Driving around Kingston is a journey into hysteria. The public bus transportation is horrendous, and foreigners are often pickpocketed. Thus, the taxi is the most reliable form of transportation. Official taxis with red license plates fall under the JUTA umbrella, the government-sanctioned taxi agency (tel. 876/927-4536). Your hotel will call one (unless one is parked out front). Taxis meet arriving planes, and are also plentiful in the shopping district.
Fares are charged per car, not per passenger. Because most taxis aren't metered, tell the driver where you are going and agree on the rate before getting in. Make sure you and the cabbie agree on which dollars you are talking about -- American or Jamaican.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
