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I am going to Negril for my homeymoon, and would like advice from people who have been there or live in Jamaica.
Thanks!
Details, please! =)
Also I am a pescatarian (fish eating vegetarian), and want to be sure I stay in a place that is going to have good seafood and vegetarian dishes.

Not sure what "best" means to you, but the Riu is fairly new & very grand…then theres Hedo, Grand Lido, and many others.

Fish is a mainstay for meals in Jamaica, so no issues there.

I’m releasing my music this summer with the help of my manager in Jamaica , I would like to know what type of song should I release , like the first song ?

Should it be a love song, a song people can dance to or something else ? I already have my songs ready I just wanna know what type of song should I release first ?

1. Ask a Disc jock. A top disc jock can give you a better idea about what will spin and how it needs to sound to fit in at any given time of year.

2. Forget about summer songs. Summer is GONE. Focus on tracks for august september and october…

My girlfriends and I (all young professionals) are looking for a reasonably priced getaway to Jamaica. Any advice on where to go and where to stay? We’re looking at all inclusive deals but I want to make sure its’ worth our while.

Not sure about prices from Cali but you can easily look online for that. Just a suggestion though, if you’re going to Negril, don’t stay at an all inclusive. There are many hotels and B&B’s on the beach that will give you a better value. Staying in these places as opposed to an AI supports the local economy and business owners. To me, thats what Jamaica is all about. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll still have a fantastic relaxing time while giving back. Experience the real thing. The AI’s are ruining that island in my opinion. As long as you use common sense you’ll be safe. Jamaicans are some of the kindest people I have ever met.

My friends and I are planning a trip to Jamaica in August, we’re staying a week in Ocho Rios. This is our first time going and we dont want to stay on the beach the whole time. Anyone know of certian things we need to check out?

If I could give that other answer two thumbs down I would. The people you refer to as ‘beggers’ are just people trying to get along in a 3rd world nation. If you don’t have any understanding of JA and it’s people and the struggles they endure (and frankly just don’t care), then stick to cruise ships.

Anyway, there are plenty of things to do in Ocho Rios. Shopping, day trips and activities (like a visit to Montego Bay or surrounding areas such as Trelawny and Runaway Bay), the Bob Marley Nine Mile tour, zipline, ATV at Dunns River, the Dunns River climb, plus many other activities offered through your resort. You will not run out of options for things to do in JA.

As for tips…Come to Jamaica with an open mind, a warm heart and RESPECT. If you show the love, love will be shown back. If you don’t want to buy something say "no thanks". Don’t buy ‘party favors’ at the airport. Haggle prices with vendors and taxi drivers. Don’t stay off-resort past 11 p.m. Don’t be a stupid tourist. Any other questions? Feel free to e-mail me ONE LOVE.

Hi, I was born in Jamaica, but raised in the US. I am thinking about moving back there for a few months, but I would like to be able to support myself or at least contribute to the household I will be staying with. Can anyone tell me what the average household expenses are like? I am thinking of staying in MoBay or Negril area, in an apartment/duplex/twnhse, and the only real ‘luxuries’ I would need is internet access and possibly mobile phone service. I know it varies, but I would like an idea so I know if I’ll be able to save enough, or if I need to get a pt job while I am there.

Side question…..
Has anyone left JA and gone back to live? What was the transition like?

Thanks!

I am thinking that you are going to need the following.
All prices quoted below are in US dollars.

exchange rate is approx 65 ja to 1 us dollar. Dont allow that to fool you, most products in the US are more expensive in Jamaica.

1. food/mth= $50-$75- food is pretty expensive in supermarkets, I suggest you shop for the month at the local market and cook for yourself if you want to save or sonserve.

2. rent= anywhere from us 200-2000/mth. if they realise that you are american they will probably overcharge you.

3. Transportation (depends on how much you have to travel approx. $2/day intra parish)- i would suggest that if you are well-off you try and rent a car for the period. If you can blend in easily, especially travel;ling by yourself…take the bus, you will meet alot of people that way.

4. entertainment-$50/mth- see the island, blue mountain, treasure beach, tourist areas, and to the eastern parishes (excellent beaches)

5. internet- depending on type of access, the ranges are between ($10-50/mth)

6. telephone- i would suggest you get a cellphone(get a prepaid package-). Take your american cellphone with you that uses the microchip. Buy a michocrip and phone cards. Cost approx. $20 to get a micro chip from one of the phone companies. phone catds cost between approx. $1.50 and $10.
NB- you can also connect your computer through your cellphone, its pretty cheap. (get online anywhere on the island)

7. msc.- 10-25/mth

additional.
You can gain employment which would be a bonus- You mentioned that your parents are Jamaican, some companies in Jamaica give alot of preferences to children of Jamaican parentage living abroad…Search online for Jamaican diaspora initiaves in Jamaica.

if you have more question i will be happy to help–link me

I am moving to Framingham MA, however am transfering my job to Jamaica New York, I am trying to find the fastest way via train to travel. I have always been so confused by train schedules and cant seem to figure them out and could really use someones help.

I do not enjoy being the bearer of bad news, but traveling by train from Framingham to Jamaica, New York will prove a daunting task at best. Probably the easiest method would be to take the commuter rail to South Station and then board Amtrak. Amtrak to Penn Station and then switch to the Long Island Railroad. You would then take the Long Island Railroad to Jamaica. The Amtrak portion of this alone at minimum will take slightly under four hours (via Acela express), and this will be costly. I am hoping that you are planning only to do this once per week. If you are going to do this on a daily basis you will easily be spending more time in transit then you will be spending on the job. Good luck!

Building a house in Jamaica and would like to have some idea of what it will cost me to have it rendered.

Around 1Million JMD

I dont mean to live as a tourist, but how much does the average Jamaica spend per month,
Thanks in advance
I will be staying in the rural area, with friends. So I won’t be paying rent or anything. I just need a rough idea

I am and Jamaican, and i am living in Jamaica right now.
$1.00US = Approx $89.00JM (Note that this currency rate changes ofter i could decrease or increase anytime)
The Is what i normally spend weekly:
Monday- A small breakfast would cost- $250.00JM
Lunch – $300.00JM
Dinner – $359-$700.00 JMD
Tuesday- Same as above
Wednesday – Same thing
Thursday – Same
Friday & Saturday- Groceries – $12,000.00JMD
Might want to go out so you will need about $3000.00
Sunday- You will probbly cook at home from groceries.

Other stuff you will probably need money for and recommended places.

Suviners – $3.500.
Recommeded Place to visit:
1.Dunn’s River Falls
2. Cool Runnings Water Park
3.Devon House
4.Emancipation Park
5.Bob Marley Museum(there are two of the, the onein St. Ann is better.
6. Mystic Mountain.
7 Blue Mountain and
8. Black River Safari and there ared more alot of then Casinos and other stuff.

I Reccomend you bring $1200US to $2,000US
Enjoy you stay.

I live in the Urban area so it is more expensive.
Since you will be staying in the Rural Area I a Jamaican recommend you bringing about $1200US. The will cover food, suviners it you wish to buy, Going out to like rivers and beaches and stuff. And maybe transportation if you dont’t already have.

I’m asking this question for a friend!

I don’t have a lot of money so whats the cheapest price I can live in Jamaica for 2 months?
I don’t mind hostels.

There are no hostels in Jamaica….

You could probably get a side of house ( a room ) without bathroom or cooking for $100 or less per month, or make arrangements with a family to stay with them for about that price. Then you need money for food & phone cards…and taxi’s to get around. So figure about $300-$400 a month is doable, but ppl live off ALOT less, the minimum wage is right above $50 per week and ppl make it work.

I really need real figures. Also, are most food businesses in downtown Ocho Rios, Jamaica using a franchise, joint venture, partnership, ect.

hmmm….for the answer to that question, you could consult Jamaica Trade and Invest either by telephone or email…..they’re probably one of your best bets for info

http://www.jamaicatradeandinvest.org/

as to the specifics of whether most businesses are franchises, joint ventures, partnerships etc….
the most i can say is that all types exist in ocho rios:

–popular international franchises like burger king, kfc; local franchises like juici patty and island grill

– local food enterprises, which may be joint ventures, partnerships or sole traderships.

hope this helps a bit

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