Originally Posted by
wrtiii
Route cab prices are regulated. It's kind of like taking a bus is in the US. That said, I always tip if I take one, even if it's just an extra $100 JMD. Beyond the route cabs, or in a route cab but going beyond its route, everything is just a negotiation.
Before you get too much into "what is a fair price" - there are vast differences in the way the person drives, the type and condition of the vehicle, etc. If we take a van or larger car, we expect to pay more. If the vehicle is new and clean, we expect to pay more.
Are you comfortable with, and do you feel safe with the driver? If he drives conservatively, I would pay more. I've ridden with someone who drove like a maniac - but only once!
Is the driver going out of his way to make himself available to you? If he's waiting for you when you're done with dinner, that's worth something.
As to taking cabs from your hotel - your hotel, I would guess, is charging them for the privilege of waiting and being available to you, and (I would hope) has vetted the drivers and cars. That's worth something.
I know very well how easy it is to go home with some nagging unhappiness thinking that someone took advantage of me, when the truth is that I spent $3500. for a really good week and now I'm getting upset that except for one incident I could have spent only $3450. I have pretty much learned to simply consider that somebody in Jamaica had a good week because I was there, and feel good about that.
Cabs are especially a tricky issue because no matter what I do in Jamaica, they're still cheaper and faster - sometimes by a lot! - than taking one at home. And the amount I spend on cabs is inconsequential compared to finding out that the guy in the seat next to you on the airplane paid $364. for his round-trip ticket booking 3 weeks in advance, when you paid $562. each booking 5 months in advance after watching fare prices for 2 months...
