BANK/MONEY EXCHANGE
The accepted currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar; however US Dollars are widely accepted. The Euro is accepted by Tour Operators and Car Rentals. You can exchange money at any hotel reception desk, bank or cambio.
Be sure that you keep receipts from exchange transactions so that you can change your unwanted Jamaica Dollars back into Euro or US dollars at the airport before leaving. Exchange rates will vary depending on the point of exchange, approximate exchange rates are US $1.00 = J$65.00. It is illegal to take large sums of Jamaican dollars off the island.
A US dollar automated Bank is located in hotels and town centers. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and business places. Cards accepted are: Master/Visa Card and American Express.
Opening hours for theBanks are Mondays to Thursday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm and on Fridays 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Cambios are opened on Mondays – Fridays 10:00 am – 4:30 pm and on Saturdays in the mornings, closed on Sundays
AIRPORT TAX
When leaving Jamaica you are required to pay a departure tax of JA$ 1000.- or US$ 18.- in cash and per person. Sometimes this tax is already included in your plane ticket, please check with your travel agent.
DEPARTURE FOR THE AIRPORT
Please ensure that you are ready 15 minutes before the scheduled pick up time and check in two hours before the flight departs. For check-in at the Airport, you will need your passport, tickets and immigration card along with your luggage you wish to check in.
TAX & TIPPING
Like in the rest of the world, tips are accepted and appreciated everywhere in Jamaica. Usually 10-15% for good service (waiters, maids and guide when you go on excursions) are sufficient. Some restaurants may add this automatically. The all-inclusive hotels will already have this included in your package and do not allow tipping. Porters at the Airports are paid 50 cents (US) per case.
SUN & WATER
Exercise caution while sun bathing. Don’t be deceived by overcast days. Despite the fact that the sun is hiding behind clouds the rays are there and very strong. Choose the morning hours before noon and the late afternoon after 3:00 for your tanning sessions. Remember to use protective sun screen.
The tap water here in Jamaica is safe for drinking throughout the entire island, so are the ice cubes. If you have a sensitive system, bottled water is widely available.
DRESS
Generally, “casually elegant” or “resort casual” is the order of the day, it’s fine to wear T-shirts, shirts and sundresses. Cotton wear is best in Jamaica as it will keep you cool and comfortable.
WEATHER
Rainy months are April/May and Sept/October, however these dates can change as nowadays our weather is quite unpredictable all over the world.
Peak Hurricane season is from August to October. Hurricane watch/warnings are announced over the media as soon as a system is getting close to the island. All information will be passed on to you by your hotel along with instructions in case of a hit. There is usually enough time to reschedule your flight after the first announcement of a possible hurricane.For the rest of the year enjoy Jamaica’s warm sunshine. If you should experience some rain look at it the way Jamaicans do, a blessing from the sky, liquid sunshine. Always remember Jamaica’s beauty comes from the rain and the sunshine alike.
MEDICAL SERVICES
In case you need medical assistance, all hotels have a doctor on call and in many cases a nurse on property. Keep in mind that medical assistance is not included in your package, you will have to pay for it in cash. Do ask for a receipt in order to claim expenses with your health insurance at home.
PHARMACY
Most hotels carry pharmaceutical, over the counter drug items. Prescription can be filled at pharmacies in the town centers.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Long distance calls are quite expensive if made from your hotel. Make sure you check the rates before calling! The best way to call home is to call collect, you can ask the hotel receptionist or call from your room by dialing 0 then tell the operator the country code, then the area code, then the party’s number.
The economic choice is the “World Talk Card” (Jamaican calling card)
available in most stores. Follow the instructions on the back of the card. JA$ 500.- will give you sufficient time to call your family and/or friends.
SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES
Hotels in Jamaica do not accept liability for stolen items from your room. We advise you to use the provided Safety Deposit Box, which is available either in the closet of your room or at the front desk. You should store all your valuables and passports. Some hotels may charge for the use of this facility.
TAXI
There is no shortage of taxis in Jamaica, however for insurance coverage we strongly advise you to use taxis with red license plates only. Agree upon the rate before entering the car. Please pay at the end of the journey.
MAIL
Postcards and stamps are available in your hotel and most souvenir shops.
ELECTRICITY
Jamaica operates on Standard North American 120 volts/60 cycle AC electrical current.
TIME
Jamaica operates Eastern Standard Time and does not observe Day Light Saving Time.
QUICK OVERVIEW
Jamaica is third largest island in the Caribbean and the birthplace of Bob Marley and James Bond. A very unique island with beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountain views, lively villages, tropical rain forests and refreshing waterfalls.
Jamaica’s motto is “Out of many one people” which already suggests the multiracial blend of people. As the majority of the population is from African decent, you will also find people form Indian, Chinese and European origin.
After the Spanish took the island from the Arawak Indians in the late 15th century, the English took over Jamaica in 1655.
In 1962 Jamaica became independent.
Jamaica is very versatile and is waiting to be discovered by you again and again. Its natural beauty has been the background to many films, literature and music.
There is no place like Jamaica and as the Jamaican Tourist Board puts it: “Once you go you’ll know.”
PLACES YOU MUST VISIT
-Climb the Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios
-Enjoy a bamboo raft ride down the Martha Brea or better yet the Rio Grande
-Visit PortAntonio with its lush vegetation, waterfalls and white sand beaches.
-Go on Black River Safari and experience some wild life and crocodiles
-Swim in the refreshing waters of the YS Waterfall.
-Inspect the Appleton Rum Distillery and taste our famous Jamaica Rum.
-Take a drive into the buzzing life of Kingston the capitol of Jamaica
-Cool off in the fresh Blue Mountain air and relax with a good cup of Blue Mountain coffee.
-Swim and sun bathe on the famous 7 mile beach in Negril
-Slow down to the country life beat in Treasure Beach
FOOD
There are several Jamaican dishes you have to try while in Jamaica. Most hotels offer a “Jamaican night” with all the Jamaican varieties, like “Ackee and Saltfish” - the national dish, “Jerk Chicken or Pork” - spicy grilled chicken, “Curried Goat” - a curry from goat meat which is chopped in small pieces and cooked along with the bones, “Escovitched Fish” - fried fish marinated with vinegar, onions and hot peppers, “Patties” – fried pies filled with meat or vegetables, “Rice & Peas” – rice cooked with kidney beans and coconut milk, and much much more.
RASTA, REGGAE AND GANJA
Jamaica is an island full of music and talented musicians. Reggae, Soca and Calypso, Dancehall and Gospel, mostly everywhere you go you will hear music or people singing. Hotels offer entertainment in the evenings. The probably most popular reggae star is Bob Marley, even though he died long ago his legend lives on. Many musicians in Jamaica show the rasta hair style, however not everyone is a true rasta like Bob Marley.
Marihuana or Ganja smoking is illegal despite the fact that it is often practiced by the Rastafarians.
LANGUAGE
The official language in Jamaica is English, however Jamaicans do have their own language - PATOIS - , which is not easy to understand especially when spoken fast, and most Jamaicans do speak fast.
Here are some phrases you might be able to use:
"Mi cyan 'elp yuh wit dat problem."
Translation : "I cannot help you with that problem."
"Ello, mi can help yuh wid someting?"
Translation: "Hello, can I help you with something?"
"Galang bout yuh business."
Translation: "Go along about your business."
Gimme wan tall glass a wata please."
Translation: "Give me a tall glass of water please."
"A wan irie likkle place."
Translation: "It's a very nice place."
"Lef mi nuh."
Translation: "Leave me alone."
"De nex time mi will buy."
Translation: "The next time I will buy."
OK, me gawn, have an irie trip. |
