JamaicaTripper Travel News

Reader Question: Gas Prices in Jamaica?

Dear JamaicaTripper:

I'm considering renting a car during my November visit to Jamaica. I've found information about car rentals but I haven't been able to find information about gas prices in Jamaica. Can you help?

Thanks, Tom, Orlando, Florida

Dear Tom,

Look for gas prices to run almost double the prices you would expect to see in the US at any given time. You'll find numerous gas stations on the island, many open daily, but only some accept credit cards. Expect to pay cash at the smaller stations.

Labels: mailbox

posted by Paris & John @ 7:04 PM

Reader Question: Can I Use My ATM Card in Jamaica?

Dear JamaicaTripper:

I am visiting Jamaica on a cruise at the end of the year. I'll be spending one day in Ocho Rios.

Do you know if I will be able to use my ATM card? If so, should I obtain Jamaican currency (or, if not, should I exchange money somewhere?) Thank you, Dean, Knoxville, Tennessee

Dear Dean,

Thanks for your question. In the old days (not so many years ago), you couldn't use foreign ATM cards in Jamaica; only Jamaican ATM cards were accepted by local machines. This is still the case at some machines but many now accept US cards. In fact, in Ocho Rios you'll find some ATM machines that not only accept US ATM cards but will give you your money in US dollars. Look for CoolCash ATM machines; these provide money in US dollars as do some others (they'll be marked that they're dual currency.)

You'll find numerous ATM machines in Ocho Rios; the biggest one in town is located at 11 Main Street. Near the cruise dock, stop in at Margaritaville in Island Village for another ATM (it's located near the restrooms); you'll also find machines at Soni’s Plaza, Gem Palace, Dolphin Cove, Sunset Jamaica Grande, Breezes Runaway Bay, Dunn’s River Falls, and other locations around town.

Don't worry about obtaining Jamaican money; just about every place we've ever stopped in Ocho Rios has accepted US dollars (and provided change back in US dollars on most occasions.)

Happy travels! Paris and John

Labels: mailbox

posted by Paris & John @ 3:14 PM

Reader Question: Is Climbing Dunn's River Falls Dangerous?

Dear JamaicaTripper,

I'm visiting Jamaica in December on a cruise with my husband, my 10 and 13 year old sons, and my mother, who is in her 60s. Everyone really wants to climb Dunn's River Falls but I wonder if it's safe? We are not climbers. Thanks, Diana M., Charleston

Dear Diana,

Thanks for your email. Dunn's River Falls is really a spectacular sight and definitely one of the top attractions on the island. It is a genuine waterfall, though, so slips do occur. Some things to keep in mind:

• be sure to go with one of the fall's guides. There are freelance guides who try to take travelers up the falls but the guides who work for the falls know the terrain and will tell you exactly where to step.
• bring your own water shoes. There are shoes for rent but we always bring our own; we know they fit correctly and will be comfortable, helping to prevent slips.
• take it slow. It's not a race; groups can go up the falls very slowly.
• feel free to stop. If you'd like to just climb part of the falls, that's fine, too; you can get out at many places along the way. The falls start at the beach level and very gradually make their way up; this first leg of the hike is the easiest. If you get out, you can walk the remainder of the way right beside the falls (great for photos) on a paved sidewalk.

Happy travels!

Labels: mailbox, Ocho Rios

posted by Paris & John @ 1:47 PM