Or you could just get a waterproof pouch for your phone. Good to know: Sandals and Beaches properties offer travel insurance at additional costs when booking a stay at either all-inclusive resort. 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. Feb. 7, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. 11 Top Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts. I did see te exchange rate at the airport for Jamaican money is .85cents to the US dollar. Our transfers were prepaid, so we only needed to tip. The best card to take is your ScotiaBank debit card and take some Jamaican dollars out of your existing account while you are on the island. The activities you will partake in, will influence what you will need to pack. 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. Toiletries such as comb, makeup, deodorant, lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste. Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa Source: Booking.com Location: Lucea Average Price: $341 to $569 per night The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa is a luxurious all-inclusive resort worthy of your attention. Is $5 a good tip in Mexico? One price covers meals, beverages and more at these all-inclusive spots. 10 What is the best way to pay while traveling? Dinner attire for a special night out. Worst case scenario your driver will take you to their idea of great spots, while you miss out on the things you really want to do, or you might be overcharged for the experience. This includes most resort food, drinks, and even the air you breathe. "wanted to know how much American cash should we have on hand for gratuities and such". Get used to laid back attitudes, and island time which oftentimes equates to lateness, and refuse to be frazzled by anything at all. Consider the complimentary items that are provided by the accommodation (like toiletries, beach towels and hairdryers) the less you must bring along, the better! This is a surcharge that is added to the total bill, which is then divided evenly among the server and guests. Are You A Foodie Heading To The Bahamas? 2. Additionally, many Jamaican businesses will offer special deals for tourists, so youll be able to save a lot of money. 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. If you dont have a waterproof camera, perhaps this is the ideal time to look into getting one. Read on to find out what things you want to consider before packing for Jamaica, or go directily to clothes to pack for 7-days in Jamaica instead. The amount of cash you need depends on how much you want to spend. Beaches Negrils Pirates Island, an 18,000 square foot waterpark along the oceans edge. The average price for one person for accommodation in Jamaica is J$10,201. You can also try UV protection clothing, which can come in handy for activities such as snorkeling that leave your back exposed to the suns rays. Just use your common sense, relax, and let the good times roll. Youll need this to fill in your immigration forms, and to answer any questions that may come up once you arrive to your destination. Before booking a resort, do some research on attractions youd like to visit. 19 How much money should I bring to Sandals Jamaica? 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. After all. Travel times and associated wait times in between travel points can be extensive. One US dollar can buy a wide range of items, depending on the location and currency. The Jamaican dollar is also the currency of choice for travelling in the country. To display all of the data, copy and paste the code below to display our travel cost widget. Dunn's River Falls is a location where you may need to bring along water shoes, as the surface of the rivers and waterfalls in the area tend to be gritty. Off resort Jamaican $ will get you more for your money. Investing in a luggage scale will keep you from paying overweight fees, both now and for future travel. Youll need something you can get off and, on your feet, quickly, so anything with laces is not ideal. You cant go wrong with a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Keep track of what youre bringing with a luggage scale. Finally, the cost of visas can be a bit of a concern. Jamaica is made for exploration, so take full advantage! 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! 5. (1,059 reviews) The hotel is amazing with plenty of the amenities being exquisite Reviewed on Feb. 28, 2023 Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall - Adults Only - All Inclusive CA $3,165 CA $3,093 Is Jamaica safe to travel to? Hitchhiking is a no-no in Jamaica, as is traveling to remote or unfamiliar areas at night. This way youre able to reflect later on your amazing Jamaica vacation, and share the most memorable moments with friends and family. Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy How To Fly. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-52864283', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Jamaica. 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. Beaches Negril's Seven-Mile Beach has been voted many times over as one of the best in the world, known for its dramatic sunsets, silky white sands, clear turquoise waters, and spontaneous island spirit. Free Cancellation. It will work wonders to soothe your skin! Which Sandals is the best???? Craving Some Adventure? Avoid getting into cars with strangers, especially cars without a red number plate. The airport is not the ideal place for getting the best exchange rate. 3. While in Jamaica also check out Doctors Cave Beach in Montego Bay, which is great for a relaxing time. While meal prices in Jamaica can vary, the average cost of food in Jamaica is J$3,038 per day. Both resort brands serve unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks, including premium brand liquors. In some cases, the price may be lower than in other countries, but there is always something to buy in Jamaica. Additionally, the crime rate is high, so its not the best place to spend a vacation. Cover image credit: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com The Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays, is known and loved for a host of things including its unique cuisine. Blue Mountain Coffee is not something youll want to miss out on while in Jamaica, so this is one of the travel tips that you probably want to highlight ahead of your trip. The cost of a taxi ride in Jamaica is significantly more than public transportation. Getting through TSA can be a hassle, so the most important thing to remember is to be comfortable. From tropical beaches to majestic waterfalls, from lush mountains to luxurious resorts - Jamaica has it all. For a one-week stay at an all-inclusive resort, a couple should budget to spend about $150 US (or the local currency equivalent) total in tips. Youll also have to be careful about the water. WebR Hotel Kingston. Tip: Who wants to think about laundry while on vacation? Is $100 a lot of money in Mexico? If you are going to be living in a hotel, you may want to bring a few things that you will use regularly, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste. You can simply wave and say no, thank you, and continue on your way. Crime is less of a worry when you travel with a family, as you are more likely to select safer locations in general. Have a bank account in Jamaica so you can get your money transferred there quickly. Consider traveling around in a route taxi instead of a tourist taxi. Plan how you will get to specific locations, and make arrangements to get back to your resort, before venturing out. A retired couple can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Jamaica for between $800 and $2,000 per month.This figure includes plenty of money for rent, food, entertainment, fuel, utilities, health insurance, clothing, and other essential purchases. They may not be much to look at, but the food is usually very tasty and low cost. In Jamaica you can actually be arrested for possession of marijuana. 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. The last thing youll need is your laptop getting damaged by a power surge, or any essential device that you need to last through the duration of your vacation. WebHow much money should I bring to St Lucia? Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Montego Bay. They are also a lot cheaper than tourist taxis. 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. Choose one that is lightweight, and easy to pack! How much do you tip an all inclusive concierge? Desire Resort Spa Riviera Maya - All Inclusive: Like no other experience we've ever had! 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. These spots are also good places to meet with locals, and other travelers alike. Which Montego Bay Adults Only AIs Offer This? Be smart, and know its alright to say no, even if you think someone might be offended. The first thing to consider is the cost of living. Dont drink or eat anything that is not made from all natural ingredients. Eat as much as you want, it's all included! Stick to highly populated areas, and if youre in Jamaica for a low-key activity like backpacking, it may be best to do so with an experienced guide. We tipped in US, but we are from here so it was easy. Underwear (enough to last the duration of your trip) 2 beach tops or cover-ups. In the water or on dry land, theres something for everyone at Sandals Montego Bay. Put at least two pens into your carry-on so youre able to fill out customs and immigration forms and other documents quicker. Plan to spend at least a day or two away from the ocean, hiking in the forest. This is a very good salary for a country with a very high standard of living. Check out our articles Best points of interest in Jamaica and Best area to stay in Jamaica. Perhaps youve been one of those people. Make sure you are budgeting for things like tips, excursions, transportation to and from the airport, and shopping, to name a few. If theres one travel tip youll regret not following upon arrival to sunny Jamaica, its this one. Also, the average hotel price in Jamaica for a couple is J$20,402 ($133). How much money should I take to Cancun? WebHow much pesos should I bring to Cancun? If you pay in USD (which you can do at most establishments), be prepared to get JAM in return. Choose products with 20 percent picaridin or 30 percent oil of lemon eucalyptus for effectiveness. Take in the wonders of the islands from the best seat in the house - on board the Island Routes' Reggae Family Catamaran Cruise. Theyll have ATMs in Jamaica. Just wear the appropriate clothing, and youll be both fashion savvy, and sun safe. 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. The gift shops onsite did not accept cash.credit or charge back to room. Not sure what to pack for Jamaica? Mostly in 5's and 1's. If you are approached but not interested, dont worry! Plus, most resorts have laundry services. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. When planning a trip to an all inclusive resort, it is important to keep in mind some key rules. This all depends on a variety of factors. There are many roadside stops which serve delicious snacks, including jerk shacks which can be found all over the island. Pills for seasickness are worth bringing along, and baby powder always comes in handy for chafing. On average, past travelers have spent J$1,673 per person, per day, on local transportation in Jamaica. If youre packing light you may not want to bring along snorkeling gear, but you can rent some once you get to Jamaica. The dollar is worth a total of $1,000.00 US dollars in Jamaica. Some things you should keep in mind when looking for an all-inclusive resort are the following: -The all-inclusive resort should offer a variety of activities and activities for guests to enjoy. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Picture: Overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast, Jamaica. Keep in mind that the ambulance service in Jamaica is not as reliable as in the US. You may also want to bring some snacks and drinks, as well as a sunscreen and insect repellent. The amount is different for every person and is related to what you plan to do while in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This coffee is widely recognized as one of the best coffees in the world! I agree the best way to get pesos is once you are in Mexico, with your ATM card at an ATM. This all depends on a variety of factors. In most Caribbean islands, motorists drive on the left, as opposed to the right in the US. Wondering what to wear to Jamaica? It is best to apply sunscreen liberally every two hours. 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. Cancun is not dangerous as long as you hang around the main attractions. Remember, the best resort restaurants often have dress codes, so if youre staying at a resort, bring some options! Take your own medications in their original packaging or prescription bottles, to avoid any problems. As a result, on my last trip to Jamaica I spent less than $US20 (less than $C20) for the week. They generally travel between towns along set routes and they're easy to pick up in any town center. Knowing where youd like to go, and how far places are from the various resorts on the island will help you decide where to stay. Make the most of your stay on this beautiful island at one of Jamaicas all-inclusive resorts. They are available almost anywhere throughout the country, and are usually linked to an international network so you should generally not have any problems withdrawing money while you're on the road. You will find that most of the better-rated Jamaican resorts fall in a price range between $300-$500 a night. Tip: Ask your doctor whether you should pack an Epi-Pen. However, according to the average Jamaican citizens budget, it would be difficult to spend more than $50 in a day. Keep your pen close by; preferably in your jacket pocket, or in the outside pocket of your carry-on bag. 4. This service makes it easy for the U.S. Embassy and your friends and family to contact you in the event of an emergency. Keep in mind that not all vendors take debit or credit cards in 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. How much cash should I take to an all inclusive resort?? It marks the start of the peak season for travel in many parts of the world and also signifies the end of the winter season. In fact, the resort may only offer a limited number of activities and services. I should also say that all of my spending during my last trip was in Jamaican dollars and I spent no US dollars while on the island. Every dollar you bring to Jamaica is essentially a vote of confidence in the country and its people. Wear shoes that you dont mind taking on and off if youre asked to, and clothing that will keep you warm on the plane, that you can easily peel off once in the Bahamas. Looking for a kid-friendly all-inclusive resort? Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. Taking your own portable hair dryer is a good idea if your accommodation doesn't provide one. per night. While Secrets allows tipping, the all inclusive resort I stay at prohibits tipping. 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. A good rule of thumb - don't bring jewelry on your vacation that you dont want to lose during snorkeling and other activities. Keep these essential travel items either on you, or in your carry-on luggage. You can exchange money while in Jamaica at hotels/resorts or commercial banks, but these rates might not always be favourable. Here are some of the most important ones: -The amount you want to tip is important. This will help ensure that you use less towels, whether you plan to explore a beach, or waterfall during a day. It is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean region, and is associated with being the birthplace of Reggae, the land of beautiful waterfalls, the home of sporting legends, and overall, a place where everything is always quite alright. You can use a US driver's license for the first three months of your stay. You are welcome to reference or display our travel costs on your website as long as you provide a link back to this page. Additionally, the country has a low crime rate, which makes it a great place to live and visit. However, packing for trips where youre bringing kids along, or other members of the family, might lead to you packing more. If youre going to use USD, bring along smaller bills. Find the best hotel for your travel style. 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. 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. TripAdvisor even ranked Jamaica the #1 Caribbean destination to visit. Recommendations for a bed and breakfast in Montego Bay? : Like most destinations, there are some things to avoid when travelling to Jamaica: avoid getting into a taxi without a red number plate, avoid drinking unfiltered tap water, don't go off the beaten track without a guide, avoid wearing flashy jewelry and dont wear camouflage print clothing (it's illegal in Jamaica). You just need to have money in your checking account too be able to access it. Everyone has that one thing they cant imagine living without, albeit for a few days. Some all-inclusive resorts offer deals that make them much cheaper than others, but its still important to do your research to find the best deal for your specific needs. If you choose the right one, youll feel at ease anywhere you go in Jamaica. Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Saint James, 33126. If youre looking for a cheap vacation, its definitely not the place to go. When you compare the prices of food in either the United States or Jamaica, youll find that the prices are much lower. 5-6 t-shirts, polo shirts, or casual tops. WebTours in Negril, for example to Rick's Caf, will probably be in the $US10 to $US20 range per person. S. Bonus tip: If youre traveling through Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, spend some extra on Club Mobay. Try to avoid this, as once you get there, youre likely to find that you dont need half of the items you brought along. The US dollar goes farther. Bug repellent can be purchased at all Sandals resort shops. Reserve now, pay when you stay. A vacation to Jamaica for one week usually costs around J$111,925 for one person. If you stay at any of the Sandals or Beaches Resorts in Jamaica, you will get picked up from and returned to the airport at no additional costs. 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. Many people visit Jamaica as part of a cruise, but this is a large island nation and you will really miss large parts of it if you spend only a day or even half a day in the area. Naturally, it depends on the dates. 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. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering whether or not Jamaica is a good place to visit. 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. I mean, its only 5 days. 20 How much is a bottle of water in Jamaica? For one, the currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar. Get answers to your questions about Montego Bay, THE LIST, Private Drivers or Taxis? Copyright Here Comes The Sun - The Official Beaches Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. There are so many interesting things to do in Jamaica, and many of them involve getting wet. Worth every penny! I wouldn't bring Kids to Jamaica. 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. WebHow much US dollars should I bring to Jamaica? 1 - Apr. What's the hip strip? The staff is friendly and helpful, the prices are reasonable, and the experience is very positive. The average Jamaica trip cost is broken down by category here. A retired couple can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Jamaica for between $800 and $2,000 per month.This figure includes plenty of money for rent, food, entertainment, fuel, utilities, health insurance, clothing, and other essential purchases. If you are living in a hotel, you may want to consider bringing a few more things, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste. For All-Inclusive trips we bring about 1500-2000 pesos or so for tipping per week, plus maybe another 5000 for tours, shopping, day trips-IF you will be doing any of that. Cherish and keep those moments by investing in a waterproof camera. Only the local army is permitted to wear this print in Jamaica, so do yourself a favor and leave your camouflage items at home. Jamaica is one of the biggest islands in the Caribbean, which means theres plenty to do during your vacation. Keep all your devices plugged into one place so you can keep track of them during your stay. This will help you save money on your overall budget and improve your overall financial situation. However, if youre looking for something that will make you sweat, Jamaica is the perfect choice. If you plan on taking out a rental for your vacation, keep in mind that youll need to drive on the left side of the road in Jamaica. The cost of living in Jamaica is relatively expensive, so you might want to consider using cash to purchase goods and services. WebIf you bring US, you can tip 1$, if you have Jamaican you usually tip 100$ JAM, which is about 1.25$. This hotel Theres nothing wrong with sharing, but its just easier bringing your own. As of 2018, the Jamaican dollar is the official currency of Jamaica. Its best to walk with something you can safely refill. WebMoon Palace Jamaica All Inclusive CA $2,998 CA $2,868 per person Apr. Bring a lot of money in denominations of $100, $200, $300, $400, $500, and $600. The Jamaican dollar is a World Currency and is used as the currency of choice for transactions in the country. If you stay at a resort you can expect beach towels to be provided. 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. 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. Jamaica isnt ridiculously cheap, but prices are far from crazy. and Sandals (adults-only, designed for a romantic getaway) offer guests some of the worlds best inclusions, including the ability to eat as much as you want at up to 16 gourmet restaurants, stay in luxurious swim-up rooms, and the opportunity to take advantage of the many water and land sports offered on property, which are all included in your package. This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers -. Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. If you cant do that, then at least leave with your best self which means youll have to kick back and enjoy all the cool things Jamaica has to offer, wasting not a moment thinking about how things could be better. Youll have plenty of photographic opportunities in Jamaica, dont miss out because you didnt plan properly. 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. Good to know: Beaches and Sandals Resorts are by design closed off from public entrance and guarded 24 hours a day by private security. I did see te exchange rate at the airport for Jamaican money is .85cents to the US dollar. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry when out, and walk with minimum cash. Report For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price for a hotel room in Jamaica is J$20,402. Daily spending per person sits around the This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses. Rest assured, you can still expect a good amount of sunshine every day, even in low season. The weather is usually stable outside of the low season, so experiencing brief showers here and there are rare. Keep in mind that USD50, converted to the local currency (about 6,997 JMD) goes a long way for one day in Jamaica. There is no charge for doing this at the many ScotiaBank ATMs when you are in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? When it comes to choosing an all-inclusive resort, it can be tough to figure out whats the right price point. I did see te exchange rate at the airport for Jamaican money is .85cents to the US dollar. This five-star resort has five swimming pools so that no one has to fight for a seat by the pool. WebWorking out how much holiday spending money to take away with you can be difficult. They will also come in handy for climbing the falls. As with travel to any other destination, its helpful to know the things that are advisable when travelling to Jamaica, and those which are not. So, how much should you bring? You should plan to spend around EC$457 ($169) per day on your vacation in Saint Lucia, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. How Much Does it Cost to Live Comfortably in Jamaica? Whilst Jamaica is a great travel destination for families, the high crime rate should make you think twice before visiting. We always grab 100 in 1's and 100 in 5's before we leave. For a 5-night stay at a Sandals Resort in Jamaica, rates start at about $2,300. If youre coming up with a budget of under $1,000, you may not need much cash. Remember, the best resort restaurants often have dress codes, so if youre staying at a resort, bring some options. Where you stay and where you shop (where you spend your money) are the two most important factors. How much money will you need for your trip to Jamaica? Unless you plan on spending money off the resort I would stick with American $ . 1. Packed your clothes? This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? Remember, you can purchase most things while in Jamaica. 1 pair of sneakers (if you plan on hiking), Underwear (enough to last the duration of your trip). A hat and insect repellent also come in handy, and in some cases sunglasses. To be on the safe side, it might be best to stick with mineral water, or other bottled versions sold at most supermarkets, shops and bars on the island. This might seem like a given, but if youre a regular traveler youve seen how often people ask others to borrow pens, to fill in their immigration forms. Do not spend your whole holiday on the beach or you'll miss the beautiful waterfalls and mountain areas that make Jamaica unique. 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! Updated Oct 3, 2022. Whether youre heading to Jamaica to experience the lifestyle at one of the many all-inclusive resorts, or youre planning to rent something for yourself, this check list will help you get ready to have the most amazing vacation of your life! 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.