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On rare occasions, some drivers will ask for more money at the end of the journey, cleverly pretending that the trip took longer than they remembered. Don't fall for that one.

Expect to pay $18.00 US for every five miles. Drivers are always open for negotiations. Tipping is not required but feel free to reward drivers who exhibit superior services.

Minivans are much cheaper than taxis. The difference is minivans are crowded and never depart until the last passenger is crammed in. Buses run in only some areas and do not operate on any real schedule. Buses serve primarily local residents. Motorbikes, bicycles, and scooters can be rented cheaply at the resorts.

Driving rental cars in Jamaica is quite an adventure. Unless you're a super skilled motorist or you're comfortable driving on the left, it's better to leave the driving to someone else. You must be at least twenty-five to rent a car.

Getting around the island is pretty easy. The new two-lane Highway 2000 has drastically reduced traveling time to all destinations. Jamaica is small in area and you can sightsee your way through the island in just one day.

Regular Jamaican roads are bumpy, extremely winding with unexpected twists and turns, and difficult to navigate. Jamaican drivers tend to be aggressive and are heavy on their horns. They're also prone to overtaking slower vehicles on single-lane roads. Visitors should also refrain from night driving. Roads are poorly lit and dividing lines don't have reflectors.

The eighty-mile trip from Kingston to Montego Bay takes four hours and thirty minutes. Travel between popular tourist towns of Ocho Rios and Negril is just over three hours. Avoid travel during morning and evening rush hour when traffic is nightmarish.

Learn more about this author, Audrina Kingston.
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