Yeah, I thought it was a little high, $20.00 more than what is stated on the website. Ugh! I should have stated that I saw the price on the website in my original email. I need to get better at negotiating prices before I arrive!! It's O.K. though, he comes highly recommended. Thanks for the offer but we have already confirmed.
Reality is we would pay much more in North America, so $140 is not bad for safe reliable transportation that comes highly recommended. Have fun and enjoy your trip. Also, do not be afraid to ask to stop wherever you choose on the way. Cambio to exchange money, store to get beer and what have you, Bigga's on the way for some jerk chicken. Your response from the driver should be something similar to " no problem mon."
Tip like you normally do. I'm a 20 percent guy. 20 percent in Boston 20 percent in Jamaica. Extra deserves extra. Tip the owner same too. The tip is for service.
Remember that you've already paid for his gas by hiring him as a driver so as far as tipping....tip for service and not GP. Ask yourself a few questions before tippin such as how many bags did you have, were they big and heavy and how helpful was the driver with your bags. How many stops did you make? Was the driver conversational? Did he make you laugh or share some Jamaican history with you? My advice is to not have a set amount in your head and see how the driver treats you and then do what you feel is right. You also have to remember not everyone has the same budget. Some can afford to tip more than others so do what you are comfortable with.
VW40....
The price you were quoted of $140.00us round trip for a private ride...isn't out of the ordinary.
A bit out of the ordinary now is the $100.00us round trip for a private ride...and I can't imagine that will last much long as this is barely sustainable.
Good to hear! I picked him because the prices on the web page ($60.00 each way, $120.00 round trip) were some of the cheaper ones I had found for a private transfer and I've read a lot of great reviews. An extra $20.00 is not a huge deal and I'm sure we will love him. I guess maybe the website hasn't been updated.
One week!!
I tip 10 dollars each way--but I almost always do shared rides. If we stop for food or beverages I always get the driver something. And the one time I had a private driver and stopped at megamart, I got the driver his choice of item from the store, and then soup at biggas etc in addition to the tip. I would never ride and not tip the driver--regardless of whether he was the owner or not.
I always use Clive's service - red plates, nice vehicles with good AC, safe friendly drivers.
Since traveling single I just do the Regular Transfer to have company on the ride - even with the fairly recent increase to $US30 each way, still excellent deal.
Only way I know that is cheaper is JUTA - but usually a longer wait and more hotel stops before mine since usually on west end.
His is also just $50 for 2 people and just $20/person if 3 or more - again Regular Transfer prices to/from Negril, I never have need to do Private.
20% is $US6 - so I usually tip $500JA plus buy the driver a drink/snack at the rest break going to Negril.
Last edited by Ohio_Buckeye_1; 04-11-2012 at 12:20 PM.
08: Jan-NegrilTreehouse
08: Nov-RoomsOnTheBeach, Ochi & TobysResort, MoBay
09: Apr-Legends, Negril
09: Dec-Legends, Negril
10: Apr-HolidayInnSunspree, Mobay & SeastarInn, Negril
10: Nov&Dec-SeastarInn & FunHoliday, Negril & SunsetResort, Treasure Beach
11: Mar-FootePrints & NegrilBeachClubCondos, Negril
11: Sep-Legends, Negril
12: Sep-SeastarInn, Negril
13: Mar-Match Resort & Bay View Resort, Port Antonio & El Greco, MoBay
13: Dec-SeastarInn & Shields, Negril & VerneyHouse, MoBay
$20 us each leg of the trip. Stop at Mega mart and a beer run.