Looking for tips for NON-resort Jamaica. I am going with 3 girl friends and we are renting an airbnb in Montego Bay for a few days and then staying in a hotel (not AI) in Negril for a few days. We want to see some waterfalls, try local food, and relax on the beaches.
- I have heard I should bring both Jamican and US dollars (for tipping, variable exchange rates, street food) and that bigger restaurants accept credit cards. Do taxis accept credit cards?
- Any recommendations for reliable taxi drivers? I am doing a bit of research and having sticker shock at some of the quotes (e.g. $60USD from airport to our airbnb... it is a 15 mins drive...!!).
- Our airbnb is not walking distance to any nightlife. If we want to go out to a bar, we can maybe use the driver recommended by our airbnb host, but what about going home after? Do people set a time and have the same driver pick them up? I don't want to just get in a random taxi on the street as I heard some are not legal.
- Any experience buying a Jamaican SIM card? Are they available in the airport?
- Any recommendations for day trips, restaurants, bars? We are thinking of going to YS falls and the blue hole. I have gone to Dunn's River Falls already a few years ago.
Thanks a lot!!

Watch your back
Watch your drinks
Be diligent
Ask your b and b to hook you up with private drivers
Leave passports in safe place ,carry photocopy

Susan yes good advice to remember anywhere (and yes especially in Jamaica)! We will be careful. Thank you.

Denise also sun is strong.i lived in ocho rios for 6 months but it was 45 years ago …

Pm'd you

Given the current state of emergency down there, I would recommend booking your airport transfer in advance and use that company for tours (for example viator). If using a taxi, ensure their licence plate is red and pay via USD.

Toya what is the current state of emergency?

Toya Thank you for the info.

Read this https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/jamaica
TRAVEL.GC.CA
Travel advice and advisories for Jamaica

Sandra this should give these ladies a bit of a wake up call! Lots of other places to go in the Caribbean.

Pauline with all the same worries

Sandra Just for context (as a Canadian who grew up in Jamaica 1980s due to parents' work) a variation of this advisory has been on the Canadian gov. site most of my life. Most of the violence happens in Kingston and specific non-tourist pockets of Mo Bay. Not expecting anyone to take it lightly. However travel to areas of many countries is risky (Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Detroit...). Every traveller is different in terms of their comfort level. I personally hate to see a whole island vilified when much of it is safe with due diligence and care.

Anne thank you for your perspective Anne. I was about to say the same thing. Not to take the safety issues lightly, but many places have that degree of advisory for a long time. I have been to several countries with the same warning (e.g. Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand, Ghana) but stayed away from higher risk areas and was fine. And of course, even traveling to the US could be considered risky for the amounts of gun violence, but most Canadians would still visit. I think it is important to be careful but we all have different risk tolerance and Jamaica is a very big island and there is obviously a variety of experiences people will have, as evidenced here in the comments.

I would never stay off resort in Jamaica. The heckling and unsafe feeling. As girls you can’t just walk around without being harassed relentlessly. They will follow you into the water or around the streets. If you do stay off resort, be very careful. Watch your drinks and your personal belongings and don’t let anyone touch you or put anything on you. Some people try to get bracelets on your ankles or wrists then pressure you into paying even though you never asked. I’ve been all over the Caribbean (sailing island to island) and nothing compares to the relentlessnesses I felt in Jamaica. I’ve been there 4 times in 4 different areas and each time it’s always been the same. It was the worst on the beach in Negril. I would also like to state there are some great people in Jamaica, it’s not everyone and it’s a beautiful country.

Amanda Correct.

Amanda thanks for sharing your experience. We will be careful! I had the same problem in parts of Europe (people give you a "gift" like a bracelet and then pressure you to pay for it! A common one is they hang out near a popular sight and ask you your name. While you are in the sight, they make a bracelet or necklace with your name, and when you leave they try to sell it to you and you feel bad because they "customized" it!). I find a polite but firm "no" to be the best approach, but yes it can certainly get annoying/tiresome.

Amanda honestly it's everywhere. You just have to be stern and tell them no or ignore them. They won't do you any harm, trust me. As long as you keep flashy items away (pick pocketing is common in high touristy areas) you'll be fine safety wise. Jamaica takes tourism and the safety of tourists VERY seriously. Just have to be smart, but I agree the pressure is overwhelming. Just got back from Italy and I was pressed to get 3 stupid wooden bracelets that were put on me for 30 euros. I was so mad at myself after and they're all in the garbage now.

Amanda that has been our experience as well. And would definitely not explore the nightlife downtown MB....we went down at night with a local guide on the advice of our Bnb hosts and it was still a bit nerve wracking. We were warned not to go by ourselves and I could see why. And while out during the day they kept pestering us all day. It’s a very beautiful country, but I wouldn’t go back without staying at a resort.

Alyssa there are a couple of really good night clubs in Mobay that we went to and had a great time with no incidents considering there were so many people at those clubs so your comment is misleading. We had a driver that took us there and picked us up (2 females and 1 male) and we had no issues at all and we're normally very careful when we travel.
Like most island in a third world country there is much poverty, lack of jobs/good paying jobs and while its annoying to tourists, this is how locals put food on the table or pay for a roof over their head. There is no welfare system, no food banks or other fancy western accoutrements to prevent starvation so sorry for the inconvenience to you madam tourist. I hope you enjoyed your stay.

Amanda we stayed at a hotel on the main beach in Negril (not AI) and never felt unsafe. It is such a great way to get to know the locals. Not sure I would do the same in Montego Bay.

Amanda I agree 100% I agree with visiting, but at a resort or reputable guesthouse or hostel with a local who can arrange all this and just have the tours that pick u direct.

Wow lots of whackness in these responses, very telling. Anyway in 2019, a group of 4 of us (all women) did a roadtrip thru Jamaica using Knutsford express (public bus) and it was PERFECTLY FINE!!!! In fact, a lot of fun. Mo Bay and Negril unfortunately are made for resort type so we didn't find a lot of "adventure" stuff to do. If your itinerary is not set then I really recommend adding in Port Antonio...so much to do, proper vibes, Anthony Bourdain recommended seafood, public beaches!! Our hosts there were amazing, longing to return

Oh I just remembered there was a cool bamboo raft thing in Montego Bay.

Safiah Martha brae river for the river rafting.

Safiah Thanks for sharing your experience!! Sounds like you had a fun trip! Port Antonio may be a bit far for us this time, but it sounds amazing (I trust Anthony Bourdain's food recs for sure ;)). Will keep that in mind for next time.

Safiah it's not whackness. It's truth. Even in other parts of the Caribbean it's just this way. Of course everywhere you have to be careful, but why risk it? Couldn't u use a tour company, or rent a car? Also, if you blend in, it helps on what kind of experience you'll have.

Alana no, it’s not the truth. Blend in? What on earth am I reading? Anti-Black racism is alive and well. Maybe you should stay away from countries with Black people if all you want to do is have them serve you at a resort.

Safiah agree a lot of problematic language and assumptions. If I was from that country and reading some of these posts, I would be aghast.

Well I felt Jamaica gave me an unsafe feeling.

Just got back from Jamaica and taxis were crazy expensive. 60$ USD for 20 min ride. From Montego Bay to negril 200$ USD.
Most taxis will give you a what’s app contact so you can contact them a bit before you’re ready for your pick up so they will be waiting.

Liv thanks for the info! Makes sense re: whatsapp, but then I should definitely get a SIM card on arrival so I can use whatsapp.

Denise we’re with Rogers so to roam like home when you’re there with Rogers it was 15$ cdn each day. Probably cheaper to get a SIM card

Treasure Beach. There are villas and very small hotels, but like others have said, be careful, very, very careful.

Hey I DM'd you

Personally I agree with with each comment in a little way: I would not go downtown at night in my own city or some other areas with or without a male. So I can safely say most towns have their issues somewhere within themselves. I’ve been to Jamaica a few times and rented a taxi for the day and he took us from Runaway Bay to Negril and we stopped at the local bars in the back country along the way and drank with the locals! Best time I ever had! To stereotype a place is sad because it as well as other places has so much beauty and memories to make! Be smart because even if your at a AI you can still have crime. Do your research and stay out of areas that are listed in Jamaicans news.

Recommend: a wonder of the world Luminous Lagoon, Ricks Cafe cliff diving and Pelican Bar in the ocean!!!!

I was going to suggest YS Falls. It’s beautiful. You might want to check out Little Ochi also. Amazing seafood , from the ocean to table!
I’ve never felt unsafe in JA. I do AI’s and stay with family. As for the comment regarding ppl trying to sell you stuff or being relentless that’s all over the world in tourist areas. It’s how they make a living. You haven’t seen relentless until you go to Egypt. Jamaicans are tame in comparison!
If you find a good driver keep him for the whole trip! And yes, the price of taxis has gone up since the pandemic. I have drivers but they’re in Ochi
SIM cards can be purchased at Digicel locations.

We stayed off resort with my three kids in negril in April. It was totally fine.

Also a lot of airbnb owners have suggestions for private taxi/drivers with a set rate so you might want to ask them (same goes for hotel).

I returned from Jamaica a week ago. I stayed in airbnb, hostels, and hotels. Started from Kingston and finished at Montego Bay. I didn't feel unsafe at all.
But, people are pushy there. They want to "help" and the tipping culture is pathetic. Even if you talk to someone, they ask for a tip! For a simple talk
I had my rental car so drove me around. I didn't take any tour. Tours are crazy expensive. I recommend renting a car and drive yourself around. I didn't go to Negril but I was okay everywhere else. Mon Bay downtown is a bit crazy packed when you drive there but all good.
- Sim Card: I stopped by a Flow store and bought a SIM card from them directly. It was for 1000 JMD, 6 GB for a week.
- Money: If you have a tangerine debit card, use any Scotiabank ATM and withdraw local JMD. That's all I used. I also brought $100 in $20s USD for just in case which I used in some places to pay entry fees.
- If you are in Mon Bay, YS Falls will be a bit of a drive from there but Dunn falls are very close (no pool like YS Falls). I feel it is unique as you can start climbing the fall from the sea all the way up. I did that (NO TOUR, just drove myself, paid $25 USD entry and that's it).
- Ok, Just read you have done Dunn's. So yeah YS Falls it is. Blue Hole was CLOSED until further notice.
Let me know if you want recommendations about rental car. So I rented for 5 days, automatic Sedan car and paid ~ $150 USD. A taxi from / to airport can cost you more than that. Plus you are not alone so can split the cost. If you have driven in any big city (Montreal specifically), you'll be totally fine. Just have to be a little "aggressive" lol

Yaser Lol, If you can drive in Montreal, you can anywhere.

Lorraine Exactly!

Yaser Had some twilight zone moments as a passenger in a taxi.

Lorraine They should give you a discount
versus asking for a tip haha

Yaser yep, you got that right

Yaser you are a guy, so likely safer.

Pauline I don't think gender is relevant here honestly. We are all tourists for the locals ($$). And remember, the chance of 1 "guy" being attacked is a LOT more than 4 "girls" together.
Also, I am not into bars, night clubs, etc so I can't comment on the vibes there but yes stay vigilant, don't get drunk, don't display jewelry or fancy things and you should be fine.

Yaser you certainly have a point. I agree they should take care.

Yaser Thanks a lot for taking the time to share so much info!! Good to know they have Scotiabank there and SIM cards are so cheap. And lol I can't believe someone would ask for a tip just for talking to you!!

Denise Oh they did. I can give you examples.
Road construction workers. Stop Sign. Then start chatting and I am trying to be so friendly and spend 5 min talking to them. They then say "Man, leave something" and keep repeating.
Another time, I drove in Blue Mountain and was entering the national park. Three guys jumped from 3 different locations and wanted to "help" me LOL. I drove all the way without help. I yelled at them and said "Calm down boys"
Third time, I was walking out of the hotel close to Mon Bay airport by the beach, the massage guy starts yelling come let's talk. I was okay why not. We chatted for 10 min then he says "Give me $20". I was a bit shocked as I felt like a friend I was talking to then it broke my heart honestly than it is all about money. I said man what's wrong with this country and walked away.

So for tipping do not bring Jamaican $ as they are worth very little. I suggest bringing US $1 for tipping. Also, do not get into a random taxi as this could be very unsafe. Use only those that have been recommended. Have a planned pickup time and stick to it. You can also ask for their number so that you can call the driver when you're ready. Plan to carry some cash to pay for taxi service as I've never heard of them accepting a card for payment.
Going to Negril? You must go to Ricks Cafe during the day and night and better in a catamaran tour during the day. Have dinner at the Rock House cafe and arrive early like around 430 or 5 and request a table outside on the Rick's to see the sun set. It's pretty awesome. You can then go to Ricks Cafe for music and dancing- it appears very close to the Rock house cafe but its not and is quite a walk on a road without a side walk so it's a bit scary so dont do it.

Denise My two teens and I rented a car in Mowbay in May 2022 and tooled around, ending up at Country Country in Negril. No issues. I literally echo everytjing
Yaser is saying. In Negril though, JMD is near worthless. US rules the day. One time we got food from a beach vendor and he had no idea how much his food was in JMD. He made me do the conversion into local currency and he reluctantly took it. Go to town for patties and local fare - stay away from resorts. Stay away from resorts! Resorts rob Jamaica and take the money offshore. Consider checking out places like Port Antonio on the north side… a real village with sweet cabins and the OG Blue Lagoon from the movie. Have fun!

Sarah agree 100% to support local businesses and avoid the mega resorts which are owned by the big international chains.
I just returned from my trip and posted about it but the post is pending approval so isn't up yet.
Yes I definitely want to go to port Antonio next time. It was too far for this short trip (5 days) but it looks amazing. Many locals I met in Negril and mobay recommended it too.

Sarah Amazing. I also loved Port Antonio! The drive there is fun and SLOW!
Blue Lagoon is still closed sadly

Denise look forward to reading your post, once approved. I have some regret (just a wee amount) for commenting with that angry ragey face at a previous commenters post about sticking to resorts only in Jamaica in her advice to u. But I think it needs to be said that that approach to Jamaica is straight up racist and unwelcome. Hope you had a wonderful 5 days!

My post is up now! (Warning it is looong haha). If you click my profile pic I think it will come up.
And thank you for saying that (I thought the same thing but didn't want to say...). We have to be careful with comments like "X is dangerous, it is bad to go off resort" because often such comments contain thinly veiled racist assumptions and classist ideas. From years of independent travel, I started to notice a lot of areas guidebooks or sites deem "seedy" or "unsavoury", doesn't always mean unsafe but rather "there are more non-white people there, be careful!" (E.g. people told me not to stay near Termini station in Rome, but I did because prices were lower. There were a bunch of Chinese immigrants on the street of my hotel but nothing dangerous at all! It was funny because as an Asian-Canadian I felt totally at home there, meanwhile lonely planet was saying it is a "sketchy" place!).

Denise You’re speaking my language!
Let’s start a travel group for anti-racist, class aware travel… ping me!

In negril, Coco la palm for dinner, Alfred’s for breakfast, vinne’s also for dinner. Try the street vendors for jerk pork or chicken! Also PM’d you for more info!

Been to Jamaica twice but stayed at resort both times. Took a day trip without my husband and was picked up by two different cars to the bus and same on way back. Felt safe all day. I wanted to take a taxi from the Hilton Rose Hall area into Montego and they were going to charge $70.00 for the shuttle. Instead some Jamaican ladies walked me to local taxi stop and told the driver I was paying $2.00 US including tip. Car was full of locals who made room for me. Had to get my own taxi back but watched for the Red license plate and agreed on price $5.00 before I got in the car. Lots of great people in Jamaica but I would still advise caution especially at night. Also, try Dunn River Falls. Touristy but a fun day. Take the catamaran. Took a day trip to Negril that sounds cheaper then some of these taxi rates. Maybe do a day trip that gets you to that side and drops you at next accommodation over on that side? Good luck.

Bethany what a difference in price! So 2 of the girls are already there now (I am meeting up with them later). They took a taxi from the airport to the airbnb (15 mins drive) and it was 200 JAD which is less than 2 CAD. Meanwhile some places quoted us 60 USD!! What a difference eh??!! They made sure to use the official taxi with the red plate.

When in Jamaica just keep your wits about you and you’ll be fine. I’ve been going for years and always felt safe. I spent some significant time alone there. Yes the locals can bother you. Once you are firm they leave you alone.
I always just use Jamaica dollars when I am there. Taxis do not accept credit cards. They can be expensive. Make sure you negotiate the price before you get in .
For a driver I recommend Shawn Tours Transportation you can contact him on WhatApp (876) 886-3833. You can call him when you are ready to be picked up.
You can get a SIM card from Digicel in town.
Days trips: Mayfields Falls, Benta Falls. Black River is a nice tour if you are going down to YS Falls. Treasure beach is less touristy.
The restaurant at Travellers hotel is good in Negril. There is also the One Love Bus tour when in Negril. You get to try some of the local bars that are off the main strip.

visit Ricks cafe in Negril close to sundown

Suzanne yes! it's on our list. We heard the sunset there is beautiful

I always stay off resort- a few times I Mo Bay- but more often I Negril.
In Mo Bay we were in an apt but right in the hip strip. I would use the driver recommended by your host for any night transportation.
In Negril I can recommend Obrian Hylton- been a friend for years.
Obrian Hylton

Katrina thanks for the recommendation!

That sounds very unwise to me. As the mother of 3 thirty something daughters, I would be a basket case if they wanted to do this. Jamaica is really not a safe place to be off a resort.

Pauline explain please

Sade https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/jamaica...
TRAVEL.GC.CA
Travel advice and advisories for Jamaica

Pauline that's litterally everywhere, Brazil, Thailand heck I'm sure there's one on the US from other countries lol. Be vigilant. Be smart and you'll be just fine. The only time I wouldn't travel outside the resort is during political warfare or election time.

Sade your choice. This is mine. Can’t argue with a government advisory.
This one is specifically for Jamaica. The country we are discussing.

I'd rather visit Jamaica before i visit the US. I could go into a grocery store and that be the last day on earth. Everywhere is dangerous to a certain degree. Use common sense, do research and don't let anyone know you're travelling alone.

Not a good idea to not stay at resort.

When in Negril you HAVE to go on the One Love Bus Crawl. It is the most fun!!
https://www.visitjamaica.com/.../hop-aboard-the-one-love.../
VISITJAMAICA.COM
Hop Aboard the One Love Bus Crawl

Linda that sounds like my idea of a nightmare!! Each to his own.

Pauline haha okay. We are not young and not partiers at all!! It is just a fun day visiting different bars and resorts and meeting people. We loved it and sent a lot of our other 50+ year old friends and they also said it was a highlight of their trip.

Linda thanks for sharing, will look at the site!

Prefacing this by saying I grew up partly in Jamaica, speak decent patois and still have friends on island. So my perspective may be different than others. Definitely need to be mindful/ firm, stay in your group, and use a pre-arranged private driver for your trip, rental car if don't stress about hectic driving some spots, on the left, unfamiliar place. At minimum agree taxi price before you get in.
Yes, you will likely encounter some aggressive touts. But this happens many poor / tourist dependent places in world. So just expect it, decline firmly or ignore, move on.
For really Jamaican flavour around Mo Bay I recommend:
JAMAICAN FOOD
Peppa's Cool Spot
Scotchies
Juici patties
Houseboat Grill (stunning location Steve McQueen lived here while filming Papillion)
FINE DINING WITH VIEW
Marguerite's
JERK & RED STRIPE
Pork Pit
Bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River might be something to try. Just be sure you are equipped with sunscreen and bug spray.

Anne thanks for sharing these recommendations and your advice
Much appreciated.

Denise be attentive and safe and have an eyrie time. Peace be the journey, cool runnings etc.
Thank you for travelling to JA (still struggling post peak-COVID, tourism dependent, vibrant beyond resorts / AI).

The bamboo rafting on the Martha Brave was really nice-we enjoyed it

We love staying in Negril non resort style! It’s super safe. We chose the restaurant by who has the best band playing. Catch a falling star for dinner on the cliffs is amazing! Also check out Zimbali in the mountain for cooking classes, organic farm tour and “Rasta “ experience! Red Dragon in town for local BEST jerk and coldest beers in the world!

Sheri thanks for sharing! Yes Catch a Falling Star has come up a few times in my research, it looks really nice. And I heard about Zimbali too, good to know you recommend it

Denise don’t be afraid! Beautiful country with beautiful people

Never been but Skylark Negril looks really cool.

Aleya Yes it looks nice, I bookmarked that place. And also their sister hotel Rock House.

good luck and don't wear jewellery waich your hand bags too.

Schwendi thank you, yes I don't plan to bring any valuables such as jewelry

Based on your questions sounds like you might be a bit worried and Jamaica is not a place I'd venture out at night. Might be best to stay in a resort and hire a driver to show you around off resort.

I stay off resorts when I go either alone or with girlfriends, be smart like anywhere don't wear jewelery domt carry or flash cash , I don't love MObay its busier and hustlers are pushier. Arrange a driver I have a cpl numbers if you like . Yes they will drop you and pick you up later at a designated time . I've never felt unsafe in Jamaica, make good choices be aware of surroumdings same as any country
Negril is amazing

Hey Denise! I know a very reputable tour guide if you’re interested
Stayed off resort at a BNB once and loved it!! Utilize the local taxis for small trips in town. It’s super cheap. I recommend YS Falls, Blue Hole and the Pelican Bar. I only ever used US money on resorts, when I stayed off I only used JMD and credit card. Just double check if you’re using a card that the correct amount is being charged. I did get scammed by a convenience store called Spice World in DT MoBay
Other than that I ventured out quite a bit at night and never felt unsafe. Made friends with locals and had a great time!

In Negril get a driver to take you to "the office of nature" if you like lobster you will thank me! It's pure heaven.

I was to Jamaica with a guy I was seeing in the spring. We rented a car and airbnbs and traveled to the south to beautiful fishing towns and had one of the best trips I've had. And I'm a travel writer so that says something. I never felt unsafe and met some lovely locals that we spent a lot of time with. I will say being with a guy may have influenced my experience because I have experienced the male attention when I've been there with a girlfriend but really if there's a group of you, I think you'll be fine. It became one of my favorite Islands are my trip in May.

We used Granville when we went to Jamaica years ago. He is actually a good friend of a friend of mine. She actually set him up with his business. You might want to contact him. But, please, be careful. Montego Bay is not the place where you want people knowing you are three women alone in an airBnB.

If you want a good night life with hookah go yo Lounge2727 their Instagram is: https://instagram.com/lounge2727?igshid=MDM4ZDc5MmU=
Carry US for tips (a dollar tip is enough for taxi drivers, restaurants Ill give 2 to 3)
When you get out the airport get a taxi, it will cost about 20US anything more is a rip off
Talk to that taxi driver and get the card and they will help you out.
My fiancee live there and ive been there 5x this year.
From mobay to Negrile is a bit aways (under 2 hours) so it might cost 10000jmd which is about 100cdn.
If you are comfortable you can see if the knutsfordexpress.com bus goes from mobay to there. This bus is like a grey hound and you have to prebook your seats.
Everyone is amazing have a great time and enjoy the culture

Leslie Best thank you so much! This is super helpful

We went to Blue Hole on a cruise excursion and it was amazing. We arranged transport with https://www.marvynsparadisetours.com/
We had a driver for the day, and he took us to all the spots we wanted to see and some extras as well. We also did tubing on the White River and ate at Scotchies- amazing jerk chicken.
MARVYNSPARADISETOURS.COM
Jamaica Tours | Marvyn's Paradise Tours

Lots of information to digest here. I am a Jamaican living in canada and I visit Jamaica multiple times per year so my views may be a little biased. Jamaica is a beautiful country with lots of great people. I’ve felt safer in parts of Jamaica when compared to certain parts of Canada- https://www.toursbylocals.com/JamaicaTours I would advise you to get a personal driver for the entire trip- might end up being much cheaper than booking per ride. Be assertive on your trips, avoid being overly friendly (unfortunately), you’ll be fine- enjoy your trip!

Remember too that there are no “public” beaches that are not already owned by the resorts in Mo Bay

Deborah yes we went to doctors cave beach, you pay a small admission fee and it was great there! We stayed for hours and used their facilities like the changerooms and outdoor showers.

If catching a taxi the ones with the red license plate are the legal ones. I do have a cousin that has a business for tour guides and the places you want to go. D tours Jamaica

Ariel I'm back from my trip already but thank you. Yes we used the red plate taxis and had good experiences

Luna Sea Inn had the best time here. Was treated like golddddd. The views. Was cute!