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This
section will give you all the nuts-and-bolts
information about your trip to Jamaica-what
you need to do before leaving home. We'll answer
questions such as when to go, how to get the
best airfare or package deal, what to take along,
and what documents you'll need. In case you're
not sure where in Jamaica you want to go, we
begin with a rundown of the various options.
-
Book
your hotel in Jamaica >>
Fast
Facts
Business Hours
Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9am
to 5pm. Store hours vary, but as a rule most
business establishments open at 8:30am and close
at 4:30 or 5pm Monday through Friday. Some shops
open Saturday until noon.
Currency
Exchange
There are Bank of Jamaica exchange bureaus at
both international airports (near Montego Bay
and Kingston), at cruise-ship piers, and in
most hotels.
Doctors
Many major resorts have doctors on call. If
you need any particular medicine or treatment,
bring evidence such as a letter from your home
doctor.
Electricity
Most places use the standard electrical voltage
of 110, as in the U.S. However, some establishments
still operate on 220 volts, 50 cycles. If your
hotel is on a different current than your appliance,
ask for a transformer and adapter.
Embassies,
Consulates & High Commissions
Calling embassies or consulates in Jamaica is
a challenge. Phones will ring and ring before
being picked up, if they are answered at all.
Extreme patience is needed to reach a live voice
on the other end. The embassy of the United
States is located at the Jamaica Mutual Life
Building, 2 Oxford Rd., Kingston 5 (tel. 876/929-4850).
The High Commission of Canada is situated at
3 Wet Kings House Rd., Kingston 10 (tel. 876/926-1500),
and there's a consulate at 29 Gloucester Ave.,
Montego Bay (tel. 876/952-6198). The High Commission
of the United Kingdom is found at 28 Trafalgar
Rd., Kingston 10 (tel. 876/510-0700).
Emergencies
For police and air rescue, dial tel. 119; to
report a fire or call an ambulance, dial tel.
110.
Mail
Instead of going to a post office, you can,
in most cases, give mail to the hotel reception.
Most hotels also sell stamps. Allow about 1
week for an airmail postcard or letter to reach
North America. Increases in postal charges may
be implemented at any time, so ask about the
current rate before depositing mail. For mail
to any business listed in this book, remember
to include "Jamaica, W. I." in the
address. The island has no zip codes. Call tel.
876/922-9430 in Kingston with questions. For
important items, consider a courier service
such as DHL (tel. 876/922-7333) or Federal Express
(tel. 876/952-0411 or 876/960-9192).
Newspapers
& Magazines
Jamaica supports three daily newspapers (Daily
Gleaner, The Jamaica Record, and Daily Star),
several weekly periodicals, and a handful of
other publications. U.S. newsmagazines, such
as Time and Newsweek, as well as occasional
copies of the Miami Herald, are available at
most newsstands.
Nudity
Nude sunbathing and swimming are allowed at
a number of hotels, clubs, and beaches (especially
in Negril), but only where signs state that
swimsuits are optional. Elsewhere, law enforcement
officials won't even allow topless sunbathing.
Passports
Passport requirements vary according to your
country of origin.
For
residents of the United States
Whether you're applying in person or by mail,
you can download passport applications from
the U.S. State Department website at travel.state.gov.
For general information, call the National Passport
Agency (tel. 202/647-0518). To find your regional
passport office, either check the U.S. State
Department website or call the National Passport
Information Center (tel. 900/225-5674); the
fee is 55¢ per minute for automated information
and $1.50 per minute for operator-assisted calls.
For
Residents of Canada
Passport applications are available at travel
agencies throughout Canada or from the central
Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs
and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3
(tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca).
For
residents of the United Kingdom
To pick up an application for a standard 10-year
passport (5-year passport for children under
16), visit your nearest passport office, major
post office, or travel agency, or contact the
United Kingdom Passport Service at tel. 0870/521-0410
or search its website at www.ukpa.gov.uk.
For
residents of Ireland
You can apply for a 10-year passport at the
Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth
Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633; www.irlgov.ie/iveagh).
Those under age 18 and over 65 must apply for
a 12€, 3-year passport. You can also apply
at 1A South Mall, Cork (tel. 021/272-525) or
at most main post offices.
For
residents of Australia
You can pick up an application from your local
post office or any branch of Passports Australia,
but you must schedule an interview at the passport
office to present your application materials.
Call the Australian Passport Information Service
at tel. 131-232, or visit the government website
at www.passports.gov.au.
For
residents of New Zealand
You can pick up a passport application at any
New Zealand Passports Office or download it
from their website. Contact the Passports Office
at tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100,
or log on to www.passports.govt.nz.
Pharmacies
Prescriptions are only accepted by local pharmacies
if they were issued by a Jamaican doctor. Luckily,
hotels have doctors on call. If you need any
particular medicine or treatment, bring evidence,
such as a letter from your own physician.
Police
Dial tel. 119.
Radio
& TV
Jamaica is served by two major radio broadcasters.
Radio Jamaica (RJR) is the more popular of the
two, partly because of its musical mix of reggae,
rock 'n' roll, and talk-show material. RJR's
two island-wide services are known as Supreme
Sound and FAME FM. The second broadcaster is
Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), which
also operates the island's only television station
(JBC-TV, established in 1963). Many of the better
hotels offer Cable News Network (CNN) and other
satellite channels.
Taxes
The government imposes between 10% to 15% room
tax, depending on your category of hotel. You'll
be charged a J$1,000 (US$28) departure tax at
the airport, payable in either Jamaican or U.S.
dollars. There's also a 20% government tax on
rental cars and
a 20% tax on all overseas phone calls.
Telephone,
Telex & Fax
Even the island's smallest hotels maintain their
own fax machines. For telexes, contact the local
branch of Cleveland Walace Jamaica, the country's
telecommunications operators. In Kingston its
address is 47 Halfway Tree Rd. (tel. 876/926-9700).
Time
During the winter, Jamaica is on Eastern Standard
Time, the same as New York and Montréal.
When the United States is on daylight savings
time, however, it's 6am in Miami and 5am in
Kingston; Jamaica does not switch to DST.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Jamaica. Typically 10%
or 15% is expected in hotels and restaurants
on occasions when you would normally tip. Most
places add a service charge to the bill, but
a little extra (3%-5%) is often expected for
good service. Tipping is not "officially"
allowed at all-inclusive resorts.
Useful
Telephone Numbers
Ambulance, tel. 110; fire, tel. 110; police,
tel. 119; time, tel. 117; toll operator and
telephone assistance on local and intraisland
calls, tel. 112; overseas calls operator, tel.
113; Post and Telephone Department, tel. 876/922-9430.
You reach MCI at tel. 800/888-8000; AT&T
at tel. 800/CALLATT; and Sprint at tel. 800/877-8000.
Water
It's usually safe to drink tap water island-wide;
however, it's prudent to drink bottled water,
if available. We do.
Visitor
Information
Tourist Offices
Before you go, you can get information from
the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1320 S. Dixie Hwy.,
Suite 1101, Coral Gables, FL 33146 (tel. 800/233-4582
or 305/665-0557).
In
Canada contact the office in Toronto at 303
Eglinton Ave. E., Suite 200, Toronto, ON M4P
IL3 (tel. 800/465-2624 or 416/482-7850). Brits
can contact the London office: 1-2 Prince Consort
Rd., London SW7 2BZ (tel. 020/7224-0505; www.visitjamaica.com).
Info
on the Web
The Internet is a great source of travel information.
Jamaica is on the Internet at www.jamaicatravel.com.
In addition, Yahoo (www.yahoo.com),
Excite (www.excite.com),
Lycos (www.lycos.com),
Infoseek (www.infoseek.com),
and the other major Internet indexing sites
all have subcategories for travel, country/regional
information, and culture-click on all three
for links to travel-related websites.
Other
good clearinghouse sites for information are
Microsoft Expedia (www.expedia.com),
Travelocity (www.travelocity.com),
and Travelweb (www.travelweb.com).
You
might also check out "The Unofficial Website
on Jamaica" (www.jamaicans.com),
the best all-around site, with some good pointers,
cultural tidbits, a patois primer, and plenty
of humor. This is one of the few Jamaica Web
pages that isn't either a blatant ad or just
somebody's home page with a few vacation pictures.
Travel
Agents
Travel agents can save you plenty of time and
money by steering you toward the best package
deals, hunting down the best airfare for your
route, and arranging for cruises and rental
cars. Airlines have cut commissions, though,
and most agents have to charge a service fee
to hold the bottom line. Agents don't get the
same rates from all hotels-many have special
deals with particular hotels that they do a
lot of business with. So if one agent turns
you down on a hotel, another may still be able
to get you a room, and at a different price.
In the worst instances, unscrupulous agents
will offer you only travel options that bag
them the juiciest commissions. Shop around and
ask hard questions-use this book to become an
informed consumer.
Red-Alert
Checklist
If
you purchased traveler's checks, have you recorded
the check numbers and stored the documentation
separately from the checks?
- Did
you pack your camera and an extra set of camera
batteries, and purchase enough film? If you
packed film in your checked baggage, did you
invest in protective pouches to shield film
from airport X-rays?
- Do
you have a safe, accessible place to store
money?
- Did
you bring your ID cards that could entitle
you to discounts, such as AAA and AARP cards,
student IDs, and so on?
- Did
you bring emergency drug prescriptions and
extra glasses and/or contact lenses?
- Do
you have your credit card PINs?
- If
you have an E-ticket, do you have documentation?
- Did
you leave a copy of your itinerary with someone
at home?
- Did
you check to see if any travel advisories
have been issued by the U.S. State Department
(http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html)
regarding Jamaica?
- Do
you have the address and phone number of your
country's embassy with you?
When
to Go?
High
Season vs. Low Saeson: Some Pros and Cons
With
its fabled weather balmy all year, Jamaica is
more and more a year-round destination. Nevertheless,
it has a distinct high season running roughly
from mid-December through mid-April. Hotels
charge their highest prices during this peak
winter period, when visitors fleeing cold north
winds crowd the island. (We've quoted each hotel's
rack rates throughout this guide, but you don't
have to pay that much, even in high season,
if you book a package instead of calling the
hotel directly.)
Reservations
should be made 2 to 3 months in advance for
trips during the winter. At certain hotels,
think about booking a year ahead for Christmas
holidays or February.
The
off season in Jamaica (roughly mid-Apr to mid-Dec)
amounts to a summer sale. In most cases, hotel
rates are slashed a startling 20% to 60%. Some
package-tour charges are as much as 20% lower,
and individual excursion airfares are reduced
from 5% to 10%. In addition, airline seats and
hotel rooms are much easier to come by. It's
a bonanza for cost-conscious travelers, especially
families.
Off-Season
Advantages
Although Jamaica may appear inviting in the
winter to those who live in northern climates,
there are many reasons why your trip may be
much more enjoyable if you go in the off season:
- A
less-hurried way of life prevails. You'll
have a better chance to appreciate food, culture,
and customs.
- Swimming
pools and beaches are less crowded-perhaps
not crowded at all.
- Year-round
resort facilities are offered, often at reduced
rates, which may include snorkeling, boating,
and scuba diving.
- To
survive, resort boutiques often feature summer
sales, hoping to clear excess merchandise.
- You
can often appear without a reservation at
a top restaurant in, say, Montego Bay and
get a table.
- The
endless waiting game is over: no waiting for
a rented car,
tee time, or tennis court.
- Some
package-tour fares are as much as 20% lower,
and individual excursion fares are also reduced
between 5% and 10%.
- Accommodations
and flights are easier to book.
- Finally,
the very best of Jamaica attractions remain
undiminished in the off season-sea, sand,
and surf, with lots of sunshine.
Off-Season
Disadvantages
Let's not paint too rosy a picture, though.
Although the advantages of off-season travel
outweigh the disadvantages, there are drawbacks
to summer travel:
- You
might be staying at a construction site. Jamaican
hoteliers save their serious repairs and their
major renovations until the off season.
- Services
are often reduced.
- Not
all restaurants and bars will be fully operational
at resorts.
- Hotels
and resorts may be operating with reduced
staffs.
Climate
Jamaica
has one of the most varied climates of any Caribbean
island. Along the seashore, where most visitors
congregate, the island is air-conditioned by
northeasterly trade winds, and temperature variations
are surprisingly slight. Coastal readings average
between 71°F (22°C) and 88°F (31°C)
year-round. The Jamaican winter is similar to
May in the United States or northern Europe;
there can be chilly times in the early morning
or at night. Winter is generally the driest
season, but can be wet in mountain areas; expect
showers, especially in northeastern Jamaica.
Inland,
temperatures decrease by approximately .55°C
for every 91m (about 1°F for every 300-ft.)
increase in elevation.
Rainfall
is heaviest along the eastern edge of the island's
North Coast, with Port Antonio receiving the
most intense downpours. The island has two rainy
seasons: May, and October through November.
The
Hurricane Season
The curse of Jamaican weather, the hurricane
season, officially lasts from June 1 to November
30-but there's no need for panic. Satellite
weather forecasts generally give adequate warning
so that precautions can be taken. If you're
heading to Jamaica during the hurricane season,
you can call your local branch of the National
Weather Service (listed in your phone directory
under the U.S. Department of Commerce) for a
weather forecast.
Another
easy way to receive the weather forecast in
the city you plan to visit is by contacting
the information service associated with The
Weather Channel. It works like this: Dial tel.
800/WEATHER and listen to the recorded announcement.
When you're prompted, enter the account number
of a valid Visa or MasterCard. After the card
is approved, at a rate of 95¢ per query,
punch in the name of your city. On the Internet
you can also stop by www.weather.com
to get the same forecasts for free.
Holidays
Jamaica
observes the following public holidays: New
Year's Day (Jan 1), Ash Wednesday, Good Friday,
Easter Sunday and Monday, National Labour Day
(late May), Independence Day (a Mon in early
Aug), National Heroes Day (3rd Mon in Oct),
Christmas Day (Dec 25), and Boxing Day (Dec
26).
Getting
There
There are two international airports on Jamaica:
Donald Sangster in Montego Bay (tel. 876/952-3124)
and Norman Manley in Kingston (tel. 876/924-8452;
www.manley-airport.com.jm).
The most popular flights are from New York and
Miami. Remember to reconfirm all flights no
later than 72 hours before departure. Flying
time from Miami is 1 1/4 hours; from Los Angeles,
5 1/2 hours; from Atlanta, 2 1/2 hours; from
Dallas, 3 hours; from Chicago and New York,
3 1/2 hours; and from Toronto, 4 hours.
Some
of the most convenient service to Jamaica is
provided by American Airlines (tel. 800/433-7300
in the U.S.; www.aa.com)
through hubs in New York and Miami. Throughout
the year, one daily nonstop flight departs from
New York's Kennedy Airport for Montego Bay.
From Miami, at least two daily flights depart
for Kingston and two daily flights depart for
Montego Bay.
US
Airways (tel. 800/428-4322; www.usairways.com)
offers one flight daily from Charlotte, North
Carolina, Philadelphia, and Boston. Northwest
Airlines (tel. 800/225-2525; www.nwa.com)
flies directly to Montego Bay daily from Minneapolis.
Air
Jamaica (tel. 800/523-5585 in the U.S.;
www.airjamaica.com)
operates one or more flights daily to Montego
Bay and Kingston from such cities as Miami,
Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington,
D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, Newark, Boston,
Houston, Los Angeles, and New York's JFK. The
airline has connecting service within Jamaica
through its reservations network to Air Jamaica
Express, whose planes usually hold between 10
and 17 passengers. Air Jamaica Express flies
from the island's international airports at
Montego Bay and Kingston, and also to smaller
airports around the island, including Boscobel
(near Ocho Rios) and Tinson Pen (near Kingston).
Air
Canada (tel. 888/247-2262 in Canada,
or 800/268-7240 in the U.S.; www.aircanada.ca)
flies from Toronto to Jamaica daily. The connection
to Kingston is nonstop, but the flight to Montego
Bay involves a change of planes in Miami. British
Airways (tel. 0870/850-9850 in Britain; www.britishairways.com)
has four nonstop flights weekly to Montego Bay
and Kingston from London's Gatwick Airport.
TSA
Carry-On Regulations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
has stabilized what you can carry on and what
you can't. The general rule is that sharp things
are out, nail clippers are okay, and food and
beverages must be passed through the X-ray machine-but
that security screeners can't make you sip your
carry-on beverage (to prove it isn't toxic).
Bring food in your carry-on rather than checking
it, as explosive-detection machines used on
checked luggage have been known to mistake food
(especially chocolate, for some reason) for
bombs. Travelers in the U.S. are allowed one
carry-on bag, plus a "personal item"
such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. Carry-on
hoarders can stuff all sorts of things into
a laptop bag; as long as it has a laptop in
it, it's still considered a personal item. For
a list of restricted items, log on to www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp.
Health
& Insurance
Insurance
It's
wise to visit the troubled land of Jamaica with
full insurance coverage, protecting you against
loss of property, theft, or any medical problem
that might arise. With medical insurance it's
best to secure, if possible, a policy that offers
immediate payment-not one where you must shell
out in Jamaica, then wait for reimbursement.
If
you're an adventure tourist who likes to indulge
in scuba diving, hiking in the Blue Mountains,
or motorcycling along Jamaica's potholed roads,
try to get a policy that does not exclude what
most insurers call "hazardous activities."
Some motorized watersports also fall under hazardous
activities.
Before
going, check your existing policies before you
buy additional coverage covering trip cancellation,
lost luggage, medical expenses, or car-rental
insurance. You're likely to have partial coverage,
though it may be inadequate. U.S. medical insurance
plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside
the United States, unless supplemental coverage
is purchased. Further, most U.S. Medicare and
Medicaid programs do not provide payment for
medical services outside the country.
For
information, contact one of the following popular
insurers:
Trip-Cancellation
Insurance
There are three major types of trip-cancellation
insurance: one for when you prepay a Jamaican
cruise or tour that gets canceled, and you can't
get your money back; a second for when you or
someone in your family gets sick or dies, and
you can't travel (but beware that you may not
be covered for a preexisting condition); and
a third for when bad weather, such as a Jamaica
hurricane, makes travel impossible. Some insurers
provide coverage for events like jury duty;
natural disasters close to home, like floods
or fire; even the loss of a job. A few have
added provisions for cancellations because of
terrorist activities. Always check the fine
print before signing on, and don't buy this
insurance from a tour operator that may later
be responsible for cancellation; buy only from
a reputable travel insurance agency. Finally,
don't overbuy: You won't be reimbursed more
than the cost of your trip.
Medical
Insurance
With the exception of certain HMOs and Medicare/Medicaid,
your medical insurance will seldom cover medical
treatment-even hospital care-in Jamaica, so
you may need to pay the bill upfront. Members
of Blue Cross/Blue Shield can use their cards
at select hospitals in most major cities worldwide
(tel. 800/810-BLUE or www.bluecares.com
for a list of hospitals).
Some
credit cards (American Express and certain gold
and platinum Visa and MasterCards, for example)
offer automatic flight insurance against death
or dismemberment in case of an airplane crash,
if you charged the cost of your ticket.
If
you require additional insurance, try one of
the following companies:
MEDEX
International, 9515 Deereco Rd., Timonium, MD
21093-5375 (tel. 800/527-0218 or 410/453-6300;
fax 410/453-6301; www.medexassist.com)
Travel
Assistance International (tel. 800/821-2828;
www.travelassistance.com),
9200 Keystone Crossing, Suite 300, Indianapolis,
IN 46240 (For general information on services,
call the company's Worldwide Assistance Services,
Inc., at tel. 800/777-8710.)
The
Divers Alert Network (DAN) (tel. 800/446-2671
or 919/684-8111; www.diversalertnetwork.org)
Car-Rental
Insurance
If you hold a private auto insurance policy
in the U.S., check to see if you are covered
in Jamaica for loss or damage to the car, and
liability in case a passenger is injured. The
credit card you used to rent the car also may
provide some coverage. Policies vary widely
from holder to holder. Most American Express
cardholders, don't need a damage waiver option,
as most Jamaican car-rental
agencies recognize Amex's policy. However, many
local car-rental
companies in Jamaica don't recognize the policy;
therefore, you may feel safer dealing with a
foreign affiliate rather than a domestic
car-rental agency.
Car-rental
insurance (about $20 a day) probably does not
cover liability if you caused the accident.
Check your own auto insurance policy, the rental
company policy, and your credit card coverage
for the extent of coverage: Is Jamaica covered?
Are other drivers covered? How much liability
is covered if a passenger is injured? (If you
rely on your credit card for coverage, you may
want to bring a second card with you, as damages
may be charged to the card.)
Health
& Safety
Traveling
to Jamaica should not adversely affect your
health. Finding a good doctor in Jamaica is
no real problem, and all of them speak English,
of course.
Keep
the following suggestions in mind:
- It's
best to drink bottled water in Jamaica.
- If
you experience diarrhea, moderate your eating
habits and drink only bottled water until
you recover. If symptoms persist, consult
a doctor.
- The
Jamaican sun can be brutal. Wear sunglasses
and a hat, and use sunscreen liberally. Limit
your time on the beach the first day. If you
do overexpose yourself, stay out of the sun
until you recover. If your exposure is followed
by fever or chills, a headache, or a feeling
of nausea or dizziness, see a doctor.
- Some
of the biggest annoyances in Jamaica are the
insects called "no-see-ums," which
appear mainly in the early evening. You can't
see these gnats, but you sure can "feel-um."
Screens can't keep these critters out, so
carry your favorite bug repellent.
- You
don't need to get any particular shots or
vaccinations to travel in Jamaica, and most
common medicines are available over the counter.
If you need special medication, however, try
to arrive in Jamaica with an adequate supply
for the duration of your trip.
- If
you're traveling in the countryside, it's
wise to take a small medical kit with you
containing antacid, antiseptics, calamine
lotion, Band-Aids, sunscreen, lip balm, water
purification tablets, and insect repellent.
What
To Do If You Get Sick Away From Home
If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult
your doctor before your departure for Jamaica.
For conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or heart
problems, wear a Medic Alert Identification
Tag (tel. 800/825-3785; www.medicalert.org),
which will immediately alert doctors to your
condition and give them access to your records
through Medic Alert's 24-hour hot line.
Pack
prescription medications in your carry-on luggage,
and carry prescription medications in their
original containers. Also bring along copies
of your prescriptions in case you lose your
pills or run out. Carry the generic name of
prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist
is unfamiliar with the brand name.
And
don't forget sunglasses and an extra pair of
contact lenses or prescription glasses.
Contact
the International Association for Medical Assistance
to Travellers (IAMAT) (tel. 716/754-4883 or
416/652-0137; www.iamat.org)
for tips on travel and health concerns in Jamaica
and lists of local doctors, all of whom speak
English. If you get sick, consider asking your
hotel concierge to recommend a local doctor-even
his or her own. You can also try the emergency
room at a local hospital: Many have walk-in
clinics for emergency cases that are not life-threatening.
You may not get immediate attention, but you
won't pay the same price as an emergency-room
visit (usually at least $300).
Staying
Safe
Except for Haiti, Jamaica is the most potentially
dangerous destination in the Caribbean. You
can get into a lot of trouble in Jamaica or
you can have a carefree vacation. Much depends
on you, where you go, and what you do. Women
traveling alone or even in pairs are especially
vulnerable, as rapes are alarmingly common.
 |
Walking
alone at night, or even with a loved one,
on a moonlit Jamaican beach is a romantic
idea-but not smart. You could be mugged.
And hitchhiking for both women and men is
never a good idea in Jamaica. There have
been cases of "disappearances"
in the remote hinterlands. |
Petty
crime also continues to be a major problem on
the island, especially in the capital city of
Kingston. Americans on many occasions have been
robbed, the bandit turning violent if he faces
resistance.
Bus
travel in Jamaica is definitely not recommended.
Buses are invariably overcrowded and the greatest
venue for the pickpocket to practice his trade.
The
good news? In major resort areas such as Montego
Bay, the government is hiring more special foot
police and bike patrols to enhance security.
These megaresorts are virtually walled compounds
with 24-hour guards. Smaller inns don't have
such protection, however, so make sure that
all your doors and windows are securely locked.
Money
Jamaica has its own dollar, far less valuable
than the U.S. dollar. In all exchanges, determine
which dollar unit is being quoted in the price.
Otherwise, it's possible you could get cheated-badly-in
a financial transaction.
 |
All
the major resorts and first-class restaurants
quote prices in U.S. dollars, so many
visitors can go through their entire trip
without the bother of converting their
currency into Jamaican dollars.
But
it's still prudent to carry some Jamaican
dollars: For some transactions, such as
a drink of coconut water from a roadside
vendor, prices are only quoted in Jamaican
dollars. |
If
you have Jamaican dollars left over at the end
of your trip, you'll need to show exchange receipts
from a bank or other official bureau for the
local dollars you purchased. This is a rather
cumbersome process. Exchange only the amount
of Jamaican money you think you'll actually
need.
Note:
Prices in this guide quoted in Jamaican dollars
are for general guidance. The Jamaican dollar
sometimes fluctuates wildly. In general, it
has been in a long decline against the Yankee
dollar since the early 1990s.
All
Jamaican cities and most large towns on the
island have banks with a foreign exchange bureau.
If you're heading into the remote countryside,
make sure you have solved your cash problem
before setting out. Banks give far better exchange
rates than your hotel will.
Because
of inadequate ATMs, traveler's checks are still
a popular means of currency to take to Jamaica.
They are widely accepted, but you should always
inquire about the fee before cashing them. Sometimes
there's a high surcharge, which can vary from
place to place.
Relying
on ATMs is a bit risky in Jamaica. Most banks
in cities such as Kingston and Montego Bay have
24-hour ATMs in secure booths. You are, however,
given Jamaican dollars-not U.S. dollars-at these
machines. Always try to use ATMs during regular
business hours. There are frequent muggings
of visitors who use ATMs at night in Jamaica.
Be
aware that many travelers have mentioned to
describe their frustration with the island's
ATMs. It's best to ask your local bank how effective
your ATM card will be in Jamaica before you
depart. Failing all else, we've found branches
of Scotiabank work best with North American
ATM cards.
Currency
The unit of currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican
dollar, with the same symbol as the U.S. dollar,
"$." There is no fixed rate of exchange
for the Jamaican dollar; it is traded publicly
and is subject to market fluctuations.
Visitors
to Jamaica can pay for any goods in U.S. dollars,
but be careful. Always insist on knowing whether
a price is quoted in Jamaican or U.S. dollars.
In
this website we quote some prices in both Jamaican
and U.S. dollars, though for the most part U.S.
dollars are listed alone because the Jamaican
dollar tends to fluctuate. U.S. dollar values
give a better indication of costs. Prices given
in Jamaican dollars are indicated by "J$";
all other prices are in U.S. dollars.
There
are Bank of Jamaica exchange bureaus at both
international airports (Montego Bay and Kingston),
at cruise-ship piers, and in most hotels. Also,
there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency
you can bring into or out of Jamaica.
Finally,
whenever you leave your hotel, take along some
small bills and coins. They will come in handy,
as tips are generally expected for even the
smallest service.
ATMs
ATMs are linked to an international network
that most likely includes your bank at home.
Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com)
and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com)
are the two most popular networks; check the
back of your ATM card to see which network your
bank belongs to. Use the toll-free numbers to
locate ATMs in your destination.
Ask
your bank for a list of ATMs in Jamaica. Be
sure to check the daily withdrawal limit before
you depart, and ask whether you need a new personal
ID number.
Credit
Cards
Plastic is invaluable when traveling in Jamaica.
Credit cards are a safe way to carry money,
and they provide a convenient record of all
your expenses. You can also withdraw cash advances
from your credit cards at any bank (though you'll
start paying hefty interest on the advance the
moment you receive the cash, and you won't receive
frequent-flier miles on an airline credit card).
At most Jamaican banks, you don't even need
to go to a teller; you can get a cash advance
at the ATM if you know your PIN. (If you've
forgotten your PIN or didn't even know you had
one, call the phone number on the back of your
credit card and ask the bank to send it to you.
It usually takes 5-7 business days, though some
banks will provide the number over the phone
if you tell them your mother's maiden name or
pass some other security clearance.)
Traveler's
Checks
Traveler's checks are something of an anachronism
at many destinations. They are still widely
used, however, in Jamaica because of inadequate
ATM machines. If you also want the security
of knowing you can get a refund if your wallet
is stolen in Jamaica, you may want to purchase
traveler's checks, which you can do at almost
any bank. American Express offers denominations
of $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000. You'll
pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%.
You can also get American Express traveler's
checks over the phone by calling tel. 800/221-7282;
by using this number, Amex gold and platinum
cardholders are exempt from the 1% fee.
Visa
offers traveler's checks at Citibank locations
nationwide and several other participating banks.
The service charge ranges from 1.5% to 2%; checks
come in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500,
and $1,000. AAA members can obtain Visa checks
without a fee at most AAA offices or by calling
tel. 866/339-3378. MasterCard also offers traveler's
checks.
What
To Do If Your Wallet Is Stolen
Be sure to block charges against your account
the minute you discover a credit card has been
lost or stolen. Then be sure to file a report
at the nearest Jamaican police station.
Every
credit card company has an emergency 800-number
to call if your card is stolen. They may be
able to wire you a cash advance off your credit
card immediately, and in many places they can
deliver an emergency credit card in a day or
two. The issuing bank's 800-number is usually
on the back of your credit card-though of course,
if your card has been stolen, that won't help
you unless you recorded the number elsewhere.
Citicorp
Visa's U.S. emergency number is tel. 800/336-8742.
American Express cardholders and traveler's-check
holders should call tel. 800/221-7282. MasterCard
holders should call tel. 800/307-7309. Otherwise,
call the toll-free number directory at tel.
800/555-1212.
Odds
are that if your wallet is gone, the Jamaican
police won't be able to recover it for you.
However, it's still worth informing them. Your
credit card company or insurer may require a
police report number or record of the theft.
Likewise, if you carry traveler's checks, be
sure to keep a record of their serial numbers
separate from the checks. You'll get a refund
faster if you do.
Moneygrams
Sponsored by American Express, Moneygram (tel.
800/926-9400) is the fastest-growing money-wiring
service in the world. Funds can be transferred
from one individual to another in less than
10 minutes between thousands of locations throughout
the world. An American Express phone representative
will give you the names of four or five offices
near you. (You don't have to go to an American
Express office; some locations in Jamaica are
pharmacies or convenience stores in small communities.)
Acceptable forms of payment include cash, Visa,
MasterCard, and Discover, and occasionally,
a personal check. Service charges collected
by American Express are $40 for the first $500
sent, with a sliding scale of commissions for
larger sums. Included in the transfer is a 10-word
telex-style message. The deal also includes
a free 3-minute phone call to the recipient.
Funds are transferred within 10 minutes, and
they can then be retrieved by the beneficiary
at the most convenient location when proper
photo ID, and in some cases, a security code
established by whomever provides the funds,
is presented.
Practical
Tips
Using a Cellphone in Jamaica
The three letters that define much of the world's
wireless capabilities are GSM (Global System
for Mobiles), a big, seamless network that makes
for easy cross-border cellphone use throughout
Europe and dozens of other countries worldwide.
In the U.S., T-Mobile, AT&T Wireless, and
Cingular use this quasi-universal system; in
Canada, Microcell and some Rogers customers
are GSM; and all Europeans and most Australians
use GSM.
If
your cellphone is on a GSM system, and you have
a world-capable phone such as many (but not
all) Sony Ericsson, Motorola, or Samsung models,
you can make and receive calls across civilized
areas on much of the globe, from Andorra to
Uganda, and certainly Jamaica. Just call your
wireless operator and ask for "international
roaming" to be activated on your account.
Unfortunately, per-minute charges can be high.
World-phone
owners can bring down their per-minute charges
with a bit of trickery. Call up your cellular
operator and say you'll be going abroad for
several months and want to "unlock"
your phone to use it with a local provider.
Usually, they'll oblige. Then, in Jamaica, pick
up a cheap, prepaid phone chip at a mobile-phone
store and slip it into your phone. (Show your
phone to the salesperson, as not all phones
work on all networks.) You'll get a local phone
number-and much, much lower calling rates.
Otherwise,
renting a phone is a good idea. While you can
rent a phone from any number of overseas sites,
including kiosks at airports and at car-rental
agencies, we suggest renting the phone before
you leave home. That way you can give loved
ones your new number, make sure the phone works,
and take the phone wherever you go-especially
helpful when you rent overseas, where phone-rental
agencies bill in local currency and may not
let you take the phone to another country.
Two
good wireless rental companies are InTouch USA
(tel. 800/872-7626; www.intouchglobal.com)
and Roadpost (tel. 888/290-1606 or 905/272-5665;
www.roadpost.com).
Give them your itinerary and they'll tell you
what wireless products you need. InTouch will
also, for free, advise you on whether your existing
phone will work in Jamaica; simply call tel.
703/222-7161 between 9am and 4pm EST, or go
to http://intouchglobal.com/travel.htm.
Links
& Sources:
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