let me say DONT DO IT! My story for what its worth.

My first trip to Jamaica i went with friends and I was the one saying we needed a rental car. i just did not understand about the regular taxis and route taxies. driving on vacation in a strange place NOT!. We of course drove after drinking, bad idea. we had a blow out Yuck! and almost drove off a cliff on the old road from Mobay!

i am not saying don't spend the money because they need it in Jamaica but we stay for two weeks when we go and including airport transfers we have never spent 300 total in taxi rides considering the cost of how cheep route taxis are. At 80j per person from most rides we just give the driver the whole 100J bill and be grateful for the ride and the cost.

Do what you must be just know I was the one that insisted on a rental car on our first trip and now some 20 trips later I would never do a rental car again. you will meet some wonderful people while walking or taking a taxi and will get to know the locals much better.

Good Luck with whatever you decide.

Timm