Many Jamaicans own a vehicle. It makes travel easier, but they are costly to buy and maintain. Insurance, gas is also expensive, this makes driving in Jamaica an expensive venture.
Cars in Jamaica cost twist the price of those in North America. Even older cars here are expensive. This makes driving in Jamaica an expensive venture.
Toyota and Honda are the most popular economic vehicle on the island, prices depreciate slower than other budget vehicles. They are affordable, easy to maintain, the reason for their popularity.
European luxury models are available here, but they are expensive. The cost of a luxury car can buy a two- three-bedroom house in a middle-income neighborhood. Despite the price, luxury cars are prevalent on Jamaica’s roads, especially in Kingston and Montego.
Motor vehicle prices in Jamaica
A Porsche Macan starts at $14.95M, Cayenne $20.5M, those are the least expensive ones available while a new BMW or Benz cost upwards of $9.5m.
ATL Motors sells BMW Audi and a few others while Stewart’s Auto Group distributes Mercedes. They are the dominant players.
Japanese-made vehicles dominate the economical section of local motor vehicle retail. With Toyota and Honda being the dominate players. A new Honda Civic cost $5.5m or higher, while a Toyota Corolla sells for $4.5m or better. These models are the most popular on the island, because they hold value longer.
The main dealerships for these brands are Toyota Jamaica and ATL Automotive Group.
Used Car dealership dominates the budget automotive marker. They import pre-owned vehicles from Japan. The average working-class Jamaican can afford them. A five-year-old car costs upwards of $900k. Price varies depending on the make, model, and condition.
Renter Car in Jamaica
Renting an automobile is a good idea if you plan to explore the Island. It is cheaper than charter. Before getting that rental, make sure you are a competent drive. Jamaica’s streets are unnerving, if you are an unskilled driver.
Rentals are affordable, prices are comparable with North America. Price range from upwards of US $35 per day. A few internationals renter companies are at the two major airports.
Vehicles are available in varied sizes and brands. If you are on a shoestring budget, a compact car is perfect. They are reliable transport with a low gas mileage. If cash is not your problem, source a luxury automobile or SUV they are excellent for the Island’s bumpy road.
Stay away from old cars, no matter how cheap you are getting it.
The auto rental business in Jamaica is competitive, so finding cheap cars is easy. You need to know the pitfalls.
Three types of Renter dealers are available, international companies such as Avis and Budget Car Rental, and Hertz. Local businesses such as Island Car Rental and Hummingbird. Other options include smaller enterprises with a few fleets or private individuals that rent their personal vehicles.
Registered company has protocols in place to protect you. It is tricky if you have a mishap with a car rented from an individual. The commercial use of their vehicle violates their insurance policy, so it does not cover you.
Renter car options available in Jamaica
The international enterprises and large Jamaican companies follow a strict guideline. You need a credit with a minimum balance of at a thousand US dollars.
Be from twenty-one to seventy-five years old, have your driver’s license for over a year old. You must be twenty-three or older with a driver’s licenses over three years to rent some vehicle.
Some companies have different requirements, but the age limit and driver’s license are standard.
Small companies accept cash, but you have to make a deposit. These smaller companies have a minimum number of days, which they rent.
Renting a private vehicle is easy once your driver’s license is a year old, pay cash upfront and you are good to go.
What you need to drive in Jamaica
You need a license to drive a motor vehicle in Jamaica. If you are from an English-speaking country, you can use the one issue in your country for one year. After which, you will need a Jamaican driver’s license. Non-English speaking nationals need an international driver’s license with their information translated into English.
Click here to learn how to apply for a Jamaican driver’s license.
Jamaica has an extensive network of tolls, highways, and parochial roads.
High ways are free to use most are single lanes. Major highways in the two cities are dual carriage.
Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road while they overtake on the right. North American might have difficulties to adjust.. Commonwealth countries drive on the left side so it is easier for them to drive in Jamaica.
Highway speed is 80kmph 50km/h in the built-up area. East to West toll road is from 70km/h to 110 km/h. South the west is 50 to 80 kph.
Toll cost range from $130 to $4200.
Here is a link for Jamaica toll rate.
What to expect from other drivers when driving in Jamaica.
Jamaica is not the place to drive if you are not a competent driver. Off roads are narrow with poor signage. Some motorists are aggressive. Loud horns verbal abuse is common if you are driving at a pedestrian pace.
Drivers in Kingston are the worst. Taxi drivers, bus operators are the worse of the worse. They will cut you off drive, play chicken while cussing you out.
Driving in Jamaica, Google map
It is easy to find anywhere in Jamaica. Google map works in urban areas, but it can be a tricky in the rural sections. A physical map, one on your phone or tablet, is an asset.
Internet signal can be unreliable in the mountainous areas. So have a backup. If you follow these simple rules, difficult to get lost in Jamaica.
Know where you are going if you travel on the coast, stick to the coastline. Mountainous roads is a sign you are on the wrong path.
High Ways connect parish capitals. coast to Kingston starts at Mamee Bay in Saint Ann and ends at Ferry in Saint Catherine. That is the best choice.
From Portland to Kingston you can drive through the mountains. The scenery is wonderful. If you want a faster trip travel to Saint Ann, then take the toll to Ferry. This is a faster way.
Jamaicans speak English and are helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask for directions. Be cautious in the rural areas, “around the corner”, for rural folks could mean ten miles away. Soon reach could mean an hour away.
Map of Jamaica
conclusion
Like most places on the planet you can drive in Jamaica. Plan your routes, follow the roads and be alert. You will be ok.
A few wrong turns are unavoidable, but it is impossible to get lost in Jamaica. There is always someone to give you correct direction. Be cautious traveling at nights of the major roads. Potholes will surprise and cause headaches. Damage rims or tires are not sometime you want at night, on a dark, lonely country road.
If driving is not your thing but you want to explore the Island, public transportation is your best choice. Check this post on how to travel on public transportation in Jamaica.