| General Information About Jamaica |
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Jamaica is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and the location of some of the top-ranked beaches in the Caribbean. Jamaica is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life as the island (and it's people) exudes an atmosphere of calm. Jamaica is where the first “all-inclusive” resorts were located in the Caribbean. Staying at an “all-inclusive” can make your tropical vacation even more relaxing as you pay once for a variety of amenities and don't have to worry about counting your pennies as you go. Jamaica's beautiful inland and coastal landscapes, along with the relaxed atmosphere, makes this a great vacation destination. Jamaica is an island with over 4,000 square miles in the Caribbean south of Cuba. It is a former British possession and has been independent since 1962. The population is about 2 million. For travel advice and information, contact the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-233-4582 or 1-800-526-2422. You can also check the Allexperts - Jamaica site where you may ask volunteer experts questions about Jamaica, along with Visit Jamaica and Jamaicans.com that are other valuable resources. |
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The People of Jamaica
Travel Etiquette
for Jamaica
Passports, Visas and Entry Requirements
Health and Safety
Climate
Geography
Currency
Electricity
The People
of Jamaica
As tourism plays a crucial role
in the economic well-being of the island, Jamaica's local population welcomes
tourists with enthusiasm and they are very friendly. Seventy percent of visitors
come from the U.S., and are joined by visitors on “holiday” from the U.K. and France. Jamaica is also particularly popular with “winter
birds” escaping Canada's winter for the tropical warmth of the island. You will
find that in public areas local residents are often offering various services and merchandise
(both legal and illegal), or requesting "spare change." This can sometimes
be a nuisance as they seem to continually pester
visitors. Don't make eye contact with them and just give them a stern "No, thank you"
as this is usually enough to send them away. Jamaicans are friendly and
respectful of their international visitors, especially in the more
tourist-driven areas.
Travel
Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We
discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out.
TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference
point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide
travel. Our features and articles are written by professional
journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a
background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit
TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome,
do as the Romans do.”
Entry Requirements
For entry into Jamaica, U.S. and Canadian visitors need at least an original
birth certificate and photo ID; passports are preferred and recommended.
Passports are mandatory for travelers from other countries. A return or ongoing
ticket is a strict necessity for all visitors.
| *The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. This includes United States citizens! In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future. For additional information, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. |
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Health and Safety
The water in Jamaica is usually safe to drink as most potable water is filtered
and treated. However, I believe it is still best to stick with bottled water. The Jamaican government stresses that you are more likely to be mugged in New
York City than in Montego Bay. However, the U.S. State Department (www.state.gov)
has issued travel advisories about crime rates in Kingston in the recent past,
so its advisable to check on the current status of those advisories. Petty
crimes can be a problem throughout the island, but major resorts have grounds
security to alleviate the problem.
Climate
The climate of Jamaica is tropical, with 51.4
inches of annual rainfall. January temperatures range from a low of 72 to a high
of 82, while July temperatures range from 77 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
Geography
Jamaica contains a variety of the most breathtaking geographical formations and
scenery to be
found in the Caribbean. You will find everything here from beaches and waterfalls to rivers and caves. The
island is also home to the Blue Mountains, which consist of the Central and Port
Royal ranges. The Central range is home to Jamaica's highest point at 7,400 feet
above sea level.
Currency
Jamaica's official currency is the Jamaican dollar,
which uses the symbol “J$” or simply “$”.
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious!
Electricity
Most locations in Jamaica operate on the same
110-volt system as the U.S., but some establishments also operate on a
220-volt system. Therefore, depending on the hotel or resort, travelers from
the U.S. and other countries may need converters for their appliances.
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Here is a good book to help you plan your visit to Jamaica.
Click here for Frommer's Jamaica & Barbados
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
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