Jamaica A to Z Guide

RawHTML:Jamaica A- Z Guide
Sources: Jamaican consulate, Jamaica Tourist Board

Airlines
There are dozens of direct flights to Kingston and Montego Bay from the Caribbean, major U.S cities and U.K

Banking & Currency
Jamaica has its own currency but the US dollar can be used for commerce. Banking hours are 9:30 am – 2:00 p.m., Mon. through Thurs.; 9:00 am to 4:00 p,, Friday. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted.

Beaches (partial listing)

Car Rental

Courtesy and Dress
Jamaicans are a gentle and friendly people. Swimwear and shorts are fine for the beach. Lightweight tropical clothing are fine for around the island.

Customs and Immigration
There are no visas necessary for U.S. citizens or Canadian citizens. Citizens of other countries should call their local Jamaican Embassy or JTB office to determine their entry requirements.

Diving
Much of Jamaica’s underwater is fringed with reefs that follow along the shoreline and etched into bays and inlets. These reefs attract teeming multitudes of large colorful fish not normally seen so close to the shores.

Driving, time and distance
All the rules as any part of the U.S. We drive on the left. Distance is measured in kilometers and gas is sold in liters

Electricity
110 volts/50 cycles standard. Some hotels use 220 volts.

Events

Fishing
The best area to fish is along the Northeast of Jamaica. Fishing arrangements can be made at most major hotels and resorts in Jamaica.

Food
Nearly every type of international cuisine can be found in the major resort area restaurants. As a part of your island exploration try a couple of genuine Jamaican Meals.

Ganja
See marijuana below

Golf
Jamaica’s magnificent conditioned links have stood up to some of the world’s best golfers. Below is a list of golf courses.

History

Holidays

Horseback Riding

Hospitals

Internet

Language
English is the official language; however, "patois", which is a dialect, is spoken widely throughout Jamaica.

Mail
There are Post Offices all over the island but the service is extremely slow.

Map

Marijuana
Called "ganja" by most Jamaicans, marijuana is illegal and carries very stiff legal penalties for possession. U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use and dealing in illegal drugs, including marijuana, are strict. Substantial fines plus mandatory sentences of six to nine months are common, and longer prison sentences are often levied under Jamaican law. Departing visitors are thoroughly screened for drug possession.

Marriage

Sports
Jamaicans love sports and just about any sort in the Caribbean, you can do it in Jamaica. A few of the sports available in the resort areas include camping, jogging, polo, para-sailing, snorkeling, surfing, swimming, tennis, waterfall climbing, water-skiing, biking, bird-watching (link), golf, diving (link), deep sea fishing, kayaking, scuba-diving, snorkeling, sunfish sailing, windsurfing.

Taxes and Tipping
Jamaica holdsof the few U.S. tax-deductibility status for meetings or conventions held due to a 1981 treaty between both countries. There is normally a 10-15% service charge in most hotels. A 10-15% tip is customary for restaurants.

Taxis
Taxis are readily available throughout the island at tourist locations. Be careful of the charges because taxis in Jamaica are often not metered.

Telephone
Area code (876). Jamaica has a modern reliable US style telephone service.

Time of the day
Eastern Standard Time however the island does not observe Daylight saving time (the first Sunday in April tothe last Sunday in October.

Weather
Jamaica enjoys year round Summery temperatures, averaging in the mid 80’s. The dry season is Jan – March and the wet season is March – October. Most days during the wet season have brief showers, but rarely is there a sunless day.