In the markets, with American cash, you can often get a better price. On the swing side of that, the locals believe that Americans are all very wealthy and if you carry American money you must be American. From the airport, you ride in a van sardine style ride in a can for a little over an hour. If you're lucky enough to get a window, the scenery is lush, tropical, and interesting. Jamaica has a very British feel with crowded rugby fields every several miles.
Poverty is evident, but less so than on many Carribean islands.
Cows are tied to stakes by the side of the road, and an over abundance of goats roam everywhere. Jamaican's drive on the left-hand side of the road at a terrifying speed, almost out of control, down winding, narrow, pothole infested roads. In retrospect, I might opt to provide my own transportation on a future trip. From Atlanta, GA, USA, total travel time to the resort is about six hours. Enchanting pink stucco buildings with bright white pillars and balconies.