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 from 9am to 2pm, and Friday
from 9am to 4pm. Cambio exchange offices are found throughout the
country, open later than banks and often offering 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.
Time:
Electricity:
Electrical current is 110 volts, 50Hz. Flat two- and
three-pin plugs are in use.
Language:
The official language of Jamaica is English but a local
patois is also spoken, a mixture of English, Spanish, and various
African languages.
Health:
Dengue fever and Leptospirosis are travel health risks in
Jamaica, so visitors should use mosquito nets and insect repellant
and avoid rivers and dams. There is a small malaria risk, and
visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites,
though prophylaxis is not considered necessary. 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 for travellers coming from
an infected area.
Tipping:
Outside the all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, 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 in Jamaica,
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(marijuana) is illegal in Jamaica. 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.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Jamaica over 18 years do not have to pay duty on
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g of 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 made from goatskin (e.g. drums, handbags and
rugs).
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.