Cab fare from beach to cliffs

[Melody]

Some places (Ivan's) will pick you up for free, you just tip the driver and pay for your return ride. Your return ride would likely be $10, but make sure you clarify the price before getting in. Seastar offers free pick up and return.

A vehicle having red plates indicates that it is a taxi licensed and insured to carry passengers. White plates indicate that it is a private vehicle and therefore not a real taxi (although you will come across many wanting to offer you a ride). I would not get into a vehicle with white plates.

There are two types of red-plate taxis, route taxis and charter taxis. Route taxis follow a certain route (beach road or cliff road) and have a set price of $100j per person. You can get in and out anywhere along their designated route. The end of the beach route is around the roundabout, where the cliff route begins. You can tell it's a route taxi because it will have the route decal on the front door. Route taxis are not a private ride, they are intended for locals use and will pick up multiple riders. I have used them and as of yet, the driver did not pick up anyone else, but you need to be prepared for it if he does as you are not paying for a private ride. If you are on the road and one honks or stops for you, just confirm with the driver before getting in, $100j pp? (check to make sure it has a red plate) When he says yes, get in, tell him where you want to be dropped off and pay him the exact amount (you can tip a bit if desired) when you get out. Use only JMD. Charter taxis also have red plates but are a private ride (intended for tourists). Again, always make sure they have a red plate, and always negotiate the price before getting in. With charters, you are negotiating the total ride price, not per person. Some will start out asking a high price, I've heard as much as $20 from say Nirvana to somewhere on the cliffs (one way). I would not pay more than $5 per couple if going somewhere beach to beach, or $10 per couple, beach to cliffs. During the day, I have negotiated a charter ride from beach to cliffs for $600 - $700j for two people. After dark, you may not be able to negotiate to less than $10 US for a ride (but you could always try!). If you are comfortable with your charter driver, you can get his phone number and call him when you're ready to return to your hotel after dinner. You could also then call the driver other nights that you require transportation. I've seen Shayne recommended often on this board and have noted his number, 572-3599. He is based out of Kuyaba on the beach. Nirvana will have a driver around, no doubt, I've just found that drivers at hotels can be a bit pricey....it may be the option you're most comfortable with, but see if you can negotiate price.

Pretty well all restaurants will have drivers available to use when ready to return to your hotel. Just do your due diligence and not assume they have red plates and don't ever assume the price, always confirm plates and price before getting into the vehicle. And if you don't like the looks of a driver (or it appears he is under the influence) don't feel obligated to use any driver. There will always be more to choose from. Ideally, you will find a good driver that you're comfortable with and get his phone number to use when needed.

Enjoy!