ESSENTIAL INFO - JAMAICA

MONEY
Currency
The official rate of exchange varies daily, so it’s not a bad idea to shop around for a rate that suits you before changing large amounts of cash.
The exchange is approximately 60-1 USD or 45-1 CAD.

Banks
Currently there are 6 commercial banks operating in Jamaica, Scotiabank, First Caribbean Int'l, First Global Bank of Jamaica, Citibank, RBTT, National Commercial Bank of Jamaica. Branches are located in all the major cities. Bank hours are generally 9am – 2pm, Mondays to Thursdays, and Fridays, 9am – 4pm. There are approximately 300 ATM machines around the island, mostly at main shopping areas and some service stations. Currency exchange bureaus are also available around the island (known as Cambios in Jamaica)

PASSPORTS AND I.D.
A valid passport is required of anyone above 16.

GETTING AROUND

Domestic Flights
There are 2 major airports on either side of the island (Kingston & Montego Bay). Although reachable by car, some may not prefer the long 4 hour drive over.

Car Rentals
All drivers are required to carry a valid licence. Jamaica recognizes valid International Driver’s Licenses, but visitors from North America may use their country’s licence for up to three months per visit. Visitors from the United Kingdom may use theirs for up to twelve months, while visitors from Japan may use theirs licenses for up to one month. The driver and front passenger are required to wear safety belts, and children under 3 years old must be restrained in infant carriers.
Remember, Jamaicans drive on the LEFT side of the road.

Public Transportation
Route Taxis drive a designated courses and and is the cheapest and fastest way to get from place to place. All registered taxis in Jamaica are required by law to have red “PP” licence plates.
Minibuses are another easy way of moving around. Each town in Jamaica has a designated bus park
JUTA (Jamaica Union for Travellers Association) is a fleet of well-maintained, air-conditioned cars, buses, coaches and luxury vehicles, each piloted by experienced and friendly drivers designed specifically for visitors

CLICK HERE for a MAP of Kingston

TIME ZONE
Jamaica falls within the Eastern Time Zone (UTC/GMT -5 Hours) and does NOT observe Daylight Savings Time.

WEATHER
Jamaica has a tropical climate with average temperature ranging from 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) to 32 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) all year.

ELECTRICITY
The electrical supply in Jamaica is 110 volts/50 cycles standard, and electrical appliances use plugs that are two-pronged and flat (widely used in the United States and Canada).
If your appliances do not use 110 volts or flat two-pronged plugs, bring the adaptors/converters with you

TELEPHONE
The Local area code is 876.
Cellular phone cards are available in most convenience stores and pharmacies.
When dialing long-distance numbers, for North America start with a 1 or 0 (for operator-assisted calls), then area code followed by seven-digit number.
For other countries start with 011. For local calls, only the last seven digits are necessary.

TRAVEL TIPS
Light clothing is recommended
Always wear sunblock and/or wear a hat if you intend to be outsite for extended periods.
Bottled water is recommended or you may want to boil tap water before usage.
Electric outlets are available in both 110V and 220V (please check with hotel or guest house management before plugging in your equipment)
Do NOT frequent isolated areas
Stay in well-lit areas and stick with the group
Do not carry excess cash or valuables. (Most hotels provide safes & deposit boxes)
Try not to carry purses, wallets and backpacks or wear unnecessary jewelry
Watch out for pickpockets
Don't leave drinks unattended

HEALTH & SAFETY
University Hospital of the West Indies
Hospital
University of the West Indies
Mona
Tel:876-927-1620

NEWS & MEDIA
There are five local television stations, all of which broadcast islandwide.
There are 20 FM stations
You can get up-to-the-minute local and international news, sports and weather, as well as all genres of music.
There are 2 major daily newspapers:
The Gleaner - www.go-jamaica.com
The Observer - www.jamaicaobserver.com