Get prepared to go to Jamaica!
Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) below:
https://step.state.gov/step/
Get covid-19 information at the below link:
https://jm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-jamaica/
Get more information about Jamaica at the link below:
https://www.visitjamaica.com/
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) below:
https://step.state.gov/step/
Get covid-19 information at the below link:
https://jm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-jamaica/
Get more information about Jamaica at the link below:
https://www.visitjamaica.com/
10 Things to know to prepare you for Jamaica
by Travel Agent Chris
Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island, and is divided into three counties and many local parishes. This is where you find the traces of British colonialism with names like Middlesex, Cornwall, Surrey counties and Trelawney, Westmoreland parishes. Jamaicans will tell you which parish they are from, and you will probably gain total respect if you can tell them which county that parish resides in. For example, Montego Bay is in the parish of St. James and in the county of Cornwall.
by Travel Agent Chris
Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island, and is divided into three counties and many local parishes. This is where you find the traces of British colonialism with names like Middlesex, Cornwall, Surrey counties and Trelawney, Westmoreland parishes. Jamaicans will tell you which parish they are from, and you will probably gain total respect if you can tell them which county that parish resides in. For example, Montego Bay is in the parish of St. James and in the county of Cornwall.
1. You can use U.S. dollars in Jamaica.
Taxis, shops, and restaurants will accept US Dollars.
There will be locals all over the island selling all kinds of merchandise and souvenirs.
They will accept cash or the Jamaican dollar
(Keep in mind when purchasing souvenirs and merchandise you can negotiate prices if you feel the price is too high for you)
You can always use your credit or debit card at larger restaurants and stores,
but keep small US bills or Jamaican dollars on hand for giving tips to drivers, maids, and bartenders etc.
Sometimes when you pay in cash, they will give you your change back in Jamaican dollars.
Additionally, it’s wise to have both currencies on hand in case of a poor exchange rate.
There will be locals all over the island selling all kinds of merchandise and souvenirs.
They will accept cash or the Jamaican dollar
(Keep in mind when purchasing souvenirs and merchandise you can negotiate prices if you feel the price is too high for you)
You can always use your credit or debit card at larger restaurants and stores,
but keep small US bills or Jamaican dollars on hand for giving tips to drivers, maids, and bartenders etc.
Sometimes when you pay in cash, they will give you your change back in Jamaican dollars.
Additionally, it’s wise to have both currencies on hand in case of a poor exchange rate.
2. Sand fleas and Mosquitos
Prepare yourself in advance for the mosquitos and sand fleas buy packing some bug spray such as "OFF" in your checked luggage.
If you have a travel size 3.4oz or less insect spray you can pack it in your carry-on luggage.
If you have a travel size 3.4oz or less insect spray you can pack it in your carry-on luggage.
3. Transportation
Jamaica is a former British colony and they follow the British style of driving on the left side of the road.
It is not uncommon to see taxis and buses driving at fast speeds
Authorized taxis have red license plates
From Montego bay to Negril is about a 90min ride
From Montego bay to Ocho rios is about a 90min ride
From Montego bay to Runaway bay is about a 60min ride
From Negril to Ocho Rios is about a 180min ride
From Montego bay to Kingston is about a 140min ride
It is not uncommon to see taxis and buses driving at fast speeds
Authorized taxis have red license plates
From Montego bay to Negril is about a 90min ride
From Montego bay to Ocho rios is about a 90min ride
From Montego bay to Runaway bay is about a 60min ride
From Negril to Ocho Rios is about a 180min ride
From Montego bay to Kingston is about a 140min ride
4. Food and drinks
Many Jamaican foods are seasoned with scotch bonnet pepper. So if spicy food is not your thing, you might want find out if it is spice or not before eating.
When driving along the highways in Jamaica, you’ll see street side vendors selling ready to go local beers and rum and meals such as jerk chicken, rice and peas, Jamaican patties, fried plantain, curried goat, peppered shrimp, roasted yam, ox tail, Fish Escovitch, ackee and codfish.
When driving along the highways in Jamaica, you’ll see street side vendors selling ready to go local beers and rum and meals such as jerk chicken, rice and peas, Jamaican patties, fried plantain, curried goat, peppered shrimp, roasted yam, ox tail, Fish Escovitch, ackee and codfish.
5. Be prepared to see signs of financial poverty
Jamaican people are rich in culture, pride and life.
As soon as you set foot on the island you’ll be amazed by the warmth of the people you encounter
When it comes to economics, Jamaica is a land of contrasts.
Similar to what you may see in low income areas of any U.S. city.
On the way to your fancy resort...
you may pass through areas where you may see some under development in housing and infrastructure,
people selling things, and Jamaican Military check points for security.
I do not recommend pulling out cash and just giving it to panhandelers.
If someone is selling you something, you may buy it if you like.
As soon as you set foot on the island you’ll be amazed by the warmth of the people you encounter
When it comes to economics, Jamaica is a land of contrasts.
Similar to what you may see in low income areas of any U.S. city.
On the way to your fancy resort...
you may pass through areas where you may see some under development in housing and infrastructure,
people selling things, and Jamaican Military check points for security.
I do not recommend pulling out cash and just giving it to panhandelers.
If someone is selling you something, you may buy it if you like.
6. Popular destinations of Jamaica
Montego Bay:
This is where MBJ (Sangster International airport) is very popular location for families with kids and for people who want a resort near the airport.
Lots of shopping, restaurants, beach resorts, night life and fun locals.
Negril:
This is where the famous 7 mile beach and Ricks Cafe is located. This area of Jamaica is more laid back.
There are a few places to party, there is a water park and there are plenty of bars to get cold drinks.
There are also resorts that allow you to be nude at the pool or on the beach
Ocho Rios:
Lots of out door activities take place here for the whole family such as, waterfalls, rivers, natural pools, Mystic mountain, Dolphin cove and more.
Kingston:
This is the capital of the island of Jamaica, lying on its southeast coast. In the city center, the Bob Marley Museum is housed in the reggae singer’s former home.
See beautiful parks here and learn from the different historic sites.
This is where MBJ (Sangster International airport) is very popular location for families with kids and for people who want a resort near the airport.
Lots of shopping, restaurants, beach resorts, night life and fun locals.
Negril:
This is where the famous 7 mile beach and Ricks Cafe is located. This area of Jamaica is more laid back.
There are a few places to party, there is a water park and there are plenty of bars to get cold drinks.
There are also resorts that allow you to be nude at the pool or on the beach
Ocho Rios:
Lots of out door activities take place here for the whole family such as, waterfalls, rivers, natural pools, Mystic mountain, Dolphin cove and more.
Kingston:
This is the capital of the island of Jamaica, lying on its southeast coast. In the city center, the Bob Marley Museum is housed in the reggae singer’s former home.
See beautiful parks here and learn from the different historic sites.
7. Jamaican patois:
Jamaican patois is part of the national identity.
It would do you well to get used to how this sounds, and to some of the popular phrases you may hear while on island before you get there.
It would do you well to get used to how this sounds, and to some of the popular phrases you may hear while on island before you get there.
8. What to pack:
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Pack sun hat, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, leggings, beach shoes, water shoes, flip flops, tennis shoes, poncho for rain, beach towels, socks, swimsuits,
light jacket for night time. Night life clothes, casual shoes and heels for parties.
Only wear your swim suit at the beach or at the pool.
Do not bring any camouflage, it is illegal to wear in Jamaica.
Water proof case for phone, OFF for insects, phone charger, power bank, fanny pack or backpack, sunglasses, sunblock, waterproof cameras
light jacket for night time. Night life clothes, casual shoes and heels for parties.
Only wear your swim suit at the beach or at the pool.
Do not bring any camouflage, it is illegal to wear in Jamaica.
Water proof case for phone, OFF for insects, phone charger, power bank, fanny pack or backpack, sunglasses, sunblock, waterproof cameras
9. Planning on smoking weed?
Cannabis in Jamaica is illegal, but possession of small amounts was reduced to a petty offence in 2015. Cannabis is locally known as ganja, and internationally cannabis consumption plays a prominent role in the nation's public image, being tied to cultural touchstones such as Rastafari and reggae music. You may see locals selling cannabis on the streets and on the beach. Be careful if you decide to purchase
10. Things you should bring
Your passport, Your state's identification card, paper copies of both just incase you lose them.
1 or 2 changes of clothes in your carry-on just in case your checked luggage gets lost.
Your prescription medicine and supplements
Blue or black pen, There is paper work to fill out on the plan and at the airport
Have the contact information for your accommodations such as name of resort, address and phone number for immigration forms
Inform your bank that your debit/credit card may get used in Jamaica
Travel insurance
Health and life insurance cards
1 or 2 changes of clothes in your carry-on just in case your checked luggage gets lost.
Your prescription medicine and supplements
Blue or black pen, There is paper work to fill out on the plan and at the airport
Have the contact information for your accommodations such as name of resort, address and phone number for immigration forms
Inform your bank that your debit/credit card may get used in Jamaica
Travel insurance
Health and life insurance cards
Bonus
If you do not know your data or roaming plan for your cell phone,
contact your cell phone provider so you won't be alarmed by data charges
Download WhatsApp to text and talk to people internationally through wifi,
you can also use Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat
contact your cell phone provider so you won't be alarmed by data charges
Download WhatsApp to text and talk to people internationally through wifi,
you can also use Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat