As I've said (probably too many times) this is my girlfriend's first trip.
I thought making some stops on the road to Negril (Clarity mentioned Bigga's) might help her get into the spirit of Negril a little quicker.
I've never stopped on the way down before - always in too big of a rush.
Will I need J $ or can I get by on U.S. $ until we get to a cambio?
Is there a good cambio on the road to Negril?
I'm almost positive U.S. greenback is accepted at almost all places. Your driver will certainly know where you can exchange money in Montego Bay.
US dollars are fine. I usually don't change money till I am in Negril. Have stopped at Biggas many times on ride in.
take the "back way" to Negril, more like the old road, many places to stop for "whatever".....many cool photo ops.........
Happy Holidays
"One of the laundry gals pipes up ,,"LOOK AT DA BLOOD"
"YES,THAT WOULD BE MINE" I said as my leg that at first gave no pain, started dishing it out in large bunches........"
want more read our blog? our first trip.........http://negril.com/forum/entry.php?58...-The-Beginning
If Rambo's suggestion is thru the hills I would second that one. Maybe save it for the road home though as I believe it is longer, at least it felt that way. Bigga's jerk is awesome and it's a good place to stop and grab some beers as well.
pay in ja, soon come
Change $100 US at the airport, make sure they give you some (a lot, like $2kjmd in 500's, 100's and 50's) small bills - you will feel more at home with JMD in your pockets (and be sure to put most of it in a separate pocket). I've only had soup at Bigga's (my driver calls him "Biggs") and its very reasonable, and delicious. He has lids for soup, if you want to take some to the hotel with you.
Its a good idea to eat on your way to Negril; that way you can settle in without feeling desperately hungry.
Change $100 US at the airport, make sure they give you some (a lot, like $2kjmd in 500's, 100's and 50's) small bills - you will feel more at home with JMD in your pockets (and be sure to put most of it in a separate pocket). I've only had soup at Bigga's (my driver calls him "Biggs") and its very reasonable, and delicious. He has lids for soup, if you want to take some to the hotel with you.
Its a good idea to eat on your way to Negril; that way you can settle in without feeling desperately hungry.
I use J$ when I get to Negril...but same as you I don't want to stop. Not sure if there are cambios, don't want to rely on them being open, etc.
So I always bring $100 US in singles, fives. And have any US cash I carry on the way down in 5s, 10s, easily done at the airport while I am waiting for my flight. I can't get hurt too badly that way on the exchange during the ride and maybe my first night. The $1's help with the constant early trip tipping, but the $5 and $10 are just easier for my brain to translate into J$. $5 is roughly two beers etc. LOL $10 is a beer/2 and a half chicken, with a little change back. haha. $20? Wayyyy too much math starting to happen.
Although I agree with Lola about changing money at the airport being the wise choice, I never want to wait. And the exchange rate seems off by 10 or so J per dollar usually, and that just bugs me...but she's right, that's probably the best way to travel---if not the fastest way to get to Negril.
Last edited by brasi; 12-28-2011 at 08:00 PM.
If you feel you MUST have J$ to spend on your way to your hotel(?), then the exchange at the airport is your option, but not a good one.... No commission, but they are 10J lower than the daily "buy" price, so that spread is actually their commission. So, on a $100USD exchange where you should get 8500J you will net 7500J, which is a 12USD difference! Or, a 12 percent commission!!! RIPOFF TO THE MAX!!
On the other hand, if you use an ATM, your local machine fee is about 250J($3US), you get the exchange rate that is correct, and your bank may not charge you a fee! Plus, you aren't carrying wads of $$$$ around. We hit the ATM as needed, for no more than 2 days cash at a time.
However, most food shops/convenience stores will be happy to take your USD, and most will give a fair exchange rate. For example, DrinksPlus(a little convenience shop next to BourbonBeach) gives you 85J to the USD on purchases, and gives you change back in J$, with a smile! We stopped at the chineyman store in Hopewell for some RedStripes this time down, paid USD, got the 85J exchange rate and change back in J or USD, as I wished....
Don't let your desire to seem "local" cost you $$ by exchanging currency at the airport...there is NO shame in using USD at any shop, just ask first. They know the exchange rate, they want your business, and trading J$ for USD is a win-win for the shop/store.
"Enjoy Every Sandwich"-Warren Zevon
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