What you wished you knew...

[Limo Mon]

Leave the BLING at home.'
Pack less clothes
Take more CASH
NEVER EVER EXCHANGE CURRENCY ON THE STREET NEVER!

[rosalie]

For sure leave the bling at home, try to pack only all cotton material clothes and bring plenty of $1.00 for tips and I agree not to make many plans just take it as it comes and enjoy the journey because every day is a different adventure. Have a great time.

[Lola]

Jamaicans are friendlier and more out-going than you may be used to!

[K&A]

Jamaicans are friendlier and more out-going than you may be used to!

I grew up and still live in Minnesota, people from New York City are friendlier and more out-going than I am used to. I got to travel growing up and I learned pretty early on that 'Minnesota Nice' is really just 'Minnesota Passive-Aggressive'.

This is a big reason why we are going to Jamaica. Every Jamaican I've met (spent a spell in Santa Cruz CA, plenty of Jamaicans round there) would get in anybodies face if they had a problem, so when they were nice I knew that they meant it, and they were damn near always nice.

[fargoman]

One good tip I think is to exchange money at a cambio to have some Jamaican currency as many times it seems cheaper to buy drinks..ect ..do not exchange at the airport!

[Rob]

I agree! DO NOT exchange money at the airport!

[Johio]

There is a reason why the line at the airport currency exchange kiosk is short (if there is anyone exchanging money at all). Their rates are terrible.

[*vi*]

Become familiar with the exchange rate and currency denomination. Right now it’s $1US to $115JA. When you exchange your money, kindly request as many $500, $100 & $50JA bills as you can. Do meet up with folks from the board as soon as you can. Their suggestions, advice and knowledge of the runnings will help keep your days less stressful and more irie.

[Marblehead]

You'll hear "Respect" a lot. Start by learning something about the history and culture of Jamaica. I recommend the Insight Guide series. Respect is personal as in "show me some respect for what I do by being generous". Everybody is an entrepreneur. Some are more persistently so than others. First sale of the day brings luck. No need to pay too much for something, but if it feels like a fair price to me, I stop negotiating and pay up. Look for stuff that is obviously locally sourced - carvings, some jewelry, some clothing. Be patient. It's easier when you're sober! If the drug salesmen are a bother, hold you hand up, palm out, wave it back and forth and say, "No thanks, Christian." Respect --Marblehead

[Flipadelphia26]

I am sure we will cross paths down there. I think this is my tenth or so trip to negril. We are getting married on the 19th.