Banks / Currency. Licensed cambio centres and commercial banks are accessible in all resort areas. The official currency exchange rates vary daily, so it’s advisable to shop around for the best rate before converting cash. Most of our ATMs accept international bank cards with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus logos. Banks also give credit card advances, change traveller’s checks and provide other financial services.
Climate. We enjoy a hot and humid tropical climate all year, which is exactly what you want for a relaxing vacation. Temperatures range from 19 degrees Celsius (66 Fahrenheit) to 32 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit). Even though we’re known for sunshine, we have two rainy seasons — from May to June and September to November. Hurricanes may pass between June and November, so keep an eye on the news.
Clothing. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are the way to go. Shorts, swimwear and flip-flops will keep you comfortable. A thin sweater will keep you cozy in the evenings. Semi-casual wear for women,and a jacket for men, will get you into all of our fine dining restaurants. Whatever you do, don’t pack too much, as you’ll want to take some of our special clothing back home with you.
Communications. Jamaica is well connected to the rest of the world. Direct international telephone service operates in all areas, 24 hours a day, and telephone operators will gladly facilitate collect,third-party or credit card calls. E-mail and Internet access is available too, usually at hotels and parish libraries, but also at local Internet cafes. Three daily newspapers and five weekend newspapers will keep you in the know. Some hotels and gift shops receive international editions.
Driving. We drive on the left side of the road. The speed limit is 50 kmph (30mph) in built-up areas, and 80 kmph (50 mph) on highways. All drivers are required to carry a valid license. Jamaica recognizes valid International Driver’s Licenses, but visitors from North America may use their country’s license for up to three months per visit. Car rental is available in most major towns, cities and airports, but you must be over 25 years old to hire a car yourself.
Drugs. In Jamaica, the use, sale and possession of drugs, such as ganja(marijuana), cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin and any other controlled substance is illegal. Violators are subject to severe punishment — specifically arrest, fine and imprisonment. Don’t ruin your vacation.
Electricity. The electrical supply in Jamaica is 110 volts/50 cycles standard,and electrical appliances use plugs that are two-pronged and flat (as in the United States and Canada). Bring along any adaptors or convertors you might need.Most hotels will provide you with hairdryers, alarm clocks, radios and clothing irons, but make sure you find out first.
Language. Officially, we speak English but we like to mix it up with our own island version of patois. It takes a little getting used to, but you’re sure to have lots of fun trying out a few expressions.
Pets. We love animals here on the island, but we do ask the pets are healthy if they are joining you on your trip. In keeping with international standards, the importation of all live animals into Jamaica requires an import permit from the Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to arrival. All animals must be rabies-free and must never have been rabies vaccinated. Dogs and cats (with permits) are allowed into Jamaica only from Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Eire. For more information,contact the Veterinary Services Division at 876-977-2489 or 876-977-2492. To secure a permit, fax a letter of request to 876-977-0885.
Time Zone. Jamaica falls within the Eastern Time Zone (UTC/GMT -5 Hours) and does not observe Daylight Savings Time. At approximately 18 degrees north of the equator, the island is located within the tropics. As such it does not experience drastic seasonal changes in sunrise and sunset times. Year-round, the island averages between 11.5 and 12.5 hours of sunlight a day.
Water. Jamaica has hundreds of natural springs and rivers, both above and underground. Over the years, we have developed extensive water treatment and supply systems island-wide, so all drinking water in Jamaica is purified and filtered by modern methods. Our water is safe for you to drink, clean your teeth,bath and wash clothing in. If you choose not to drink the water, rest assured - there are many brands of Jamaican spring water that meet or exceed the highest international standards, available at most shops and restaurants.
Word to the wise.
No matter where in the world you go, it’s important to read the news, stay safe, travel in groups when you are unsure of where you’re going, and keep an eye on your property at all times. Here are a few tips to make your vacation safe and fun.
- Make sure you travel with a validpassport or visa (if required). Also,bring another valid form of photo ID,and photocopies of both forms ofidentification in case of loss or theft.
- Read up on local laws and practices before you arrive on your vacation.
- Give friends and family your contact information and your itineraries.
- Register with your country’s embassy or consulate before you travel. That way your country is aware of your whereabouts in case of any emergency that may arise.
- Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks within view at all times.
- Carry your possessions close to your body at all times.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
- Avoid taking expensive jewellery or valuables on road trips or excursions.
CALENDAR
JANUARY
Accompong Maroon Festival
Accompong, St. Elizabeth
Bacchanal / Jamaica Carnival
Kingston; jacarnival.com
Rebel Salute
St. Ann; rebelsaluteprod.com
FEBRUARY
Official Reggae Month
jariajamaicamusic.com
Bob Marley Celebrations
Negril; bobmarley-foundation.com
Rainforest Seafood Festival
Montego Bay, rainforestseafoods.com
Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival
Ocho Rios; singletrackjamaica.com
Blue Mountain Music Festival
Kingston; sagicorjamaica.com
Fi Wi Sinting
Portland; fiwisinting.com
MARCH
Bacchanal / Jamaica Carnival
Kingston; jacarnival.com
JAMFEST Spring Break
Concert Series, Negril; ststravel.org
Kingston City Run
Kingston; kingstoncityrun.com
ISSA / Grace Kennedy Boys & Girls Athletic Championships
Kingston; issasports.com
RJYC Spring Tournament
Kingston; rjyc.org.jm
MoBay Yacht Club Easter Regatta
Montego Bay; mobayyachtclub.com
APRIL
Jamaica Cup – Tennis in Jamaica
Montego Bay; jamaicatennis.ca
Jamaica International Kite Festival
Ocho Rios jamaicainternationalkitefestival.com
Treasure Beach Jake’s Off-Road Triathlon
Treasure Beach; jakeshotel.com
MAY
Jamaica Observer Food Awards
Kingston
jamaicaobserver.com/foodawards
MoBay City Run
Montego Bay; mobaycityrun.com
Style Week Jamaica / Fashion Block
Kingston; saintmodels.com
One World Ska & RocksteadyMusic Festival
Kingston
JUNE
Caribbean Fashion Week
Kingston; caribbeanfashionweek.com
Kingston on the Edge (KOTE)Urban Art Festival
Kingston; kingstonontheedge.org
RuJohn FoundationCelebrity Sports Camp
Montego Bay; rujohnfoundation.com
Kingston Kitchen
Kingston; kingstonkitchenja.com
JULY
International Reggae Day
Kingston; ireggeaday.com
Boston Jerk Festival
Portland
Little Ochi Seafood Carnival
Alligator Pond, Manchester
littleochie.com
Reggae Sumfest
Montego Bay; reggaesumfest.com
Pali-Pro Surf Contest
Kingston; jamsurfas.webs.com
The Seville Emancipation Jubilee
Seville Heritage Park, St. Ann
AUGUST
Montego Bay Jerk Festival
Montego Bay
montegobayjerkfestival.com
SEPTEMBER
Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX)
Montego Bay; visitjamaica.com
Jamaica Bridal Expo
Montego Bay Convention Centre
jamaicabridalexpo.com
Race for Hope 5K
Hope Gardens, Kingston
runningeventsja.com
OCTOBER
All Jamaica Grill Off
Kingston
Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament
Portland themarineportantonio.com
Soul in the Sun
Montego Bay; soulinthesunlive.com
Merritone Homecoming & Reunion
Kingston and Montego Bay
merritonemusic.com
Fashion Showcase Weekend
Montego Bay; myoceanstyle.com
South Coast Hook & Line Canoe Tournament
Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth
NOVEMBER
Annie’s Revenge Golf Tournament
Montego Bay; jamaicaproam.com
Restaurant Week
Kingston; go-jamaica.com/rw
Misty Bliss
Kingston; jcdt.org
DECEMBER
JMMC All Stages Rally
Bog Walk to New Kingston
jamaicamotorsports.com
Reggae Marathon
Negril; reggaemarathon.com
Major Lazer & Friends
Kingston; maineventjamaica.com
Milk River Seafood & Jerk Festival
Clarendon; sdc.gov.jm
LTM National Pantomime
Kingston; ltmpantomime.com
Harbour Fest and Fireworkson the Waterfront
Kingston; onecaribbean.org
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