Jamaica: Things to Know Before Visiting
Jamaica. The motherland. Well, my half-motherland since only one of my parents is from there. (haha!) After my visits to Jamaica, I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated. The people are so welcoming, and the food is amazing. What more can a girl ask for?
Recommendation: 10/10
Table of Contents
SAFETY | LANGUAGE | MONEY | TOURISTY LEVEL
I felt safe while in Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios because I was either on my safe excursion or had a big Black man nearby (private/semi-private driver or a family member). A big Black man tells other men that I am not their future prey. This may sound misogynistic, but a girl is just trying to survive on vacation.
Jamaica is not a place I would just venture out on my own and aimlessly explore. A good neighborhood can quickly become a bad one.
The only time I was not on an excursion and not next to a man was when my friends and I went to the club (Pier 1 Nightclub). It was an outdoor venue, and no one harassed me, which is always amazing! And we received door-to-door car service from the club, so no problems getting back to the resort late at night.
Jamaica is safe for tourists but make smart decisions!
The official language of Jamaica is English, but people also speak Patwa/Patois, which is an English Creole.
The locals will know that you are a tourist and will only speak English, so you will not have any problems communicating with them.
CHEAP OR EXPENSIVE?
Jamaica is quite expensive, and the locals will upcharge you because you are a tourist. A 10-min cab ride from my hotel to the Pier 1 Night Club cost $20 per person and there was 3 of us. $60 for a 10-min ride??? That is absolutely insane.
Additionally, Jamaica is very expensive because the excursions cost more than a place like Mexico, but unlike Mexico, food was never included in the activity. The excursions were also shorter than the ones in Mexico, so I was able to eat at my all-inclusive resort. While talking about food, please try the KFC if you are staying in Montego Bay. The spicy chicken wings are out of this world. Thank me later!
CASH OR CREDIT CARD?
I used my credit card for everything except when I tipped drivers and tour guides in American dollars.
For me, Jamaica is a good blend between authentic culture and lavish vacation.
· The club had local Jamaicans and tourists there, and they were playing dancehall, soca, reggae, etc.
· The food at my resort was A1. It tasted like my Jamaican grandmother’s cooking.
