Planning Expenses

This page details only some of the costs involved in going on vacation to Jamaica. For those of you who are new to international travel, please note that planning your travel budget ahead of time helps to avoid surprise costs and unnecessary stress.  Since everyone travels differently depending on their budget and preferences, this page is designed to help participants anticipate  the basic costs of the trip. We expect all Geckos to be financially responsible for themselves, so make sure you take a moment to guesstimate your money needs ahead of time. 

Things to know before you go:

• Most larger Jamaican businesses take credit cards, but smaller cottage industries and home stay accommodations will only take cash.  
• Checks are not accepted by most businesses.
• There are international ATM machines in Negril that will convert your money withdrawls into Jamaican dollars at the bank rate of exchange.  This is the easiest and most convenient way to get cash.  If you are grabbing a taxi to an ATM, ask around because chances are other Geckos will want to go too & will split the cab fare with you. 
• Most Jamaican businesses large & small are very willing to take U.S. money in exchange for goods and services.  Please know that you are not likely to get a good exchange rate and you will be given change in Jamaican dollars. 
• Many Geckos bring a calculator or rate exchange sheet with you so you know how much things cost.  Your registration package will include a small exchange chart for easy carrying.
• It is wise to get some money exchanged before you go to get you started. 
• You can exchange money at the airport but you will not get a good exchange rate, so use it to get a small amount on hand.  It is wiser to go to a bank, an ATM, or ask your driver to stop at an exchange place on the way to your hotel for larger sums of money.
• You'll need to pay for your airfare, accommodations, your ride to and from the airport, meals and food, drinks, party-ables and spending money.
• Change is often scarce, especially with small businesses.  So we recommend you get your Jamaican dollars in small increments and/or bring a lot of single dollar bills with you.

Contributions
Each individual guest contributes $125 to the CHNY2k8 celebration. After the first group of tickets are sold, the price will increase to $150.  The last minute and walk-in price to attend is $200.

 Other CHNY Events:

Positive Vibrations Bingo Dinner at Elvis and Laura's costs $10 (U.S.).

The CHNY Reggae 'Pon Rocks concert costs $20. Details TBA.

There will be other daily events available throughout the week, ranging in price from $10-$40 (U.S.) TBA

 

Airfare
Round-trip airfare tends to range between $300 to $500USD from most U.S. locations to Montego Bay (MBJ).  Do not fly into Kingston, as the drive to Negril is very long and very expensive.

Accommodations
Gecko Family Package includes: 7 nights at an amazing resort on the West End of Negril February 2 thru 9th booked exclusively for Geckos, airport transportation, private beach/water falls excursions, ground transportation to all CHNY events, and passes to all CHNY events including the CHNY2k8 extravaganza start at very reasonable rates and range all the way to luxury accommodations. Total cost is based on room preference and whether you chose a garden or ocean view.  To book a Gecko Family Package email Kim, our CHNY Director of Guest Relations at prettyrivers@yahoo.com.

If you decide to book accommodations on your own you will be able to estimate your costs when you make your reservation.

Transportation
Taxi cabs between Montego Bay and Negril: The ride takes about an hour and cost the same either direction.

• Solo one way  = around $60USD.
• Multi passenger - one way = $30USD/person

Buses between Montego Bay and Negril:
At the Montego Bay airport, you can get a bus to take you anywhere in Negril for $15-20 per person each way.
Go to the Tropical Tours desk or the JUTA tours desk. Buses leave all the time.

Food/Beverage
Any variety of food is available in Negril. There are large grocery stores, small shops, restaurants, road side food stands, and some accommodations come with a kitchenette. Jamaica has incredible food available to suit all tastes, from Jerk chicken to Rastafarian vegetarian ital cuisine to fresh seafood. Dinner out is generally $12-15USD and up. Lunches tend to range from $6-10. Many Geckos organize communal dinners together, so come to our Jazz brunch on Sunday Feb 3rd to meet other Geckos, find out information and updates about events, and make plans with new and old friends.  You can also arrange for people to deliver and prepare food at your accommodations.