FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here's some must pack essentials:

-Many hotels in Jamaica do supply beach towels, but always check first. You can buy beach towels from many different craft vendors on the beach or at the round about.

-Floats are wonderful to have. Nothing like floating all day in the ocean while sipping a cold drink. Bring your own and you can leave it there if you want for someone else.

-Snorkeling gear- Great snorkeling can be had at the cliffs; Xtabi will let you snorkel from there free of charge.

-Water Shoes- For the waterfalls.

-Bug Spray- It's hot and humid, perfect for bugs at night. Also sand fleas can be bad in some areas. Bug spray with deet is the best.

-Sun Screen- Their sun is very strong, and sun poisoning is no fun. I typically use 30+, trust me.

-Waterproof bag for the beach and / or small waterproof container- Good for holding money, lighters, or keys. Do not leave cash on the beach. A small container is good for keeping your stuff on you while swimming. And the waterproof bag is great for those afternoon showers that always roll thru at about 2pm, while you are on the beach.

-It's hot and humid during the day and cools at night, dress accordingly.

-Insulated travel mug- So your drinks can stay cold while you are in a hot climate. Makes your frozen drinks last that much longer. Also makes for fewer trips to the bar.

-A small first aid kit, with Band Aids, Tylenol, Pepto, Imodium, Benadryl, and Dramamine. Just because you never know.

-Sun burn relief of some sort. Aloe, Solar Cain, whatever will help. We've all been there before.

-Underwater Camera- Especially if you snorkel. Also good so you don't worry about your expensive camera getting wet while on the beach or if an afternoon shower rolls in.

Just a side note**

Jamaica is a very poor country, as you all know. Many places take donations of all kinds for the children of Negril. School supplies, clothing, toys and children’s books are always in need. If you have any room in the suitcase and have some old toys, clothes, books, or get some school supplies out of the kindness of your own heart, please bring them on down. Many resorts and restaurants will take the donations to different area schools. Check with your resort to see if they take donations. I know the larger resorts (Superclubs, Sandals, and Couples) all take donations, as well as some smaller establishments (Treehouse Resort, Rockhouse and Selina's Coffee Bar). You could always contact an area school to see what they need and drop stuff off there yourself. You may get the surprise of your life when you see how excited the children get, and how your gift lit up so many faces. Thank You!!!

Here are a few helpful tips for first timers traveling to Jamaica, or the curious!!

A Few FAQ's:

What Language is spoken by Jamaican's?

-The official language of Jamaica is English, although many residents speak Jamaican Patios which is a mix of English, African, Indian, Spanish and slang.

What Time Zone is Jamaica?

-Jamaica is Eastern Standard time, although they do not participate in day light savings time. So during day light savings time they are an hour behind.

Can I rent a car in Negril?

-Jamaican's drive on the left-hand side of the road. There are many things to consider before renting a car. Potholes, animals, and quick passing cars are common place. You may want to go to Negril a few times before deciding to rent a vehicle. You can rent vehicles by the day or week around most resorts. Mopeds, scooters, bikes, and motorcycles as well as cars and jeeps can all be rented.

Can I drink the water?

Yes you can drink the water straight from the tap in Jamaica. The water is from the mountain springs and is chlorinated. I drink the water from the tap every time there and have never had any problems.

What type current do they use?

-Electricity is the same as in the USA, 110, 50 cycles, using the same receptacles as us.

Are there ATM's In Negril?

Yes. There are a few in Hotels, but the ones everyone goes to are at Scotia bank at the round about. It dispenses money in JMD.

Should I change my money before I go down?

You really don't have to. You can get really good exchange rates in Negril. There are many Cambio's along the beach road. Also stores like Hi-Lo will dispense all change in JMD. ATM's dispense JMD as stated above. Many places will be more than happy to take USD.

What is the attitude towards homosexuals in Jamaica?

Jamaica is an adamantly homophobic nation. Homosexual intercourse between men is illegal, and antigay hysteria is a staple of musical lyrics. Homosexuality is a subject that evokes extreme reactions among Jamaicans, and it is difficult to hold a serious discussion on the topic.

Most Jamaican gays are still in the closet. Nonetheless, many hoteliers are gay or gay-tolerant, and you should not be put off from visiting the island. Just don't expect to be able to display your sexuality openly without an adverse reaction.

Can I sunbathe topless or nude in Negril?

Topless sunbathing is allowable all along Seven Mile beach. Nude sunbathing is usually kept to private coves on the West End cliffs, sections of Booby cay and a very small section of Bloody Beach. Hedonism II, Couples Negril, Grand Lido Negril, Firefly, Carib Beach Apartments and some resorts on the West End have either clothing optional or nude beaches.

Will the vendors always bother me?

Well the vendors along the beach are trying to earn a living, like most of us. They will try to sell you everything, literally. A simple "no thanks" is usually all that is needed. Sometimes they will persist. Don't try to be kind with a "maybe later" or "I don't have my money on me" because they will persist even harder if you give them an inch. Show them respect and "no thank you. I don't want anything." Period.

Are there grocery stores?

At long last, Negril has a shopping mall to equal the ones found in Mo Bay or Ocho Rios. It's the Time Square Mall, lying on Norman Manley Boulevard across from the much-frequented nightclub Bourbon Beach (formerly De Buss). More than a dozen duty-free shops and souvenir stores await you, including a courtyard cafe.

This mall offers Negril's best selection of watches (from Chaumet to Patek Philippe), jewelry (including some from the collections of Chopard and Miki-moto), and gifts and accessories such as a wide assortment of pens and writing instruments. Crafts are sold here, along with perfumes, books, cigarettes, cigars, film, liquor, dresses, and Blue Mountain coffee. The first and only cigar store in Negril is also here, with a walk-in humidor, selling genuine Habanos or Cuban cigars. Jamaican cigars are also sold.

If you have a housekeeping or self-catering apartment, you can pick up groceries at Value Master or the Hi-Lo Grocery Store in the Hi-Lo Shopping Centre on West End Road. There are also many small grocery stores along both the beach and west end road. Here's your chance to enjoy Blue Mountain coffee, Jamaican spices, and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Just off Norman Manley Boulevard, as you head south into Negril Village, you come upon the Negril Crafts Market. A collection of shacks, this is the largest center for crafts in the area, though they're sold virtually everywhere, including along the Beach. Woodcarvings, beds, jewelry, and other items fill the market. Haggling is expected; begin by offering half the price you're quoted.

The worst shopping is at the overpriced boutiques found at first-class hotels, especially the all-inclusives. But they come in handy when you're seeking postcards, souvenirs, suntan lotion, or swimwear in a pinch.

Other vendors can be found at Fi Wi Plaza on West End Road, between a traffic circle and "Sunshine Village." The most expensive (but not always best) crafts are sold at Rutland Point Market in the north of Negril.

Is there prostitution in Negril?

Yes. Although it is not legal. You will see many men and women looking to show you love. Many beautiful women will surround single men at the clubs, and single women will receive the same treatment from the local men. If you're single, it will be assumed that you're on the island seeking a 'likkle love beneat' de palms.' Any remonstration to the contrary will likely be met with wearying attempts to get you to change your mind. Black women can expect to hear a 'roots' trip.

If you go along with the flirting, don't expect a Jamaican man to understand if you've no intent of going all the way. Your innocent acceptance will be taken as a sign of acquiescence. The Jamaican male has a fragile ego and is likely to react strongly to feeling like a fool. Don't beat about the bush for fear of hurting the man's feelings.

Many foreign women welcome these advances, as evidenced by the proliferation of 'rent-a-Rasta's' - semiprofessional good-time guys, or gigolos - on the arms of North American and European women. Most often, the man is excited more by your economic clout than your looks - a foreign catch brings status and the possibility for wheedling some cash. You'll be the moneybags in any romantic encounter.

Are women treated as equals there?

'Political correctness' hasn't yet filtered down from the educated Jamaican middle class to the male masses. Many Jamaican men display behavior and attitudes that might shock visiting women, often expressing disdain for the notion of female equality or women's rights. Rape is possible in Jamaica, and occasionally involves female. Many times people traveling as a couple will find that most transactions and con versations will be directed at the male. It's not out of disrespect for the female; it's just what they are accustomed to.

Is there anything for kids to do in Negril?

If you have kids in tow, there are plenty of activities to keep them occupied. From waterfalls to water sports, Negril has much to offer. Parasailing, jet skis, banana boat rides, glass bottom boats, snorkeling, rhino tours, and natural lazy rivers can all be found in or near Negril. Kool Runnings Water Park is presently being built in Negril, across from the Beaches Negril Resort. It's slated to open July 2006.

General Tips:

-Most hotels and resorts have safes in the rooms. Please use them to lock up your valuables (jewelry and extra cash) as well as your plane tickets and ID's. If possible take a copy of all your ID's with you just in case they are lost or stolen

-Before coming make sure to bring MANY small bills for tips.

-Although drugs may seem plentiful they are illegal. Possession of "ganja" and hard drugs carries a stiff penalty . Although mushrooms are legal.

-Although you may see a 15% service charge when dining out. That charge does not go to the servers. Please tip as you would at home, your servers will appreciate your kindness. Worker make extremely low wages, you would be surprised to learn of their weekly salaries.

-You can enter Jamaica, as of now, with a birth certificate and driver's license. That policy will be changing to passports at the end of December 2006. Children traveling with only one parent need to have a notarized letter of consent. You may not be asked for it, but if you are you want it with you.

-You do not need any vaccinations before entering Jamaica, unless you have traveled to certain countries 6 weeks prior to your trip. ( Haiti, Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Dominican Rep, Trinidad or Tobago)

-Jamaicans do not see dogs and cats the way you are used to seeing them. They are protection. They also cannot afford to take care of their animals the way you are used to seeing them being taken care of. They do have fleas, heartworm, ringworm, roundworm and many other parasites. That being know be careful where you walk barefoot. If there is an area known for having animals put your shoes on. Ground itch is not fun! Jamaicans are not starving their animals. They are thin and typically healthy. Animals should not be as plump as we are used to them being.

-Many major airlines fly into Montego Bay. Direct flights can be found through Air Jamaica and Delta.

Traveler's Tips:

-Many hotels and resorts will have tour desk's that can help you with any activity you wish.

Taxi Tips:

-For lower cab fares go outside your resort and walk. Cabs will pull over. Look for red plates. You say your price. Don't let them tell you a price. If it's too high keep walking, there will be another cab, trust me. For around $100J you can go from RIU to the roundabout, or from the roundabout to the cliffs. $300J is more than enough to get you from beach road to cliffs, usually. Start low though, like $200J, (around $3.00 USD)and work your way up. Everything can be bartered. We mean Everything. ALWAYS AGREE ON A PRICE BEFORE GETTING INTO A CAB.

-Always use a licensed taxi; Route Taxi, Juta Tours, Esperanza,Alfred's, and Sunshine Tours are a few names. Make sure their licence plates are red. That means they are licensed to drive tourists.

-If going out at night you may opt to pay $10USD PP for a cab for the night. Your driver will either wait for you outside the club or set up a designated pick up time. Make sure you write down the cab drivers name and cab #.

Currency:

The Jamaican J to USD. $1.00=$64.00-$66.00J. Most places will accept, and love, USD. Especially for tips. Always bring your travelers cheatsheet with you. That way your exchange rate is right there, and it's wallet size! Check out the link at the bottom of the page.

 

Jamaica Time:

Jamaica time, or Island time, is not just a joke. Things really are a bit slower there. Life is not as fast paced as it is here. So slow down. Never go to a restaurant starving. They actually make your food. It's not sitting under a heat lamp. It's real fruits in your fruit juices, not a bottle. So relax. Go out. Have a drink, chat with friends and enjoy. You're not at home. Leave your watch there though.