By Taxi
What passes for a taxi in Jamaica varies from the gleaming white vans and imported cars of the Jamaican Union of Travellers Association (JUTA; tel 868/927-4534, 926-1537 or 952-0623), the official - and expensive - tourist carriers, to beaten-up old Ladas. Licensed taxis carry red number-plates with "PP" or "PPV" on them, but there are also a number of rogue taxis. The authorities advise against using these. On the whole, fares are hefty - around US$20 for ten miles, and you'll always pay a little more if you take a taxi licensed to a hotel. Meters are non-existent, so always establish a price before you get in (or over the phone if you're calling for one). The first quoted price may well be just an opener, particularly if you hail a vehicle on the street; don't be afraid to negotiate. Once a price is agreed, a tip is unnecessary. Shared taxis or "route taxis" are usually crammed with as many passengers as the driver/owner can fit in, and operate on short, busy set routes around the main towns, picking up and dropping off people anywhere along the way in the same manner as the buses and minibuses. Prices are much closer to bus fares than to taxi rates.
WaterfallCorinne says "We drove 3 hours hung over and I got sick on our way to the waterfalls, but it was worth it. Beautiful!" hate itanne says " put a price so people know how much" hate itanne says " put a price so people know how much" hate itanne says " put a price so people know how much"
Your Tip for Jamaica
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