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Jamaica Travel Information Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands and the largest of the English-speaking Caribbean islands. The island covers approximately 4,244 square miles (10,991 sq. km) and is 146 miles long (235 km). Widths vary between 22 and 51 miles (35-82 km). The country is very mountainous, with the highest point, Blue Mountain Peak, reaching 7,402 feet (2,256 m). The average annual rainfall is 78 inches (198 cm), and the average temperature is 82'F (27'C). Jamaica abounds infine beaches and scenic beauty, and has some 120 rivers. You'llfind several mineral springs in Jamaica, four with bathing facilities. The two public springs are Bath, in St. Thomas, and Milk River, in Clarendon. Rockfort Mineral Bath in Kingston is operated by the Cement Company. On August 6, 1962, after more than 300 years of British rule, Jamaica became an independent country. Today, Jamaica remains a part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Clothing Lightweight, tropical clothing is best suited throughout the year. On beaches, shorts and swimwear are acceptable. A light sweater is suggested for evening, especially in winter. Some hotels require casual evening wear for women, and a jacket for men when dining. Laundering and dry cleaning facilities, barbering and hairdressers are available. Time Zone Eastern Standard Time. (Jamaica does not observe daylight savings time.) Electrical System 110 volts/50 cycles standard. 220 volts used in some hotels. Clothes irons and blow dryers work without adapters. Adapters available where applicable. Water All drinking water is purified and filtered by modem methods. Water temperature is approximately 78' F (25' C). Communications International cables and inland telegrams can be sent from most hotels and post offices. Direct international telephone service operates 24 hours a day. There are three daily newspapers and five weekend newspapers. E-mail. telex. fax, radio and local/cable television are also available. Language The official language of Jamaica is English, but the Jamaican "Patois" - a combination of several languages - is spoken throughout the island. Banks & Business Offices Bank hours island-wide are 9am to 2pm, Mon. through Thurs.; 9am to 4pm, Fri. Most business offices are open 8:30am to 4:30pm, Mon. through Fri. Very few offices are open Sat. Gaming While there are no casinos, a number of resorts, most notably Coral Cliff Hotel, have game rooms with slot machines. The only legal bet- ting is on horse racing at the Caymanas Race Track in Kingston. Shopping You'll find woodwork, straw, beads, embroidery and crafts at the Craft Market. Gold, silver, china and electronic equipment in the In-Bond stores. Clothing, rum, liquor, perfumes, Blue Mountain Coffee and cigarettes are also available. Cruise Shipping Approximately 10 cruise lines call on the Jamaican ports of Ocho Rios. Montego Bay and to a lesser extent Port Antonio. Children Most hotels accept children. There are playgrounds island-wide and a zoo at Hope Gardens in Kingston. Baby-sitting services are available. Ask your travel agent for details. Pets No pets are allowed. There is no rabies in Jamaica. Credit Cards Major credit cards are accepted. Currency The official rate of exchange fluctuates daily depending on the foreign exchange markets. The rate (at time of printing): US$1.00 = JA$37.41; CA$ 1.00 = JA$24.76; DM 1.00 = JA$21.89; V I 00 = JA$32.84; LiralOO = JA$2.21; f-1.00 = JA$59.83. Foreign currency may be exchanged for Jamaican dollars at banks or licensed exchange bureaus in airports and hotels. Purchases may be made in any currency recognized by the Jamaican government. Jamaican dollars may be reconverted to foreign currency at Airport Bureau of Exchange upon departure by presenting a foreign exchange receipt. Foreign currency or Jamaican dollars may be taken into or out of Jamaica. However, amounts exceeding US$ 10,000 (or its equivalent in any other foreign currency) or JA$150,000 must be declared to Jamaican Customs. Departure Tax JA$ 1,000 or equivalent in foreign currency is payable at airport upon departure. US$15 per person is payable for cruise ship passengers. (Subject to change without notice.) Tax-Free Status A 1981 treaty between the U.S. and Jamaica makes expenses for a meeting or convention held in Jamaica tax-deductible. Tipping Most hotels have a service charge from 10-15%. The same amount is generally accepted at restaurants. Customs An adult 18 years or older is allowed to bring in the following duty- free items: up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, or 1/2 pound of tobacco; one quart or one liter of spirits, cordials and wine; six fluid ounces of perfumed spirits and 12 fluid ounces of toilet water. For more information contact the information section at customs house at (876) 922-5140-9. Incoming restricted items include: Fresh flowers, plants, honey, fruits, meats and vegetables (except canned), coffee (in any form), firearms, explosives, and dangerous drugs, including marijuana. Kosher foods require special documentation. (Call any Jamaica Tourist Board office.) Outgoing: U.S. visitors may carry US$600 in purchases after each 48-hour visit. UK visitors may carry 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, one litre of spirits, plus goods valued at under f36. Canadian and Japanese visitors: Call any JTB office. Items made in Jamaica are duty-free. Proof Of Citizenship Entry Requirement: Citizens of the United States of America and Canada do not require a visa to go to Jamaica as tourists, and are permitted to visit the island for a period not exceeding six months. Citizens sixteen years and older of these countries may use the following documents for entry: valid national passport (or passport which has expired for a period not exceeding one year provided that the U.S. or Canadian immigration will re-admit such person on the expired passport), or an original birth certificate (with raised seal) or naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship along with a photo I.D. (all documents must bear the same name). Canadians may also present a "Statement of Live Birth" certificate, with valid government issued photo I.D. If the traveller is underage, an original birth certificate with an I.D. card, such as a school I.D., will be accepted. Residents may use an alien registration card; however some residents may require a visa. (Contact a Jamaica Tourist Board office near you.) Additionally, all visitors are required to travel with a roundtrip or onward airline ticket for entry into Jamaica. U.K.: Commonwealth citizens need passports (no visa required). All other countries, please contact the JTB office near you for requirements. Japan: Passport required. (Visa required for a stay of over 30 days.) Health No vaccinations required unless you have visited the following locations within the past six weeks: Asia, Africa, Central & South America, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Trinidad & Tobago. Please check with the Jamaica Tourist Board office nearest you. Immigration Proof of citizenship and a ticket for onward destination is required for a visit not exceeding six months. Some countries require visas; check with the Consulate of Jamaica nearest you. Jamaican Salesmanship As you move about Jamaica, you're likely to be approached by "higglers" (as we call them), eager to sell you anything from a T-shirt to a taxi ride. Sometimes visitors find them a little too eager. The best way to handle them is with a polite smile and a firm "No thanks, mon" |
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