Calling Codes

The area code for Jamaica is 876.

For local calls within a parish, dial the seven-digit number. Calls between parishes should be preceded by a 1. Calls between towns on the island are generally long distance.

For long distance calls to the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, dial 1 and the area code, and the seven-digit number. To call other countries, dial 011 then the country code, area code (if any), and telephone number.

Dial 0 to reach an operator. Dial 114 for directory assistance.

Most hotels offer direct-dial telephone services. Some U.S. phone companies won't permit credit card calls to be placed from Jamaica due to recent fraud cases. If you want to make a long distance call without direct dialing, the best choice is to purchase a Jamaican phone card, sold at grocery stores throughout the island.

The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar.

Bank hours are generally 9am to 2pm, Monday through Thursday, and 9am to 4 pm on Friday.

Unlike most European and Asian countries, Jamaica uses 110V AC, 50 Hz and plugs with two flat American pin prongs. All other appliances will need both adapters and converters. Many of the larger hotels have converters and adapters for loan.

Ambulance: 110
Crisis Center: 876-929-2997
Police: 119
Fire: 110

Fax service is available most resorts and hotels. Many charge nothing to receive a fax and just a few dollars to transmit.

English is the official language of Jamaica. Standard English is spoken in all business situations and by locals.

However, locals also speak a patois, a combination of English, Spanish, Portuguese, and African phrases, and Jamaican slang. Spoken in a sing-song style, the patois is difficult to understand although many larger hotels offer patois lessons. It is not necessary for travelers to learn patois because all interactions can be accomplished in English.

New Year's Day: January 1
Ash Wednesday: first day of Lenten Calendar (Wednesday in February or March)
Good Friday: Friday before Easter
Easter Sunday: mid-March or April
Easter Monday: Monday after Easter
Labor Day: May 23
Independence Day: First Monday in August
National Heroes Day: October 21
Christmas: December 25
Boxing Day: December 26

Jamaica lies in the Eastern Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time minus five hours). The country does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

Tips are part of the package at many all-inclusive resorts; otherwise these guidelines apply.

Airport Skycap/Porter: 1 dollar per bag
Bars: 1 dollar per drink
Excursion Boats: 15 percent
Haircare/Personal Services: 15 percent
Hotel Bell Desk: 1 dollar per bag
Hotel Housekeeping: 1 dollar per person per day
Hotel Room Service: 15 percent
Restaurants: 15 percent. A service charge is sometimes added to the bill.
Parking Attendant/Valet: 1 to 2 dollars
Taxis: 10 to 15 percent

Self-drive is not advisable in Jamaica because of the high accident rate. Drivers should realize that some roads have large potholes and even fallen trees (especially on smaller roads). There are also many pedestrians and animals crossing at any point along the road. Driving is on the left. Service stations are open daily but accept only cash. The speed limit is 30 miles per hour in town and 50 miles per hour on the highways.

Cars are available for rent at the airports and at the resorts but should be reserved in advance. Reservations and deposits should be made before the trip; once on the island arrangements can be difficult because of a shortage of cars. Bring along your confirmation or receipt.

To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old. Some agencies have a minimum age of 25. You'll need a valid driver's license from any country and a valid credit card. Large security deposits are required of some agencies. Rental rates run between US$60 and $120 per day; insurance is recomme nded. Insurance costs about US$12 per day (US$15 for jeeps) and is well worth the investment.

Taxis are the most popular method of transportation for travelers. Taxis can be found at any hotel, the airports, and most shopping areas. Not all of Jamaica's cabs are metered so agree on a price before entering the taxi. Travelers should also be careful to only use licensed taxis; these have a red license plate that indicates the taxi as a Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV). If you need to call for a taxi, contact the official carrier: Jamaica Union of Travelers Association or JUTA (876-974-2292 in Ocho Rios; 876-952-0813 in Montego Bay; 876-957-9197 in Negril).

Taxi rates vary but are by car, n ot by passenger. Fares average about US$5 to $7 for 10 miles. Few of Jamaica's taxis are metered. If you accept a driver's offer of his services as a tour guide, be sure to agree on a price before the vehicle is put into gear.

Bus travel is popular among Jamaicans but buses (often minibuses) can be crowded and slow. The buses are generally non air-conditioned. Buses will stop anywhere along the route to pick up passengers. To catch one, stand by the side of the road with your arm outstretched, and pat down with your hand when you see an oncoming bus. Bus fare is inexpensive--about US$1 for 30-40 miles.

Australia
A valid passport and a return or onward ticket are required.

Canada
Canadian citizens can enter on a passport or a proof of citizenship, such as an original birth certificate with a raised seal, a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship along with a photo ID (all documents must bear the same name). You'll also need to show a return or ongoing ticket.

France
A valid passport and a return or onward ticket are required.

Germany
A valid pass port and a return or onward ticket are required.

Ireland
A valid passport and a return or onward ticket are required.

Japan
A valid passport and a return or onward ticket are required.

United Kingdom
A valid passport and a return or onward ticket are required.

United States
U.S. citizens can enter on a passport or a proof of citizenship, such as an original birth certificate with a raised seal, a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship along with a photo ID (all documents must bear the same name). You'll also need to show a return or ongoing ticket.

Most of Jamaica is very casual with shorts and T-shirts appropriate for most daytime activities. Be sure to bring along at least two swimsuits (the high humidity means that clothing takes extra time to dry) and cover-ups. Swimwear is only appropriate for the beach so you will want a cover-up, no matter how casual, for lunches and quick excursions.

Evening dress varies from property to property. Some hotels require jackets for dinner and long pants or dresses for women. During the winter months, travelers should bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

Scuba divers will want to remember to bring a certification card. Surf shoes are very useful for all swimmers because jagged coral is often found just offshore. All travelers should bring sunscreen, proof on citizenship, a return airline ticket, and a driver's license for car rental.

The peak time to visit Jamaica is mid-December through mid-April. This is the busiest time of year when hotels can charge peak prices. The busiest period during those months falls from Christmas (December 25), to New Year's Day (January 1).

You'll find equally pleasant weather conditions in the "shoulder" seasons--fall and spring. Prices are somewhat lower during these months and reservations are easier to obtain.

Summer months are the cheapest--look for rooms at 40 (sometimes even 50) percent off of their peak rates. Early summer is especially pleasant. Late summer can bring the threat of hurricanes although good forecasting systems keep travelers aware of any impending storms days in advance.

Jamaica can also be a spring break destination for many college students and is often packed with revelers from late March through early April. However, most spring breakers remain in the Montego Bay area.