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More than anywhere else, in Jamaica it was hard to control the prices: It's clear the presence of a double economy, expensive for tourists, and... I don't know for locals. The double currency used (Jamaican and American dollars) don't help. Not interested in jewels, I couldn't find many interesting things to buy.
Like with other shops in Montego Bay, they see you coming from a mile away! As a somewhat seasoned traveller, i understand the need to barter since the asking price is almost always double what they will take. The blue diamond plaza, namely the liquor store and craft store (attached to each other) are similar. They mark their prices up substantially and then give you a discount thinking you are getting a great deal. Unlucky me, I bought a bottle of what they suggested was an expensive bottle of rum only to find out it was less than half the price at the airport. Be careful, they are smooth talkers!Next time I go back, I will not be so charitable with the vendors. shop at your resort...its a lot cheaper and less intimidating (unless you like to barter)
The exchange rate for US dollars is about 10% less at the Montego Bay airport than 5 minutes away in town in 2008. The rate at the Kingston airport was 7% less than in town in 2009.In June 2009 the rate was 86 Jamaican dollars for one USD. Since it is a rate and not a commission, change just enough to get into town or just use US dollars for the initial transportation cost.
You can find locals willing to braid your hair in many caribbean destinations and Mexico. If this is your first visit to Jamaica you may feel the overwhelming urge to have your hair braided. Although this is a great way to keep super frizzy humidified hair at bay, beware of the charges. I made the mistake of negotiating my way down to $2 for hair braiding. After all was said and done, the lady demanded $2 PER BRAID. I had a rather ugly $60+ hairdo...don't make that mistake! Be very specific about costs! Just put your hair up in a jaw clip!
Jamaica's citizenry are a friendly bunch but there are a few errant souls that will sell you swamp land if you let them. At the markets it is common to haggle with the vendors. I hate haggling but this is acceptable practice in many countries and Jamaica too. Shop around before buying because alot of the vendors sell the same items, just different prices depending on the day and your ability to haggle.
Couples Resort This is not so much a trap, we just bought Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee from one of its employee, because he was our favorite person working there, I even hooked him up and took pics with him because he was so down to earth and friendly, but come to find out, he pulled one over on us, my wife and I bought the coffee and got home and it was not the coffee, it had hints of the smell, but not the real deal! We both were so upset, because we got took by this person that we thought was real and come to find out, he wasnt! Buy your coffee from a store with the seal of approval, it is a must, do not get tricked like we did, when we got home. I was sad, becuase I fell in love with this coffee and yes its expensive, so buy it direct with that approval! I bet they all pull this scam, you should have seen me, it looked like a drug deal or something illegal! Never again!
I am not going to say anything bad about the great people of Jamaica, what I will say, is that in town everything I bought was cheaper back at the resort. I mean it, from the spices to the knick knacks you take back to your family and friends, were cheaper at the resort. I lost about $30.00 in town buying their same exact items for way more money. Just the spice, I bought was four dollars higher in town! Buy everything you can at the airport before you leave, liquor too!!!!! If you stay at the resort and you want to buy something, I say til you go to the airposrt if you have time to kill, buy all your liquor there too, we read this but I could gather it until we ended up being mad we bought anything from in town or our resort. Please, if you have time, shop at the airport, if you want to save, before I left, I lost about $100.00 in buying elsewhere. Please just buy what you want while...
One thing you have to accept if exploring Jamaica, it seems, is that tourist attractions are a bit too neatly packaged for some tastes. On the whole I was happy to live with this, but here at Outameni I felt the packaging went too far, and our visit here left a slightly sour taste in my mouth.We were the only two people on our tour of the “Experience”. This probably made it worse, as there was an element of forced fun which seemed incongruous to say the least, e.g. joining in with our guide (or as she insisted, our “Time Traveller” as she sung her way from one scenario depicting Jamaican history to the next.These scenarios covered Taino native peoples, a Spanish flamenco dancer (who claimed to be a descendent of Christopher Columbus), a British colonial village, a slave’s hut, Indian and Chinese immigrants and present-day Kingston. I have to admit they were quite well-staged, each with...
Reality dictates that two worlds can live side by side and from time to time collide. As soon as you step out of the secure environs of your all inclusive resort you must face the poverty that rides side saddle along with your NEED to buy cheap and worthless stuff that your just going to sell in a garage sale. I suggest, roll with it with a smile and pocket full of small denominations. I can't stand the haggling types. For real what gives? if that is you. Did you really come on vacation to save money on a freakin trinket? Pay a fair price, help out the local economy and for goodness sake don't be a prick about stuff. It is what it is.
Marijuana or "Ganja" is ever present in Jamaica. While it is everywhere it is still illegal and you can be given a citation or even be arrested for possesion. There are street peddlers everywhere and it seems that every cab driver or tour guide is also moonlighting as "Dr. Feelgood." Even if you dont want any you will still be offered until you politely but firmly state that you are not interested. I found that simply telling the truth was most effective. I tell them I work for a company that conducts random drug testing and I cant take the chance. That IS the truth! Just laugh with them when they tell you that all "Jamericans come Jamaica to smoke de'joint." Pound down some Red Stripes on an empty stomach. You will get plenty buzzed that way!
Beaches Negril Negril
7 Reviews and 2182 Opinions went on the 15-21st of may. Today i find out im overdrafting and i got a call from fraud alert....
Couples Tower Isle Ocho Rios Ocho Rios
7 Reviews and 1551 Opinions We got married on the beach at the all inclusive Couples Tower Island on 10/2/10. I cannot say...
Round Hill Hotel & Villas Montego Bay
9 Reviews and 505 Opinions I got to stay one night (only one night boo!). We arrived at night and left after breakfast. I did...
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