Advise on renting a car in Ocho Rios

[LounVal]

I do not see any threads regarding car rentals on Ohco Rios.

1) Can you rent cars?

2) Is it a good or bad idea to do it?

[Daycare Provider]

Don't do it....we have been to the island several times including a 9 day land trip...take a taxi that is liscensed JUTA...cheap enough to hire a taxi to take you anywhere...

angela

[erwinner]

I had to get off a ship in Jamaica unexpectedly (missed our debarkation port on a cruise we were supposed to depart early) and be escorted into a cab by customs officials for a 90 minute ride to the airport for flights that had been arranged for our trip home. In that ride I saw 3 cars being pulled over in the same fashion. I do not know anything about who was in the car or why they were being pulled over, but the procedure was the same each of the three times. The cop would come screaming past the offender and continue for a good distance. Then the driver would pull over while the passenger officer gets out and stands in the middle of the lane pointing an assault rifle at the offending vehicle. Not the greatest impression to get in such a short time in a country! I wanted to ask the cab driver about it, but decided to just not mention it or wake my brother, and just get to the airport, slam a couple Red Stripes, and get the hell out of there.

I'd go back to Jamaica any day, it is a beautiful place despite the poverty and other problems, but I would take caution and stay in very touristy areas. And I usually like to wander and integrate with locals when I travel.

[PETE45]

I agree with the comment "Don't do it!". I rented a car in Montego Bay last year and drove to Negril. I have driven on many of the islands of the Caribbean and in Mexico. Driving on some of the islands presented some real excitement, but none compared to Jamaica. Jamaica is the one island where I have sworn off of driving altogether. It is just to dangerous. The roads are mostly two lane and drivers pass in heavy traffic, and will cut back in just yards ahead of a head on collision. They don't always make it. There are also no shoulders on most stretches of the roads we drove on, and they were considered main roads. If you do choose to drive, best of luck. We are going to be in Jamaica in early February and I will make sure to only ride in a large van or bus to get to our tour locations.

[SwingChickie]

there isn't enough money in the world to get me to drive in jamaica. the roads are skinny and full of deep potholes, they drive on the left side of the road, people drive recklessly, there are few road signs once you turn off the main highway so you'd have to idea where you were going. if you want to drive around for the day, a private guide will cost you around $30pp for the day, and will be well worth your money.

[salty dingo]

I've seen lots of comments about cops trying to extort money from tourists on the roads. I'd not even consider a car rental there. Go with a reputable tour company and you will be fine. No complaints about problems with cops that I have heard with good tour companies.