Jamaica is the land of fun and sun. Well known for its flavorful and varied cuisine, reggae music, and cream-colored beaches, it is no wonder that Jamaica is a popular tourist destination. However, Jamaicans do things a little differently than we do here in the States. Here is what you need to know before you head off on your Jamaican vacation.
Haggling is Expected
In the U.S., we expect to pay the price listed for an item. In Jamaica, however, this is not the case. Jamaicans love to haggle. Whether it is a cab driver, souvenir shop owner, or a craft vendor, all prices are negotiable.
Therefore, you should never accept the price of something without bargaining. If you are really good at negotiating price, you can save quite a bit of money on your Jamaican vacation.
Mosquito Repellant is a Necessity
Like any tropical location, Jamaica is home to a large number of mosquitoes. Unfortunately, many of the mosquitoes there can carry and transmit both the Zika virus and Chick V. While neither is usually deadly, Zika can cause birth defects and Chick V can cause some of the worst flu-like symptoms you will ever experience.
Because mosquitoes are so prevalent, almost all hotels in Jamaica have mosquito netting surrounding the beds. However, you need to protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times by applying mosquito repellant often and liberally.
The Currency Rate is in Your Favor
In Jamaica, the Jamaican dollar is used. When compared to the U.S. dollar, the Jamaican dollar is worth far less. According to moneyconverter.com, 1 U.S. dollar equals $126.63 Jamaican dollars.
With the currency rate in your favor, do not let yourself be shocked by seemingly high prices. In fact, something that would cost $100 U.S. dollars will cost $12,663.26 in Jamaican dollars. This means you can really get your money’s worth while shopping in Jamaica.
Use the favorable currency exchange rate to treat yourself to all of the amazing sights, food, and music the beautiful country of Jamaica has to offer.