Do's and Don'ts for my first time in Jamaica?

Question

Leaving on Sunday with three friends. I have been told to bring small bills because its easier to be sure you get the right change. Anyone have anything you could add? All advice welcome! Thanks.

Answer 1

You will be approached by locals who will offer to get you fantastic discounts on everything from gold jewlery, weed, women, rum, and God knows what else.

Ignore them. Do not give them any money. Do not engage them in conversation. Do not tell them where you are from or where you are staying. Do not go with them if they invite you to a party.  And for god sakes, do not let them in you car or get in a car with them for any reason.

Answer 2

Do not leave the resort

Do try to have fun

Answer 3

Oh goodness.. A lot of advise on here thats not too encouraging..

Well not knowing where you are staying I will say the small bills advice is right on.. Also grab a money converter cheat sheet http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet .

Also do go off the resort. Like any city keep your wits about you, but please go out and actually see where you are visiting. Many people are put off by the various vendors. A firm "no thank you " should suffice in most cases. Just keep walking if you aren't interested.. Jamaica is a very poor country, for the most part, so people are just trying to make a living.

If you are staying in Negril check out

http://www.negrilinfo.com

Try new foods, fruits and drinks. Go relax. Say hello with a smile to everyone, and talk to the people of Jamaica.

Do find out where good places to eat and relax are..

Do go on some excursions.

Do try to make the absolute best of everything..

Do bring:

-Sunscreen 30 spf at least

-Bug spray

-small bills

-light weight clothing

-water shoes if you are doing the falls

-Patience, Island time is not a joke. Food is fresh, not sitting under a heat lamp or pre -made so enjoy the time given to prepare your food.

-a waterproof bag is great to stash stuff in if storms roll thru in the afternoon.

-small first aid kit. Boo boo's, hangovers, and spicy food can happen, prepare. Also benadryl is great for big bites.

-Under water camera's are great for snorkeling or if you are caught in those afternoon storms.

-Do bring your common sense, meaning don't walk at night alone while drunk, keep your money secure in a safe or front pocket, etc..

Don't listen to the negativity..

You typically either love Jamaica or don't..

I hope you fall in love with the island, it's beauty and her people, like I have.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

well jamaica money is reeeaaalllyyy different so yes small bills, but u never mentioned wether you were going to aresort or in a town?? that info would help

Answer 5

Stay on the resort grounds and enjoy the facilities there.  You don't want to be wandering around Jamaica as an obvious tourist.  It takes nerves of steel to go anywhere in Jamaica as a tourist.