Jamaica Basics |
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Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts, 50Hz. Flat two- and three-pin plugs are in use.
Money: The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is divided into 100 cents. The island is well supplied with ATMs, banks and bureaux de change. Banking hours are usually Monday to Thursday 9am to 2pm, and Friday 9am to 4pm. Cambio exchange offices are found throughout the country, open later than banks and offer better exchange rates. Retain receipts as proof of legal currency exchange. Exchange bureaux at the airports and hotels also offer better rates than banks. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Both cash and travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars.
Currency Exchange Rates |
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| JMD1.00 = | US$ 0.01 | £ 0.01 | C$ 0.01 | A$ 0.01 | R 0.11 | € 0.01 | NZ$ 0.02 |
Language: The official language is English but a local patois is also spoken, a mixture of English, Spanish, and various African languages.
Entry requirements for Americans: United States passport holders must have a valid passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate (except for business travel). No visa is required for a stay of up to six months for touristic purposes.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required unless passport endorsed British Overseas Territories Citizen.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens require a passport. A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, is also accepted if the reason for travel is tourism. No visa is required.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens require a valid passport, but a visa is not required.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must hold a valid passport. No visa is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold sufficient funds to cover period of intended stay, as well as an onward or return ticket to country of permanent residence and documents required for next destination. Passports are required to have six months validity on them after departure. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
Health: Dengue fever and Leptospirosis are risks in Jamaica, so visitors should use insect protection measures and avoid rivers and dams. There is a small malaria risk, and visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites. Although generally safe, the tap water can cause stomach upsets and visitors are advised to drink bottled water if on short trips. Private medical facilities are of a reasonable standard but can vary throughout the island, and facilities are limited outside Kingston and Montego Bay. Medical treatment can be expensive so insurance is advised. No vaccination certificates are needed for entry into Jamaica, but yellow fever certificates are required from travellers coming from an infected area.
Tipping: Outside the all-inclusive resorts, where tips are part of the package, visitors should tip 10-15% for taxis, personal services, room service and restaurants where a service charge is not already included in the bill. Parking attendants, bellboys and porters also expect a tip.
Safety: There are high levels of crime and violence, especially around Kingston, and tourists should be alert, not resist in the event of attempted robbery, and avoid walking or using public transport at night. If you are self-driving do not give lifts to strangers. When travelling to or from the airport in Kingston avoid the Mountain View route. Travellers on the Hummingbird route should also be cautious at night. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas or on beaches, even in daylight hours. Jamaica is prone to hurricanes between June and November.
Customs: Contrary to popular belief, smoking ganja is illegal. Homosexuality is prohibited.
Business: Business in Jamaica is surprisingly formal, with proper titles used and suits and ties the norm despite the tropical climate. Introductions are usually made with a handshake and an exchange of business cards. Punctuality is key and socialising is an important aspect of the business meeting. Business hours are usually from 8.30am to 4.30pm or 5pm on weekdays, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Communications: The international access code for Jamaica is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 876. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code is not needed when calling the US or Canada. City or area codes are not required. Direct international telephone services are available, and operators can also facilitate calls. The local mobile phone operators use various networks, including GSM, which is compatible with most international networks. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts, and access is also available from most hotels and parish libraries.
Duty Free: Travellers to Jamaica over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g other tobacco products; 946ml alcoholic beverages and wine; perfume up to 150g; and goods for personal consumption to the value of US$500. Prohibited items include products from goatskin (e.g. drums, handbags and rugs).