I am planning on renting a car in jamacia?

Question

I was wondering if i brought a GPS with, would it work there?? I heard that it is very hard to read street names and very easy to get lost!!

Answer 1

GPS wont be useful. I recall driving on a road that was noted as a swamp on my friend's GPS. The GPS was missing too many roads to be useful.  

You would do best with a proper road map and a friend who is at least slightly familiar with Jamaican environment.  If staying at a hotel, have a staff member give you directions using the map.

1. Make sure to note landmarks on the map when taking directions. Road names arent always there, but landmarks tend to be pretty stable.



2. Also ask them to warn you of possible dangers, to include 'wrong turns you dont wan't to make', and areas you dont want to accidentally drive into.

3. Carry a cellphone (either roaming or buy a sim card - Digicel Brand - for about U$10). Get the numbers of at least two people including the person who gave you directions.

4. Make sure they have your number as well. If you get into trouble at least someone will know how to find you. Cops can track the phone.

Answer 2

doubt very much as many of our streets are not mapped for GPS ... for most tourist places its easy... one long road and everything is on it.

if your going deeper then the trick is to ask for directions and include landmarks... so its not

go north street and take the 3 right on east

its

go north street till u get to the police station that is east street... the third right turn

this way if u are unsure u can stop and ask where is the police station... (just dont give people lifts... and people in the deep rural like to jump into the car and "beg a drop up di road"  they are use to this and its usually no trouble... but frankly i think it is poor taste)

same way if your saying where u are its not just

im at halfway tree intersection of constant spring and hagley park...  

its

im at the tastee or clock at halfway tree... intersection of constant spring and hagley park

the next trick is the expectation..... if u are travelling across country... keep straight... because as soon as u give up on where to go.. there will be a sign.  I always laugh at this... its as if the sign people planned it this way!  you will be driving and driving and just as u doubt your self and are ready to turn off... a sign!

Jamaica has lots of the major signs marked out expecially if there is a turn off... u are always warned.  

always travel with a cell phone and i guess the hotel number if u are aloner... just in case u need direction.... (buy a chip from a gsm dealer) and carry at least 500 Jamaican dollars just incase u end up on a toll road, need to tip a guy that help with a flat tire etc.

if a car flashes its light at u it means police ahead, or danger a head be cautious.  when some one give u a blie (gives u the right of way) tip the horn says thank u

we drive on the left and dont speed... cus the roads wind alot in some places

:)

Oh and its as easy to get unlost because people are friendly and will give u directions... just ask