As an American, driving in Jamaica can be a thrilling experience, but it's important to be aware of some of the unique challenges that come with navigating the island's roads. During my trip, I drove outside of Kingston from Montego Bay to Negril on the north side of the island, and I encountered several challenges along the way.
Potholes
One of the biggest challenges that I faced was the prevalence of potholes on the roads. This is especially true when driving outside of the major cities like Kingston and Montego Bay. To avoid damaging my rental car and ensure a smooth ride, I found it best to drive at my own pace and be cautious when encountering potholes.
Night time driving
Another challenge that I encountered when driving in Jamaica was the lack of streetlights in certain areas. This can make driving at night a bit difficult, as it's sometimes hard to see the road ahead. To combat this, I found that using my high beams helped to illuminate the road and make it easier to navigate.
Driving at night in Jamaica can be especially challenging due to the lack of streetlights and the prevalence of potholes on the roads. To avoid any accidents, it's important to drive slower than you normally would during the day and to be especially cautious when encountering potholes. Driving at a slower pace will give you more time to react and avoid any obstacles in the road. While it may be tempting to drive faster to get to your destination more quickly, it's always best to prioritize safety and take your time when driving on unfamiliar roads at night.
Renting in Jamaica Best Practices
When renting a car in Jamaica, it's important to be thorough in documenting any existing damage to the vehicle. I found that the car rental companies were very thorough in pointing out any existing damage, but it's always a good idea to take photos and video of the car to ensure that you aren't held responsible for any damage that may occur during your rental period.
Local Drivers
Drivers in Jamaica can be a bit more aggressive than what you may be used to in the United States, so it's important to be assertive and make room for yourself to get into lines of traffic. It's also important to keep in mind that Jamaicans drive on the left-hand side of the road, which can take some getting used to if you're used to driving on the right-hand side.
Tipping Gas Pump
One unique aspect of driving in Jamaica is that you may need to pay someone to pump your gas for you. It's also customary to tip the person who pumps your gas. You should tip them between USD$1 and USD$2.
In conclusion, driving in Jamaica as an American can be an exciting and challenging experience. It's important to be cautious when encountering potholes and driving at night, to document any existing damage to your rental car, and to be assertive when navigating the roads. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer while staying safe on the road.
