Trip Information

Be Prepared!

Responsible travel to any destination means being prepared, and expecting the unexpected. As you travel through Jamaica enjoying the islands flora and fauna, tasting its fruits, and experiencing its culture, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind.

• Photocopy your essential documents, such as passport, drivers license, credit cards, prescription medication forms, airline tickets and other important information.
• Film and disposable cameras are sold throughout the island, but specific types may be expensive and difficult to find.
• Diving, snorkeling, fishing and golf equipment can be easily rented so it is your choice whether you bring your own or leave it at home. Avid divers may prefer to carry their own scuba gear, but it is advised that you leave weights at home. Do not bring spear guns.
• To protect your eyes from bright sunny days, wear sunglasses. For contact lens users, it is advised that you carry your own brand of contact lens solution.
• Use plenty of sunscreen and carry insect repellant. Jamaica is a tropical island. Your skin may be exposed to strong ultraviolet rays and some super friendly bugs. You can use rubbing alcohol or other topical treatments to soothe bites.
• Standard footwear includes tennis shoes; sandals flip flops, boat shoes or none at all. You can wear lightweight casual shoes at night, but should carry hiking boots if taking trips into the interior of the Blue Mountains or elsewhere.
• For on road communications. Pack your cellular phone or arrange for one when you arrive. Although all major tourist areas have visitor information booths for assistance, you won’t find phones on every corner of the open road.
• Service charge (gratuity) is included at most hotels and some restaurants, and ranges from 10-15%. It is a good idea to ask if the service charge is included when you check into hotels and before you pay your bill at restaurants.

General Visitor Information:

Animals: Animals are not allowed to enter the country.

Banking: Numerous commercial banks have offices throughout the island. The opening hours are mainly 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Monday – Thursday with a later closing on Friday at 4:00 pm. Exchange bureaus are available at both international airports.

Cellular Phones: The island’s two major telecommunications companies offer calling plans that are ideally suited to visitors.Cable and Wireless: Digital pre-paid “Classic Plan.” For more information, call 1-800-804-2994Digicel: Digital pre-paid “Digiflex Plan.” For more information, call 1-888-DIGICEL

Climate: Jamaica has a wonderful tropical climate at sea level and a more temperate climate towards the highlands of the interior. There are two main rainy seasons from May to June and September to November. Of special note also is the hurricane season lasting from June to September. Large storms may, but rarely do, pass over the island but don’t be too worried the last hurricane to directly hit Jamaica happened in 1988 and before that in 1952! In addition, all hotels have a comprehensive Hurricane plan…just in case.

The average temperature ranges from 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) to 32 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the year. The most asked question - Will it rain during my holiday? If might but if it does, don’t worry too much as most times, it is just a short tropical shower that provides a cool break from the afternoon heat!

Clothing: Lightweight tropical clothing can be worn year round. However, swimwear is only acceptable on the beach and around the pool, not in restaurants or in the streets. It is advisable to carry a light sweater for evenings in the winter and if you plan to overnight in the mountains, also carry a light jacket, warm socks and shoes.

Communications: Telex, facsimile, cable, radio, television and telephones can be found throughout the island, as well as Internet and e-mail services.

Credit Cards: Most major credit cards are accepted islandwide. It is a good idea to check first, but Visa and MasterCard are accepted at many gasoline stations.

Currency Exchange: The rate of exchange is subject to fluctuation. Travelers may bring Jamaican dollars or foreign currency into or out of the country. However, note that currency in excess of US$10,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared to Jamaican customs authorities.

Although some establishments may accept foreign currency, most require payment in Jamaican dollars. However, in-bond stores where duty-free purchase can be made accept U.S. currency, traveler’s checks or credit cards.

Currency can be exchanged on the island at any bank or licensed exchange bureau, and Jamaican dollars can be reconverted to foreign currency at the Airport Bureau of Exchange upon departure.

Customs/Returning: U.S. visitors are permitted to leave with US$800 worth of goods after a 48-hour visit. One liter of liquor is allowed per person. A second liter can be purchased in duty-free if it is locally produced by a Caribbean Basin nation. (Other visitors should check with customs)

Canadian residents, temporary residents and former residents of Canada returning to live in Canada may claim goods free of duties under one of the following exemptions: 7-day absence from Canada, CD$750 yearly; 48-hour absence, CD$200 anytime; 24-hour absence, CD$50. Alcohol and tobacco products are not eligible under these exemptions, and only one of the above exemptions may be claimed per any one trip.

U.K. residents are allowed 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, one liter of spirits or strong liqueurs, and all other goods including gifts and souvenirs, £145 Sterling value.

Japan residents are permitted up to 200,000 yen (approx. US$1,800). Three bottles each 760 ml of liquor per person is allowed duty-free. Those under 20 years old must pay duty on liquor brought into Japan.

Departure Tax: It is required to pay a departure tax of JA$1,000 (approx. US$17), however the rate is subject to change. Note- most airline tickets currently include the departure tax.

Drugs: In Jamaica, the use, sale, and possession of drugs such as ganja (marijuana), cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin and any other controlled substance is ILLEGAL. Violators are subject to severe punishments – specifically arrest, fine and imprisonment. DO NOT attempt to purchase, use, consume or transport ANY drug.

If there is someone trying to sell you drugs, be firm and say NO! Incarceration is not a pleasant way to extend your holiday – you really don’t get much sightseeing done from behind the bars of a prison!

Electrical System: 110 voltz/50 cycles is standard; 220 volts is available at some hotels.

General Consumption Tax: There is a 15% government tax. This has replaced the accommodations tax and other indirect taxes.

Firearms: It is illegal to arms or ammunition into or out of the country.

Holidays: Official Jamaican holidays per year are:

• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• Labour Day (May 23)
• Emancipation Day (August 1)
• Independence Day (August 6)
• Christmas Day (Dec 25)
• Boxing Day (Dec 26)
• Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Heroes Day (third Monday in October)

Language: The official language of Jamaica is English, although most Jamaicans speak a local patois influenced by a combination of several different languages.

Medical Facilities: All major resort areas have medical facilities and drugstores. You can also find private doctors and dentists throughout the island. Most of the large hotels have a resident nurse and doctor on call.

Shopping: Numerous craft markets and in-bond shops are located throughout the island in the major resort areas.

Tax-Free Status All expenses incurred for holding a meeting or convention in Jamaica are tax deductible. This is due to a tax treaty made between the U.S. and Jamaican governments in 1981.

Time Zone: Jamaica is on Eastern Standard Time, and does not observe daylight saving time.

Visa Requirements: Before booking your trip ensure that you have checked with your local embassy or travel advisor on any necessary Visa requirements for traveling to Jamaica.

Water: Drinking water in Jamaica is purified and filtered using the most modern methods.

Getting Married in Jamaica:

Required Documentation

• Proof of Citizenship– certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father’s name
• If under 18, written consent from parents is required.
• Original certificate of divorce, if applicable.
• For widows and widowers, a certified copy of death certificate is required.
• Italian Nationals: Must notify their embassy and send a notarized copy of their marriage certificate to be legalized and translated.
• French Canadians: Must have a notarized, translated English copy of all documents and a photocopy of original French documents.

Waiting Period

• If prior application for a marriage license has been made, visitors can be married 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica.
• Cost of a license is JA$4,000 (approx. US$65-70).
• Non-denominational Marriage Officers can perform weddings for a fee ranging from US$100 and up, depending on location, etc.
• Weddings can be performed by Marriage Officers at their offices, their homes or at places chosen by the couples. They can also provide witnesses for the ceremony.

Blood Test: None required.

Marriage Arrangements: Hotels will often assist with making arrangements for you. In many cases, they offer special packages with prices that include performance of ceremony; government tax, transportation costs and expenses incurred plus any other special requests.

For more information, contact any Jamaica Tourist Board office worldwide or locally.