Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Beware that you might not be able to rent a car in Jamaica if you are over 75 or under 23 years old. Now that weve covered all the basics and shared the most important Jamaica travel tips, you are that much closer to an amazing Caribbean holiday. Web8 How much money should you bring to an all inclusive resort? Copyright Hello Paradise - The Official Sandals Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. 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. Also, the average hotel price in Jamaica for a couple is J$20,402 ($133). They are also a lot cheaper than tourist taxis. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. No one really pays attention to the figures, just what the skies and clouds are saying, which is usually pretty reliable! Expert tip: Take photos of your passport and travel documents with your cell phone as an added precaution in case they get lost or stolen. I usually take about $400. Mostly in 5's and 1's. I use it for tips, souvenirs and if I wantto pay for an excursion if I don't want to charge it Mostly in 5's and 1's. Some people bring cheaper replacement versions for their vacation and leave the real stuff at home for when they return. There are many reasons why you might want to exchange money before going to Jamaica. 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. However, if youre trying to come up with a budget of between $1,000 and $5,000, youll want to bring some serious cash. Its okay to say no if you really dont want anything, but if the vendor trying to get your attention has something youre interested in, its also okay to go check it out. Five dollars works out to about 750 Jamaican dollars, which cant buy much on the island, but it adds up. 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. Make sure you understand which airport you're flying into and where it is in relation to your hotel, as this will make your trip a lot smoother. Jamaica, can be alarming everywhere. Jamaica is relatively affordable, especially when compared to other Caribbean countries. If you want to get around quickly, take a red-plate cab, or even public transport. The property is Club Meds first in Canada and is currently the brand's only location in North America. Investing in a luggage scale will keep you from paying overweight fees, both now and for future travel. 1 summer dress (if youre a dress wearer) 2 pairs of PJs. The best time to visit Jamaica is from mid-December to mid-April annually, and the reason for that is you can expect stable weather conditions. The activities you will partake in, will influence what you will need to pack. Grab a wide brimmed hat and youll be good to hit the Jamaican beach front. Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 10 replies Sorted by 1 anod1 Apache Junction Level Contributor 10,712 posts 13 reviews 20 helpful votes 1. 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. It's pretty normal for hotels to provide guests with hairdryers in their rooms nowadays. Contrary to the popular belief that all-inclusive vacations are costly, they can actually help you stick to your budget and have a more carefree vacation. Pills for seasickness are worth bringing along, and baby powder always comes in handy for chafing. re: Cancun or Jamaica Posted on 2/28/23 at 5:45 pm to jkylejohnson. Make sure it is water resistant, 30 SPF or higher, and reef safe if you plan to go snorkeling or scuba diving. 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! This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? Bring a lot of tolls and fees deductions. Jamaica is not as expensive as some other countries for tourists. As of 2018, the Jamaican dollar is the official currency of Jamaica. This is highly recommended if you have allergies, particularly food allergies. This helps to avoid getting there and having no idea how to get around or how much it should reasonably cost for a taxi or rental. Staying at a resort or hotel? Is Jamaica expensive? Only the local army is permitted to wear this print in Jamaica, so do yourself a favor and leave your camouflage items at home. In the water or on dry land, theres something for everyone at Sandals Montego Bay. Transportation between cities and towns in Jamaica costs an average of J$12,469. -Tipping in dollars is often seen as a more formal way of saying thank you and is often done in a more formal way. Writing for 13 years, Kylie discovered that experiences tell the best stories. Dunn's River Falls is one of Jamaica's most Budget: The Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay is dated and can get noisy, but a beachfront setting, affordable all You are perceived as wealthy, and this will make you a target. The cost of living in Jamaica is relatively expensive, so you might want to consider using cash to purchase goods and services. 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. The Jamaican dollar is also the currency of choice for dining out in the country. In addition, by bringing a lot of cash, you can buy yourself some developing country bragging rights. If youre going to use USD, bring along smaller bills. Popular brands include Benadryl or Cortaid. Jamaica is one of the most incredible places in the world to vacation and planning properly will ensure that youre able to take advantage of all the awesome things the island has to offer when you get there. Travel Budget - Visit Jamaica on a Budget or Travel in Style, Montego Bay: Transfers to Martha Brae River Rafting, From Montego Bay: Dolphin Cove Lucea Private Return Transfer, One-Way Transfer to Negril from Montego Bay Airport, Black River and YS Falls Adventure with Transfer, From Ocho Rios/Runaway Bay: Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour, Jamaica's Dunn's River Falls & City of Ocho Rios Day Tour, Dunn's River Falls Park and Shopping: 6-Hour Tour, Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions. There is no definitive answer, but some tips include: 1. There are many roadside stops which serve delicious snacks, including jerk shacks which can be found all over the island. WebR Hotel Kingston. This coffee is widely recognized as one of the best coffees in the world! There are many expensive items that are found in Jamaica, such as food, clothing, and transportation. The Jamaican dollar is also the currency of choice for travelling in the country. Plus, most resorts have laundry services. 5-6 t-shirts, polo shirts, or casual tops. Not sure what to pack for Jamaica? In the sale a full week all inclusive is reduced from 1621 per person to 1269 with another 250 off the total price available using the code SALE. Research the weather: What is the Best Time To go to an All-Inclusive Resort. I agree the best way to get pesos is once you are in Mexico, with your ATM card at an ATM. 2. There are a few things you should know about using credit cards in Jamaica: -There is a high interest rate associated with using credit cards, -You may need to get a credit score in order to use a credit card in Jamaica. Both resort brands serve unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks, including premium brand liquors. Route taxis offer an interesting experience as they are typically full of people from all different areas. There are a few things you want to keep in mind when it comes to using cash or credit in Jamaica. The first thing to consider is the cost of living. Rest assured, you can still expect a good amount of sunshine every day, even in low season. You cant go wrong with a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Youre going to need something to put wet swimsuits into, and ziplock bags are ideal. 5. Past travelers have spent, on average, J$3,038 ($20) on meals for one day and J$1,673 ($11) on local transportation. Dont get caught up in the resorts fun and games. Is the water safe to drink in Jamaica? 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. Cherish and keep those moments by investing in a waterproof camera. If youre looking for a cheap vacation, its definitely not the place to go. List of essential travel items These spots are also good places to meet with locals, and other travelers alike. Besides, bringing your own is probably more hygienic. Once youve tried it once, youll never want to go back to plain old luggage again! Jamaica is a popular Caribbean destination for more reasons than one. Taking your own portable hair dryer is a good idea if your accommodation doesn't provide one. They are also insured. Also, during my last trip I did not use a credit card or debit card on the island as everything was prepaid (air, hotel, transfers, etc.). 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. You should plan to spend around J$15,989 ($105) per day on your vacation in Jamaica, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Cancun vs The Bahamas: Which Island is Best for You? They rely on the tips to survive. No. Difference between Resort Evening and Resort Casual attire? Tip: Dont expect any Jamaican to have a conversation with you about the weather. The US dollar goes farther. Jamaica is a tropical country, and the weather can be quite changeable. If you forget to pick one up before your trip, you can always purchase one at the airport. Keep in mind you may have just as hard of a time getting non-prescription items like pain medicines, and others. Eat as much as you want, it's all included! I agree the best way to get pesos is once you are in Mexico, with your ATM card at an ATM. Overall, show everyone respect as you go along your way, which in Jamaica includes greeting strangers who might randomly say hello, rather than just passing you by. Worth every penny! 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 isnt ridiculously cheap, but prices are far from crazy. All of these Jamaica prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. HORA ESTE, Island Routes' Reggae Family Catamaran Cruise. 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. Tip: Who wants to think about laundry while on vacation? Dont be misled into thinking that the resort is all inclusive. Put at least two pens into your carry-on so youre able to fill out customs and immigration forms and other documents quicker. Getting through TSA can be a hassle, so the most important thing to remember is to be comfortable. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 1. TripAdvisor even ranked Jamaica the #1 Caribbean destination to visit. -The all-inclusive resort should have a variety of activities for guests to do. Look for a case that makes it possible for you to take underwater photos, or even videos. 19 How much money should I bring to Sandals Jamaica? Try to take a lot of spending money with you, so you have something to spend in case you need it. Now you know what to pack for a vacation in Jamaica, dont forget to bring your best self! So - is it safe to travel to Jamaica? This can be a bit of a challenge if youre looking for a comfortable place to stay during your trip. So, a trip to Jamaica for two people for one week costs on average J$223,851 ($1,464). Like your engagement or wedding ring. $5-$10 depending on your usage. WebHilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa. 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. Our transfers were prepaid, so we only needed to tip. 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. 2017 All rights reserved. WebWorking out how much holiday spending money to take away with you can be difficult. Relying on a taxi driver to take you to the best spots is not always a good idea, especially if this involves a driver that you do not know and have not procured services from before. Travelling can be fast paced and in a lot of ways stressful, especially when youre travelling with a large family that includes kids. Youre in the Caribbean, and it doesnt really get any better than that! So, how much should you bring? "wanted to know how much American cash should we have on hand for gratuities and such". 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 This means that you should bring about $20 in small bills with you to spend on tips throughout the day. Keep track of what youre bringing with a luggage scale. Some resorts like Sandals make it a priority to keep guests safe while on property by having dedicated nurses on property, who are always available for emergencies and other occurrences. These always come in handy, especially if you plan ahead to bring the essentials, like band-aids, pain relievers, antihistamine medications, Aloe Vera ointment, alcohol pads, and antibiotic ointments. In some cases, the price may be lower than in other countries, but there is always something to buy in Jamaica. This can be done by playing one of the many games available, watching one of the many shows or movies, or even just relaxing in one of the many pools. Is $100 a lot of money in Mexico? How Much Money Should I Bring To An All-inclusive Resort. 11 How do you hide money when traveling? In fact, some people might say that it is actually quite affordable. The time you save (and the sanity you get to keep) will be worth it in the end. Other than books or magazines, you can bring along e-readers, tablets, and laptops to entertain you. Yes, the legal drinking age in Jamaica is 18. We recommend researching before you travel to check the best rates - you might get a better deal back home. Can, Cover image credit: icemanphotos/Shutterstock.com The month of April is a great time of year to travel! 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. Which Montego Bay Adults Only AIs Offer This? At all Sandals resorts snorkeling equipment is provided for free, to all interested guests. Marijuana is illegal in Jamaica, which might be surprising to some considering how closely it has been linked to Jamaican culture over the years. However, packing for trips where youre bringing kids along, or other members of the family, might lead to you packing more. 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. There are often lots of potholes in some areas, so if you must drive while on the island, do so in anticipation of a bumpy ride! Free Cancellation. All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget. Toiletries and towels are often provided, so no need to worry about the shampoo bottle leaking in your luggage. Red-plate cabs are authorized and licensed to operate. Good to know: Sandals and Beaches properties offer travel insurance at additional costs when booking a stay at either all-inclusive resort. Be smart, and know its alright to say no, even if you think someone might be offended. However, this does not mean you are immune. I mean, it's only 5 days. The "how much" is really up to you. These Are The Best Restaurants In Nassau! It is best to apply sunscreen liberally every two hours. Some will simply call out to you asking what you need, or offering what theyre selling, and while some travelers might recommend not making eye contact in these scenarios, in Jamaica this will likely come across as rude. Keep in mind that not all vendors take debit or credit cards in Jamaica. In Jamaica, the currency is the Jamaican dollar. Do not bring more than the recommended amount as any amounts over US$10,000 will have to be declared with the TSA (airport security control personnel). Every dollar you bring to Jamaica is essentially a vote of confidence in the country and its people. Jamaica is a very expensive country to live in, especially when it comes to food. The truth is, its hot in Jamaica, and youre probably going to drink a ton of water. Jamaica is one of the most expensive places in the world to live, and its infrastructure is not up to par with most other countries. WebI usually take about $400. Wear comfortable clothing, and if youre heading to a beach outside of your resort, bring along a towel and a change of clothes. 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 will help ensure that you use less towels, whether you plan to explore a beach, or waterfall during a day. Remember, you can purchase most things while in Jamaica. Copyright Here Comes The Sun - The Official Beaches Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. In fact, the resort may only offer a limited number of activities and services. These are also great to keep your cash and documents dry if you bring them on a boat trip! Invest in a big, ol insulated mug that will keep your drinks cold longer, while you take in the Reggae vibes in Jamaica. Jamaican Currency First, the official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar. In Jamaica, the average salary is about $27,000. On a regular day, you probably wouldnt be picking up food from a shop on the side of the road, but in the Caribbean, this is not considered unusual. The United States Dollar (USD) to Jamaican Dollar (JAM) exchange rate is 1:40. A few bucks here and there can run into hundreds depending on your length of stay. Since you are from Canada, I'm not sure what would be better for you, US$ vs J$. Traveling to Jamaica for the first time? 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. The average Jamaica trip cost is broken down by category here. PS. Airlines have the right to deny boarding if your documents are not up to date. The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar, although many resorts and shops take US dollars, too. They will also come in handy for climbing the falls. All-inclusive resorts can be a great deal; however, things can get out of hand if you are not minding your budget. Sandals offers laundry services for guests, which youll be grateful for when you get to reuse the same outfit all clean and crisp during your vacation! 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. Mostly in 5's and 1's. no need for you to pay to exchange Canadian dollars to US dollars for use in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For All-Inclusive trips we bring about 1500-2000 pesos or so for tipping per week, plus maybe another 5000 for tours, shopping, day trips-IF you will be doing any of that. Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy How To Fly. WebHow much peso should I take to Cancun? 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. 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! To display all of the data, copy and paste the code below to display our travel cost widget. Take US$500 as backup in cash and then bring your ATM card. Picture: Overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast, Jamaica. Ahead of your trip, do some research to see which attractions youd most like to see. Daily spending per person sits around the 3. 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. Pack everything you need from towels, to your favorite novels, sunglasses, and bottled water. Looking for a hotel in Jamaica? All-inclusive resorts are great because they put everything at a guest's fingertips, but not every resort in Jamaica is worth the So, whats the best way to bring cash to Jamaica? Jamaica is a small, but wealthy, country that has a wide array of prices for goods and services. If youre looking to enjoy some serious jet-setting while in Jamaica, youll need to bring a lot of cash. Theres nothing worse than getting sunburn during a trip to the beach, much less while on vacation. Club B by BH Mallorca: Prison for Drunks - See 1,225 traveller reviews, 356 candid photos, and great deals for Club B by BH Mallorca at Tripadvisor. Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. This helps to keep your electronic devices protected against power surges, which are more common than you think. Tip waiters at all-inclusive resorts are often tipped with a 10% gratuity. Are you going strictly for a Caribbean getaway, are you in Jamaica to do business, or do you plan on getting married in Jamaica? The average price for one person for accommodation in Jamaica is J$10,201. 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! 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 two countries are very different in terms of their economies. 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. With Beaches' Red Lane Spa services, take the time to let us envelop you in natural botanicals and you will feel renewed for a lifetime. This will help with planning your accommodation. Avoid any unnecessary hassle trying to source these in Jamaica by bringing an adequate supply with you. 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. However, according to the average Jamaican citizens budget, it would be difficult to spend more than $50 in a day. How much money will you need for your trip to Jamaica?