off we went. I was a little tired from a long day of work and a flight from my home in California so I almost immediately leaned on the rear window and took a nap.
We hit a small bump while still in Kingston and I opened my eyes to see we were in Trenchtown and pulling up to a government yard building. There were several youths sitting outside the building showing a great interest in the car that just pulled into their turf.
The driver stopped about 50 feet short of the youth and turned to me and said, "Hey mon, you said $250 US right?" when we had agreed on $200 dollars.
He continued, "If you don't want to pay then you can get out here (pointing ahead at the youth now getting up and heading our way). He had an evil grin on his face.
I waited for a second as I was pissed but didn't want to lose my cool as my life could be in real danger. Then a crazy thought came to mind. I rolled down the window and shouted "I will give anyone a $100 to kill this driver!"
Now, everyone started to run at the car and the driver put it into reverse and backed rapidly to the main road. He headed back towards my destination and didn't say another word until we reached Apple Valley Park where I was staying.
My friend Marshall was waiting and I told him what happened. He said to give him the $200 and he would deal with the driver. I don't know the outcome but I hear a lot of "I'm sorry" and "Please don't hurt me!" etc. before he heads back to Kingston. Marshall never did tell me what he said and what money he gave him but I am sure it taught both me and him a valuable lesson.
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That wasn't crazy Bill, it was brilliant. Like Aikido
Michael's on Time Taxi is a favorite of mine. ALWAYS reliable and on time. He also does tours. We're probably going to Mayfield falls with him this trip. He's also a board sponsor http://negril.com/transport/ontime.htm
There is a first time for everything. Just walk outside the airport and take your pick of drivers. Negotiate a price and tell him to drive like a sane man and you don't mean maybe. There are plenty of drivers there to assist you and you do not need 20+ trips under your belt to try it. I got a taxi at the airport my 1st trip in and have done it more often than not in my 80+ trips. Some of you really need your mommy with you to leave the house. Geeeeezz
Kingsley James has been our choice for the past few years - he doesn't charge for the loan of a phone and has a nice cold beverage waiting for us
Not everyone that arrives here wants to start negotiating immediately on arrival. Many have been flying for very long hours, they're tired, the heat can often be overwhelming for some when they first get here....having a driver set up in advance can just simply be more convenient.
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