Taxi Rates

[SweetSue]

My husband and I recently took our first non all inclusive trip to Negril in December. We stayed on the beach and the very first time trying to go to the cliffs for dinner totally turned us off from making a second trip. Taxi driver who pulled up to us at CCLP wanted US$25. for 2 of us. After reading this board and hearing that we should not pay that much for a taxi we turned him down. Unfortunately we then walked out to the road and used a white plate without realizing it until we got in for our ride back to CCLP after dinner. Round trip was $15. The whole thing just seemed too confusing and stressful to even bother trying it again so the other 8 nights we just dined within walking distance of our hotel or at our hotel. Wouldn't it benefit the businesses on both the beach and cliffs if there was a standard price for beach hotel to cliff restaurant without having to haggle or pay a ridiculous price? We would have certainly made more trips to the cliffs. The point of vacation is to "destress". Not get stressed.

This goes for travel ANYWHERE...

If you get in a cab, especially one that is not on a meter, make sure you negotiate and know the cost of your trip [U]FIRST!!/U] There are those who will rip you off if they think they can. It is not representative of the entire industry, but some folks get greedy. I recently met two young girls from A Canada who said a driver offered to take them from the Negril Beach Condos to the Hi-Lo for $20. Fortunately for them, they were smart enough to say "No Thanks."

Another caution, especially when traveling alone (as I usually do) - stick to the cabs with the red plate. And if you have a cell phone, get a few numbers of reliable drivers. If you are out late, need a ride and don't feel comfortable - better to have someone to call. It's worth the extra $.

I have much respect for those in the taxi industry. I used to drive livery cab in NYC back in the day. I know what it is to have to hustle and how much tips can mean at the end of the day.