I will be visiting Treasure Beach for the first time and will be renting a car in Montego Bay. Is there a GPS system which would help guide me to Treasure Beach and to other places we want to visit such as YS Falls and the Appleton Rum Factory and Little Ochi Restaurant?

Just got back from there last week. Also rented a car without GPS, and was able find my way around. Warning: roads are extremely bad, potholes like youv'e never seen before and drivers speed like crazy. Remember to drive on the left side. If you can look beyond those distractions, then you should really enjoy a good vacation. Also visit Lovers Leap and Mandeville. I also hired a local driver (dont do it yourself)to take us across island to Dunns River Falls (gorgeous). Enjoy lunch at Treasure Beach Hotel and feast on good dinners at Jakes. Have fun!

I think I can navigate without a GPS but a GPS would make things easier. Has anyone had any luck with finding one that really works outside of the big cities in Jamaica?

@Tony
why shouldnīt one hire a local driver, please ?? If you hired the wrong person, please donīt generalize. I have many times hired a local driver and found it the best thing ever, because he drove good and showed me many places that I would never have seen when by myself ;-)

Guest!Read over what Tony said,and you'll realize you vent before you even understood what he said..I will ask you to read and find your mistake,if you don't find your mistake I will point it out to you..

Hi First Time Visitor, check a bookshop and get a good map before you come. Better still download the numerous maps of Jamaica available on the internet. Historical, topographic etc. Those that want the ultimate down to old tracks should go to the Survey Dept in downtown Kingston.

My experience in getting lost is the pleasure of asking directions or stopping at a bar or restaurant and meeting the people. Same as everywhere.

I was born and raised in Kingston. I sometimes left my door open overnight for the cool breezes, even when gunshots used to bark in certain areas. Those frightful media bites are from tiny areas that one knows to visit only for a good reason, like parts of DC, NY, LA etc. Remember you will be outside the protective aura of a hotel, expect respectful questioning as in "So is where you come from?" which will be more friendy than an inquisition; usually. Remember rush hours in the big towns and cities.

I used to give my guests Magical Mystery Tours, they still talk about them fondly. After touring on foot and car for decades, I havn't scratched the surface yet.

And...get a cell phone. They are cheap, have good coverage and can be on a pay as you use basis. The phone cards are everywhere.

Have a great time and please let this forum know how it was.

Best, turey.

So techies, is GPS available in Ja?

There is really no mapping for a GPS like you find in the US.available yet in Jamaica, but there should be one soon
A GPS comes in handy when you want to backtrack, and follow you're own tracks though!

According to an article in the latest Caribbean Today, JAMNAV claims to offer "...turn by turn, voice assisted navigation across Jamaica". The article claims they cover over "9,300 miles of roads and 15,000 points of interest including petrol stations, hotels,restaurants, shopping places and attractions". Local situations like one-way streets and parochial roads were also taken into account.

The service, available since summer 2009, is available at Avis at both airports, with or without a rental car.

The article didn't mention if there was an integrated warning system for potholes!!!

Since we are on tech. If I bring a laptop when I come, what is the best way to get wireless internet?

Is there reception everywhere in TB?

Jamnav web link is currently broken or under construction. I look forward to its repair and hopefully being able to purchase a downloadable map to update my Garmin device. This is fantastic news that JA has been mapped for commercial GPS

GPS satelites are accessible in Jamaica and the rest of the world. In addition maps are available for a number of different applications that can be installed on smartphones: iphone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Android, etc. Including laptops - where new USB dongles with built-in GPS are available.