Get a driver.
Jamaica is a driving island. Sure, taxis and rideshare apps like Uber definitely exist if you're in an area like Kingston or Montego Bay, but unless you're in either of those places, getting a car to take you where you want to go in a timely manner is a rare thing. After leaving Kingston, I stayed in Boscobel, which is about 20 minutes from Ocho Rios. While there were local route taxis, finding one in certain locations or at certain times of day was a hassle. Even if I had my hotel call a cab, it would take anywhere between 20 minutes and an hour for the driver to arrive.
Before you arrive in the country, check Trip Advisor or Viator to see if you can book a driver for your entire trip. Make sure you do thorough research and are working with folks that come highly recommended and with plenty of reviews. Be sure to communicate your transportation needs clearly beforehand and once you get there. WhatsApp will likely be the best platform for this.
Carry US + Jamaican Dollars.
U.S. dollars were accepted almost everywhere I went in Jamaica. In some cases, it was preferred. More than a few restaurants, in fact, display their prices in U.S. dollars only. That said, Jamaican dollars are important to have, too. Personally, I enjoy spending local cash as in some situations, handing over American dollars feels unseemly and ostentatious. But since the dollar is stronger, many Jamaicans can get a better exchange rate at the bank. It all depends. Use your judgement, and make sure you've got both.
