2 Renfrew Road , Kingston 10, Jamaica, Kingston, Jamaica. The varied terrain on this island influences conditions in various areas, have a look at our Best Time To Visit Jamaica article to find out more. The time you save (and the sanity you get to keep) will be worth it in the end. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to tipping in pesos or dollars. This may actually turn out to be your favorite part of the trip. You should plan to spend around EC$457 ($169) per day on your vacation in Saint Lucia, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Like your engagement or wedding ring. How does a concierge make money? WebI usually take about $400. Keep in mind that not all vendors take debit or credit cards in Jamaica. They may not be much to look at, but the food is usually very tasty and low cost. Secrets St. James, Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive, Sunset Beach Resort Waterpark and Spa All Inclusive. Craving Some Adventure? It wont make you invisible from local vendors anyway! more. You are unlikely to regret this choice, especially if youve selected a luxury all-inclusive resort like the family friendly Beaches Resort or the couples oriented Sandals, both of which will ensure your every need is met, and that your Jamaica vacation is truly unforgettable! In most cases though, possession of small amounts is likened to a petty offense, but to be on the safe side youre just not going to want to be caught walking around with an illegal commodity. Get answers to your questions about Montego Bay, THE LIST, Private Drivers or Taxis? For a 5-night stay at a Sandals Resort in Jamaica, rates start at about $2,300. Youll need something you can get off and, on your feet, quickly, so anything with laces is not ideal. If youre travelling with a group, everyone does not need to bring their own kit; decide between yourselves who will be responsible for bringing it along. Jamaica, and others. just wanted to add my two cents no need for you to pay to exchange Canadian dollars to US dollars for use in Jamaica I usually carry some Canadian Just wear the appropriate clothing, and youll be both fashion savvy, and sun safe. Jamaican patois is part of the national identity, and it would do you well to get used to how this sounds, and to some of the popular phrases you may hear while on island before you get there. Packing clothes for 7-days Read our Jamaican Sayings and Phrases post to help prep you for your trip. Blue Mountain Coffee is not something youll want to miss out on while in Jamaica, so this is one of the travel tips that you probably want to highlight ahead of your trip. And, more importantly, where should you put it? 10 What is the best way to pay while traveling? My husband and I are going to Secrets Wild Orchid in November. It marks the start of the peak season for travel in many parts of the world and also signifies the end of the winter season. Check the validity of your passport to ensure you have at least six months remaining before expiry. Budget: The Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay is dated and can get noisy, but a beachfront setting, affordable all Just use your common sense, relax, and let the good times roll. This will be our very first all inclusive holiday and wanted to know how much American cash should we have on hand for gratuities and such. The currency is pegged to the US dollar and its value is equal to $0.8 US dollars per Jamaican dollar. This is the only way to make the most of your vacation in this part of the world, where life just seems to unfold that a bit slower, giving you more time to savor it all. Theyll have ATMs in Jamaica. Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Saint James, 33126. Generally speaking, debit cards are not accepted at many Jamaican businesses, so it is best to ask your bank before traveling. Youll have plenty of photographic opportunities in Jamaica, dont miss out because you didnt plan properly. Youll also find a vibrant nightlife scene in Jamaica, which is perfect is excitement is what you seek. Travelling solo means youll likely have to pack less. A trip to Jamaica without visiting the local beaches would be a complete waste of such an amazing opportunity especially the breathtaking Seven Mile Beach, arguably the most vibrant and beautiful beaches in Jamaica. WebThe answer, as explained below, is that it depends on a number of factors. 5. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. In the United States, the government spends a lot of money on education and infrastructure, so prices for food are often much higher than in Jamaica. WebHow much money should I bring to Cancun All-Inclusive? Bring along 3 or 4 big ones, theyre sure to come in handy. Most smaller merchants take only cash. What's the hip strip? Aside from booking from your resort, you can also arrange your own car rental which makes it easier to get around or sign up for guided tours of particular areas on the island. This travel option makes it possible for you to really enjoy your vacation without having to focus on small and sometimes time-consuming details during your trip. Jamaica is one of the biggest islands in the Caribbean, which means theres plenty to do during your vacation. The amount is different for every person and is related to what you plan to do while in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The average price of a 7-day trip to Cancun is $1,116 for a solo traveler, $2,004 for a couple, and $3,758 for a family of 4.Cancun hotels range from $25 to $525 per night with an average of $39, while most vacation rentals will cost $20 to $440 per night for the entire home. Mosquitoes are prevalent throughout the island, so to avoid bites, make sure you use insect repellent round the clock. WebMoon Palace Jamaica All Inclusive CA $2,998 CA $2,868 per person Apr. I agree the best way to get pesos is once you are in Mexico, with your ATM card at an ATM. It's always good to have a printed back up, in case you accidentally drop your phone or run out of battery! At all Sandals resorts snorkeling equipment is provided for free, to all interested guests. Avoid DEET, a controversial ingredient. The average person spends about J$1,261 on alcoholic beverages in Jamaica per day. Going off-the-beaten-track is fun to think about, but not always a good idea in a strange destination where you dont know your way around and arent on a paid tour. Mostly in 5's and 1's. Keep these essential travel items either on you, or in your carry-on luggage. Dont drink or eat anything that is not made from all natural ingredients. The Jamaican dollar is also the currency of choice for travelling in the country. 3. Pack everything you need from towels, to your favorite novels, sunglasses, and bottled water. Some all-inclusive resorts offer deals that make them much cheaper than others, but its still important to do your research to find the best deal for your specific needs. Youll also have to be careful about the water. While Secrets allows tipping, the all inclusive resort I stay at prohibits tipping. Ideally, youll want to book a resort which allows easy access to these sites. Popular brands include Benadryl or Cortaid. What to bring to sandals jamaica is a question that has been asked by many people. ATMs are actually referred to a ABMs in Jamaica. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-52852907', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Jamaica. "wanted to know how much American cash should we have on hand for gratuities and such". Toiletries such as comb, makeup, deodorant, lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste. In addition, by bringing a lot of cash, you can buy yourself some developing country bragging rights. Report inappropriate content Deanne F Winnipeg, Canada Worst case scenario your driver will take you to their idea of great spots, while you miss out on the things you really want to do, or you might be overcharged for the experience. Tip: Dont expect any Jamaican to have a conversation with you about the weather. Our transfers were prepaid, so we only needed to tip. In some cases, the price may be lower than in other countries, but there is always something to buy in Jamaica. Water shoes are available to rent, but its easier to just bring along your own. A retired couple can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Jamaica for between $800 and $2,000 per month.This figure includes plenty of money for rent, food, entertainment, fuel, utilities, health insurance, clothing, and other essential purchases. As with most other Caribbean islands, youll still find good weather outside of this time, although you might want to pack accordingly, accounting for brief tropical rainfall. Suggestions for another all inclusive resort. WebAll Inclusive Jamaica Vacations - All Inclusive Vacation Packages & Cheap Last Minute Jamaica Travel Deals at SellOffVacations.com | selloffvacations.com Search your vacation package Book your flights and accommodation together Travelling from Going to When Duration Rooms & Guests Jamaica vacations Overview Travel tips Destinations in Jamaica Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 1. The airport is not the ideal place for getting the best exchange rate. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase. If you visit spots like the Jamaica Craft Market, expect that youre probably going to be approached by local vendors. As with travel to any other destination, its helpful to know the things that are advisable when travelling to Jamaica, and those which are not. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Plan to spend at least a day or two away from the ocean, hiking in the forest. Updated Oct 3, 2022. Some of the most expensive items in Jamaica include alcohol, cigarettes, and cars. 4. Slim-fit designs make it look like youre not wearing anything under your shirt, and some come with hidden pockets, which work well for keeping your money safe. When travelling to a foreign location, signing up for free services like the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Perhaps youve been one of those people. While embarking on amazing tours, photos might be the last thing on your mind, but be sure to pause for a couple photos at each location. Beach towels are provided by most all-inclusive resorts. Tip waiters at all-inclusive resorts are often tipped with a 10% gratuity. Some tourists give money to almost everybody that serves them as if paying for their vacation twiceThats not a good idea unless you are rich. Mostly in 5's and 1's. How much does a trip to Jamaica cost? Find the best hotel for your travel style. Expert tip: Even if you choose to stay at an all-inclusive resort that has it all, its a good idea to leave the resort for at least one-half day tour. I use it for tips, souvenirs and if I wantto pay for an excursion if I don't want to charge it on a credit card. You should plan to spend around EC$457 ($169) per day on your vacation in Saint Lucia, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Bring along all information associated with your flight to the airport; you can store your information on your phone, just as long as youre able to access and present the information, once you get to the airport. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Enjoy free breakfast, Is $5 a good tip in Mexico? Flip-flops will keep your feet cool, and you wont have to worry about emptying a shoe filled with sand at the end of the day! The airport is not the ideal place for getting the best exchange rate. It's Jamaican dollars versus American dollars, not dollars vs cents. Unless Itll be perfect for your first cup of Red Stripe (or water if you insist)! White plates are not. Good to know: all-inclusive resorts are by design closed off from the public. The activities you will partake in, will influence what you will need to pack. Youll be astounded how quickly youre able to find your luggage with the simple addition of colored ribbons, or bright tags. OPEN 24 HRS A DAY, Horario de Atencin: Plan with your group (if youre traveling with one) to determine who will carry a hair dryer in their luggage that you can all use. Veteran visitors know what to expect when heading to the island, but first-timers may have a little trouble deciding what to pack for Jamaica. While in Jamaica also check out Doctors Cave Beach in Montego Bay, which is great for a relaxing time. $5-$10 depending on your usage. How much spending money should I take to Jamaica? When planning a trip to an all inclusive resort, it is important to keep in mind some key rules. Jamaica is a small, but wealthy, country that has a wide array of prices for goods and services. A retired couple can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Jamaica for between $800 and $2,000 per month.This figure includes plenty of money for rent, food, entertainment, fuel, utilities, health insurance, clothing, and other essential purchases. The property is Club Meds first in Canada and is currently the brand's only location in North America. In Jamaica, the currency is the Jamaican dollar. Read on for our 28 most important travel tips for Jamaica, which we hope will help with your planning for the incredible experience that is to come! A vacation to Jamaica for one week usually costs around J$111,925 for one person. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget. Insider tip: Start the day fresh with a world-class cup of Blue Mountain coffee, every morning, when you stay at any of the Beaches or Sandals Resorts in Jamaica! WebWorking out how much holiday spending money to take away with you can be difficult. How much money should I take to Cancun? 1 summer dress (if youre a dress wearer) 2 pairs of PJs. Jamaica is an amazing place for a holiday, and there are few places in the world where you can find such a rich, authentic and culturally oriented experience. The sun is always blazing in the Caribbean, so its a good idea to pack sunblock into your bag before heading out. If youre thinking of moving to Jamaica, its important to have a good idea of what your budget allows. Knowing where youd like to go, and how far places are from the various resorts on the island will help you decide where to stay. They both receive a good number of international flights. If you plan on taking out a rental for your vacation, keep in mind that youll need to drive on the left side of the road in Jamaica. 2. Instead, consider Jamaica to be a destination in and of itself and give yourself at least a week to explore the island. Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Most resorts allow you to book your excursions right from the resort where hotel staff can assist you with making arrangements for pick up and drop off back to the hotel. per night. This all depends on a variety of factors. Past travelers have spent, on average, EC$114 ($42) on meals for one day and EC$46 ($17) on local transportation. Now you know what to pack for a vacation in Jamaica, dont forget to bring your best self! Bring the original batteries, and an extra set of rechargeable batteries just in case. WebIf you bring US, you can tip 1$, if you have Jamaican you usually tip 100$ JAM, which is about 1.25$. If you are approached but not interested, dont worry! First, large hotels and upscale merchants in the tourist trade take credit cards. Travelling can be fast paced and in a lot of ways stressful, especially when youre travelling with a large family that includes kids. Ahead of your trip, do some research to see which attractions youd most like to see. Jamaica is a very small country, so theres not much space to find hotels. Hitchhiking is a no-no in Jamaica, as is traveling to remote or unfamiliar areas at night. This helps to keep your electronic devices protected against power surges, which are more common than you think. The Jamaican dollar is also the currency of choice for shopping in the country. On a regular day, you probably wouldnt be picking up food from a shop on the side of the road, but in the Caribbean, this is not considered unusual. Traveling with others? If you do happen to forget your medication, you may not find the same brands in Jamaica as in the US, because the prescription medication there is based on the British system. Norman Manley International Airport is located in Kingston in the southeastern part of the island, while Donald Sangster International Airport is in Montego Bay to the northwest. In the past 13 years, Kylie loved to work with various newspapers, magazines and blogs in the Caribbean. Generally, when shopping at local craft markets, you should go to the vendor with the warmest smile, who is the least bit pushy; from these types of vendors you can usually get what you need at a decent price. All you need is something you can put your dirty clothes in, so they dont get mixed up with your clean items and leave you smelling funky for the rest of your vacation. WebHow much peso should I take to Cancun? Here are some travel tips to help you make the most of our all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall resort, from reserving your beach cabana to upgrading your room. Driving in Jamaica can seem a bit haphazard to visitors, so its best to stay alert while navigating the roadways. Need Help Fast! Keep in mind that USD50, converted to the local currency (about 6,997 JMD) goes a long way for one day in Jamaica. The last thing youll need is your laptop getting damaged by a power surge, or any essential device that you need to last through the duration of your vacation. Avoid being overcharged, left stranded, or even hassled by drivers who may or may not be authorized, and make sure your transfer arrangements are finalized before you leave home. For tourists especially, exploring in this way is not recommended in Jamaica. One price covers meals, beverages and more at these all-inclusive spots. How much cash should I bring to an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica? 11 How do you hide money when traveling? This way youre able to reflect later on your amazing Jamaica vacation, and share the most memorable moments with friends and family. Additionally, you might need this information handy when arriving at the airport, so your taxi knows where to drop you off. Toiletries and towels are often provided, so no need to worry about the shampoo bottle leaking in your luggage. Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Montego Bay. While it is not advisable to walk around with large sums of money, youll need to walk with some small bills for tipping purposes, or making small purchases at the airport. If youre coming up with a budget of under $1,000, you may not need much cash. Just use our TUI Travel Money calculator to give you a guide! Keep in mind that the ambulance service in Jamaica is not as reliable as in the US. Jamaica is an insanely popular place to vacation in. Can, Cover image credit: icemanphotos/Shutterstock.com The month of April is a great time of year to travel! To be on the safe side, it might be best to stick with mineral water, or other bottled versions sold at most supermarkets, shops and bars on the island. At secrets, you will just need tip money. If youve already booked your trip and are not sure what to pack, read our What to Pack for a Vacation in Jamaica post which will help ensure you have everything you need ahead of your amazing Jamaica getaway! If youre looking for a cheap vacation, its definitely not the place to go. This comes in handy when you plan to do some shopping! Yet, that can be difficult to do, particularly if youre travelling for a destination wedding or vow renewal. Dont leave your insurance cards behind; theyll come in handy if you run into an emergency situation or require medical assistance while in Jamaica. WebR Hotel Kingston. Which Sandals is the best???? Everyone has that one thing they cant imagine living without, albeit for a few days. You cant avoid bugs and mosquitoes in the tropics, but you can go prepared to try to keep them away from you. The two main things to keep in mind are the cost of living and the quality of the economy. If you cant do that, then at least leave with your best self which means youll have to kick back and enjoy all the cool things Jamaica has to offer, wasting not a moment thinking about how things could be better. Or you could just get a waterproof pouch for your phone. WebHilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa. Expect to be treated like a King and Queen on this island. Some general advice that can be given is to bring a few things that you will use often, such as a phone, a charger, and a watch. The cheapest month to go to Jamaica is February. They will also come in handy for climbing the falls. Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. The difference between Jamaica and some of the smaller Caribbean islands though, is that because of its larger size, the weather in one area of Jamaica compared to another may be very different. This five-star resort has five swimming pools so that no one has to fight for a seat by the pool. 8.6. of 5, from 1555 reviews. On average, past travelers have spent J$1,673 per person, per day, on local transportation in Jamaica. Keep track of what youre bringing with a luggage scale. During the low season, which spans from June to November annually, you need to go in anticipation of encountering the occasional drizzle. The United States Dollar (USD) to Jamaican Dollar (JAM) exchange rate is 1:40. Then we'll have another hundred or 2 depending upon on how long we are going for and if they kids are with us or not. Keep in mind you may have just as hard of a time getting non-prescription items like pain medicines, and others. 2017 All rights reserved. Jamaica is a tropical country, and the weather can be quite changeable. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price for a hotel room in Jamaica is J$20,402. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-52864870', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Jamaica, I usually carry some Canadian dollars (clean crisp untorn bills) for exchange if I need to. The faster you fill these out, the sooner youll be out of the airport and on your way to kick off an amazing vacation in Jamaica. If you are going to be staying in a villa, you may want to consider bringing a garden hose and a hand held vacuum cleaner. Wearing camouflage print is illegal in Jamaica, and in some cases packing clothing items of this type can result in them being confiscated at the airport. Dont get caught up in the resorts fun and games. Suggestions on Adults Only for Cousins' Reunion, Settle This Friendly Patty at Sangster Debate :), Iberostar Grand RH vs Excellence Oyster Bay, Cost to rent a van for a day trip to negril. De Lunes a Viernes S. Mostly in 5's and 1's. If you are planning to stay at a resort for longer than a week, its probably best to simply pack for a week and use the laundry services available. Pay attention to the personal information you share, as it relates to where you live, how many cars you own, and things of this nature. Other couples drop $1500 without doing/buying anything at all extravagant. 2017 All rights reserved. These Are The Best Restaurants In Nassau! 1-2 pairs of flip flops or sandals. Simply enroll your trip with your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and youll begin to receive information from the Embassy about your upcoming vacation destination. They are available almost anywhere throughout the country, and are usually linked to an international network so you should generally not have any problems withdrawing money while you're on the road. You dont realize how much you need a beach blanket, until you get to the beach and realize you dont have one. Dunn's River Falls is a location where you may need to bring along water shoes, as the surface of the rivers and waterfalls in the area tend to be gritty. Transportation between cities and towns in Jamaica costs an average of J$12,469. List of essential travel items Jamaica is one of those places where its best to keep it as understated as possible. By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies, plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers! Beware that you might not be able to rent a car in Jamaica if you are over 75 or under 23 years old. Is the water safe to drink in Jamaica? Dont leave home without it; and no, you cant just travel on your drivers license to the Caribbean! Get used to laid back attitudes, and island time which oftentimes equates to lateness, and refuse to be frazzled by anything at all. This includes most resort food, drinks, and even the air you breathe. WebHow much money should I bring to St Lucia? Writing for 13 years, Kylie discovered that experiences tell the best stories. WebAnswer 1 of 5: I am going to Montego Bay for a two week holiday with my friend in June, we are staying at an all inclusive hotel. Is Jamaica expensive? Cancun is not dangerous as long as you hang around the main attractions. Jamaica is made for exploration, so take full advantage! Additionally, many Jamaican businesses will offer special deals for tourists, so youll be able to save a lot of money. Route taxis offer an interesting experience as they are typically full of people from all different areas. When you compare the prices of food in either the United States or Jamaica, youll find that the prices are much lower. Beach bags come in handy when you want to bring everything but the kitchen sink with you on beach day and especially when you plan to stay on the beach long enough to see the sunset. Born on the tropical island that is Saint Lucia affords a never-ending source of inspiration. Bug repellent can be purchased at all Sandals resort shops. Sunburns can be painful, so find a sunscreen that works for you. Make sure you are budgeting for things like tips, excursions, transportation to and from the airport, and shopping, to name a few. Worth every penny! Look for one that contains 99 percent Aloe Vera. You can exchange money while in Jamaica at hotels/resorts or commercial banks, but these rates might not always be favourable. Doing some exploring on your own? We always grab 100 in 1's and 100 in 5's before we leave. Dont be misled into thinking that the resort is all inclusive. Additionally, the currency is very unstable and can change a lot in value. When crossing streets in Jamaica you may find that you need to make a more active effort to check the left (as well as the right) to avoid oncoming traffic. This might seem like a given, but if youre a regular traveler youve seen how often people ask others to borrow pens, to fill in their immigration forms. Leave expensive electronics in your room (preferably in the safe) when you head out on tours, so you dont end up losing them. I did see te exchange rate at the airport for Jamaican money is .85cents to the US dollar.