Jamaica Local Customs

  Hansi & His Pina Coladas
by LoriPori
 
  • Hansi & His Pina Coladas
      Hansi & His Pina Coladas
    by LoriPori
  • Lobby Bar
      Lobby Bar
    by LoriPori
  • Barefoot Bar & Grill
      Barefoot Bar & Grill
    by LoriPori
  • Barefoot Bar & Grill
      Barefoot Bar & Grill
    by LoriPori
  • Jerk Hut & Bar
      Jerk Hut & Bar
    by LoriPori
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Be patient, things take longer...

by caprice4u2

Be patient, things take longer ....getting served, waiting for buses etc, there is a real thrust for creative licence, ie, that bus.....it might or hey it might not come, just go with the flow and enjoy..If you want to have your hair cane rowed, extensions etc, make friends with someone, buy your own hair....if you want to buy hair and you are in Port Antonio, there is a hidden indoor upstairs shop that sells such items and clothes etc very, very reasonably, it is not known to tourists but it is infinately cheaper than the market etc....It is in the circle of shops around the main square, near the chemist and up a little stair way.

Tip Photo
Don't be too afraid to haggle...

by caprice4u2

Don't be too afraid to haggle a little, obviously not to a point of insult, a lot of the people are not wealthy, but there is healthy competition within the markets..It is quite difficult to buy toys etc as gifts, you are probably best off buying the many t.shirts etc on sale. Buy a map of jamaica, they are not easy to get hold of once you are home (unless you live in the w.Indies of course.....but I stare longingly at mine often! also if you have children of mixed heritage, or of Jamaican descent grab all the stuff you can to remind them of their fantastic roots

It's interesting. Everything...

by photobf

It's interesting. Everything is '15 minutes' away..lol....Well, no really. But that's what they'll tell you. There's no way to tell how far away anything is, because they don't want you to not do something because it's far away. Amusing, but frustrating at times!

Tip Photo
You should be friendly to...

by Superremi

You should be friendly to every Jamaican because they're friendly to you. They act like they've known you for lifetimes and like they're your best friends. You should not look weird at them, it's just their way of living!

MOST RESTAURANTS ADD THEIR...

by Blue_Harbour

MOST RESTAURANTS ADD THEIR TIPPS, BE POLITE AND GIVE A PLEASANT GREETING, DON'T BE OVER FRIENDLY IT MAY BE MISTAKEN SOMETHING ELSE.DON'T PULL OUT LARGE SUMS OF MONEY, TAKE ONLY WHAT YOU INTEND TO SPEND AND MOST OF ALL DON'T BUY OR USE OR TAKE ON YOUR PERSON DRUGS. THE PENALTY IS VERY SEVERE.

Be friendly but firm with...

by yourkidding

Be friendly but firm with locals who offer to guide you to places; only take them up on it if you have a few $ to tip them when you get where you are going. Take lots of singles for tipping and small bills for shopping- many places do not have much for change in U.S. $.

Jamaican time: everyone must...

by szabopp

Jamaican time: everyone must keep in mind, that the Jamaican time is different from the others. Once it was told that a drum orchestra will have a concert which will be started at 18 o'clock in the evening. Really they werethere and put the electronics together, and they started to play at 23 o'clock. So take it easy ...

In Montego Bay, it is not safe...

by GTV

In Montego Bay, it is not safe a night downtown.In the day time the locals want to be your private tour guide,or they want to sell you drugs,just say no mon.If you take a picture of the locals they want money.Good things about Jamaica,the Music,the Jerk Chicken,the coffee,and the Red Stripe Beer! Have fun, ya mon !!

The people are very poor and...

by donarumr

The people are very poor and very proud. Be respectful. We have made some good friends in our four visits. Bring lots of ones and fives for small purchases and tipping. If you bring travelers checks you'll get your change in 'J' money so spend it!

Be nice to the people. If they...

by Adii

Be nice to the people. If they offer you something and you don't have money or th will to buy it, just talk to them. They are sometimes bored with all those turists comming and going without buying anything.

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The Place

Reviews and photos of Jamaica attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Jamaica sightseeing.

Experience Jamaica
 

Questions and Answers

darsunt profile photo

Q:  We will be stopping at Ocho Rios for one day this January on a Carnival cruise. Do you guys have any ideas for using this short... 

Agraichen profile photo

A: Well, you can do the touristy things like Duns Falls http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/3e837/19dc08/ and swim with dolphins in pools or sit on the beach and if you can... 

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