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Money Matters
US dollar can be used for commerce.
Banking hours are Mon-Thurs: 9.30 am - 2.00 pm,
Friday: 9.00 am to 4.00 pm
Credit cards and traveler's checks are widely accepted.
Clothing
Swimwear and shorts are fine for the beach and leisure wear around
the island. Lightweight tropical clothing are the norm for days
and nights.
Passports and Visas
All visitors (with the exception of those from USA, Puerto Rico,
the US Virgin Islands and Canada) are required to hold a valid passport,
but every visitor must have a photo ID and proof of citizenship
(a driver’s licence is not enough). Sufficient funds and a ticket
for an onward destination are required for entry into the country.
Australian, Canadian, U.K. and U.S. citizens do not need a visa
for visits of up to six months. Citizens of other countries should
call their local Jamaican Embassy or consulate office to determine
their entry requirements.
Getting Around
Roads: Escorted half-and full-day tours, bicycles,
rental cars and taxis are enjoyable ways of getting around. The
roads along the winding north coast and in the mountain offer beautiful
vistas, but driving on them can be a bit harrowing because of the
blind curves and potholes. Cars are driven on the left-hand side
of the road. A third of Jamaica's 17,000km (11,000 miles) of road
is tarred, but outside the major towns the roads may be poorly maintained.
The main coastal roads are excellent, but be forewarned that local
drivers can be quite agressive. Car rental is fairly expensive and
booking is advisable.
Buses: Buses are the most popular mode of transport
but they are always crowded, the services slow and there’s no
timetable. They are not recommended except to the budget-minded
or well-seasoned traveler. The upside is that they’re inexpensive
and offer a colorful glimpse of Jamaican life as well as being a
great way to meet the locals. Connections between Kingston and Montego
Bay and other major resorts are usually reliable.
Taxis: Licensed taxis can be recognised by the red
Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) plates they display. They can be
flagged down on the street, or ordered by telephone. Taxi fares
are charged by car rather than by person.
Trains: A diesel train runs between Kingston and
Montego Bay and unveils an ever-changing panorama during the
five-hour journey. The network covers nearly 340km (211 miles)
of land and provides a comfortable opportunity to view the interior
of the island.
Air Travel: International airports are situated
in Kingston (Norman Manley Airports) and Montego Bay (Sir Donald
Sangster Airport). Air Jamaica is the national airline and flies
to most US cities and London. Many other international airlines
fly to Jamaica. Tropical Airlines offers daily flights between major
Jamaican cities. Trans Jamaica Airlines runs domestic flights to
and from Kingston, Montego Bay, Port Antonio, Mandeville, Ocho Rios
and Negril. Intra-island flights can be a quick way to zip between
Montego Bay, Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. Helicopters
can also be chartered for scenic rides or for personalized tours
although these can be quite pricey.
Ports: Cruise lines regularly call at the ports
of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, some sailing from North and Central
American ports, others from the Mediterranean. Many cruises schedule
Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Port Antonio stops on their itineraries.
Electricity
110 volts/50 cycles is the standard. Some hotels use 220 volts.
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