Advice list for newcomers to Negril

[Yesihunt2]

I bring a hotpot for making coffee, hot tea, cup-a-soup and instant oatmeal etc......also lanyard with bottle opener, waterproof case, keys etc.....

[Miss Honey]

If you use club mo bay I have a #1 priority. Bring a big bubba mug. You can fill it for free with rum punch or beer. Make sure you tip your reps. If you travel in the winter, have a change of clothes handy. Get out of those cold weather clothes at the club mobay lounge.
Bring water shoes, they are hard to find in Jamaica and sunscreen is very expensive.

[lisapat]

Davlin..I agree whole heartedly that the cambio behind Bourbon Beach is where it's at...word of advice though, better to approach it from the road, than the beach...seems like there's always a "shady" type that wants to "help me find it" when I walk up from the beach, even though I never asked for any...puts me in high alert mode....

[LivinInThe603]

Davlin..I agree whole heartedly that the cambio behind Bourbon Beach is where it's at...word of advice though, better to approach it from the road, than the beach...seems like there's always a "shady" type that wants to "help me find it" when I walk up from the beach, even though I never asked for any...puts me in high alert mode....

most helpful local men I've ever met, those guys in Negril... haha! Great tip!

[MilwaukeeMike]

As a very long time visitor, I think you are getting some great advice. Negril probably has a much lower crime rate than where you are coming from but it doesn't hurt to be aware. Several people mentioned tip #1-leave the bling at home. It's a 3rd world country, who would you be trying to impress? People have had items lifted from their rooms by enterprising thieves using a fishing pole so don't leave anything worth it near your window. The Jamaican burglar alarm system works great for the nervous types; leave your empty Red Stripe bottles near points of entry. If someone did try to enter your room, the bottles falling over would alert all. Using red plate taxis is a great idea island-wise. Sometimes that isn't possible, so never take a ride without having a firm price before you get in. I've seen the exchange rate go from 6J to $1US to the present $119J to $1US and no one ever has change. lol You never want to pull out a big roll so keep bigger bills in one pocket and smaller in the other. Know too that the person hassling you to buy something may have many depending on them for income. Never ignore someone but a firm "no thank you", coupled with a stare in their eyes with a smile usually does the trick. Don't give someone false hopes by saying "Maybe later, I have no money on me". They will feel that they made a sale, you just haven't paid them yet. And I know you've gotten this advice before but never change money with an individual. Grifters do this for a living and you will never outsmart a crook on their own turf. It also never hurts to be vague as to where you're staying. "Up the road", " a few chains away", "this year we're doing the cliffs" is all the info you want to give out. If a salesman or woman wants to put something in your hand as a gift or for your examination, pull your hand away like they have poison on them. It will be much easier than trying to give it back. Unless you blush easily, I'd lie when asked if this is your first visit. Have fun. You're visiting a wonderful place.

[TAH]

Milwaukee, I agree totally. I had a guy that I work with tell me last year that he was going to an AI in Jamaica for his honeymoon. I asked him where, he didn't know, said his fiancee booked it, then found out and told me they were staying at Sandals Negril. Now this is a pretty rough dude, works in construction, very very good old boy type. I gave him a few pointers about what to do and not to do, a few good spots to check out, etc. A few days later he asked whether his fiancee/wife should wear her wedding ring, he said she really wanted to be able to wear it around. Said it was a $10k ring, wanted to show it off a bit. I had to think for a minute how to get through to someone with that mindset, just how to explain that you're wearing around more than most of these folks make in a year... on her finger. Just don't do it. I mean, leaving aside the chances for robbery, why would you want to flaunt that? It isn't like you're going to be respected for it, I just can't comprehend it. You're basically just rubbing it in people's faces.

Not sure what that has to do with anything, but thought i'd share...

[BaileysMom]

As a newbie getting ready for her first trip to Jamaica- first trip out of the US really, aside from Cabo and a couple of cruises... I am NOT well versed on out of country travel. I truly appreciate all insight and tips here on this forum. I have what is probably a stupid question, but... here goes anyway. I've read that you must carry your US passport with you at all times while in Jamaica. Well if that's the case, I don't see people carrying their passports while swimming. I've heard some people say carry a photocopy, others say photocopies will do you no good, but keep a photocopy somewhere safe in case your passport gets stolen. What's the real deal here... passports necessary while you're out and about, whether swimming/walking the beach/going to dinner, etc?

[wrtiii]

What's the real deal here... passports necessary while you're out and about, whether swimming/walking the beach/going to dinner, etc?

I have never been asked for my passport other than at the airport. It wouldn't surprise me if hotels are supposed to ask to see them, but that's never happened to me. At cambios, I have used my driver's license as a photo ID. So I don't carry my passport around with me, but keep it in the hotel safe. My driver's license is plastic so less likely to get damaged.

I travel with a photocopy of my passport and my itinerary in each piece of luggage, including carryons. Having the photocopy will help should you lose your passport.

[groove16]

absolutely not...lock it up when u get there, ...we have a copy handy, u will only need it if u rent something, or purchase a sim card for phone, or something like that....we never carry any id, and a trip back to the room if we ever needed it...maybe 3 times in 11 trips...lol

As a newbie getting ready for her first trip to Jamaica- first trip out of the US really, aside from Cabo and a couple of cruises... I am NOT well versed on out of country travel. I truly appreciate all insight and tips here on this forum. I have what is probably a stupid question, but... here goes anyway. I've read that you must carry your US passport with you at all times while in Jamaica. Well if that's the case, I don't see people carrying their passports while swimming. I've heard some people say carry a photocopy, others say photocopies will do you no good, but keep a photocopy somewhere safe in case your passport gets stolen. What's the real deal here... passports necessary while you're out and about, whether swimming/walking the beach/going to dinner, etc?

[murph]

Unless you're planning on driving or dabbling in illegal activities, I would keep the passport in your room either locked up or well hidden.