travel information
Entry Requirements
A passport is best. US citizens may enter with birth certificates. Some countries require a visa. Please check with the Jamaican consulate in your country of residence. Driver's licenses are not accepted.
Health
All drinking water is chlorinated and filtered. Smallpox and yellow fever have been completely eradicated. Medical facilities are average, but personnel are excellent.
Customs
Belongings. No firearms, pets, flowers, fruits or vegetables. We have great fruits and veggies in Jamaica. It is illegal to take illegal drugs out of Jamaica or posses them here.
- Call Kingston Airport - 924-8320 for info
- Call Montego Bay Airport - 952-2850 for info
Money
You may bring as much money into the island as necessary. Credit cards and travelers cheques are generally accepted throughout the island. Caution! Change a small amount of money as needed, Jamaica only allows departing tourists to change a limited amount back to foreign currencies.
Pests
Take this with a 'wink' but be wary of the insect kind, much less virulent and the human kind, trying to sell you everything from carvings to tours. The insect kind, mosquitoes succumb easily to a variety of repellents. The human responds easily to a pleasant but firm "No Thank You".
A Few Tips
- Do not follow strangers anywhere!
- Marijuana is illegal to posses or use!
- Street vendor food is usually fine!
- Negril is one of the safest villages!
What to Wear
Jamaica has a tropical climate. Shorts are always a great choice as are light pants and shirts. Chinos and a linen shirt is as formal as we get. For our beaches please remember the sun is dangerous. Put on sunscreen at least fifteen minutes before entering the sun. Use a 15 SPF rating with a good sun tan lotion.
Drugs
Historically Jamaica has been famous for it's sensimilia, a fine class of marijuana. There has also been a notion that local authorities wink at the use of marijuana or 'ganja', 'erbs', 'weed', 'collie' as it is known locally. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many innocent youngsters have had to spend time incarcerated in Jamaica for violating our laws in the possession and use of drugs.
TV & Radio
Jamaica has two TV stations and nine radio stations. Cable TV is also available in almost every city and village in the island.
Post Office
Almost every Jamaican village has it's own Post Office no matter of small and intimate. Postal deliveries are fairly reliable.
Tipping
Encouraged - Accepted - 10-15% usually
