Jamaica: Overview
The paradisiac island of Jamaica, of white sanded beaches and green mountains, is located in the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, west of La Española and south of Cuba.
Climate
Jamaica has a tropical climate during the whole year, although it can be a little cooler in the central highlands. Between May and November there can be downpours, although the rainy season takes place during September and October. Besides this, it is necessary to keep in mind that between June and November tropical hurricanes found the island on their way.
Important Information
The entry requirements vary according to the visitor’s nationality, so it is recommended to check which are in a Jamaican consulate or embassy. Most visitors need nothing else tan a valid passport, enough money to pay for the expenses of the stay and an onward return ticket.
The official currency is the Jamaican dollar (JMD), although the main credit cards and traveler's checks are also accepted. It is better if the checks and the cash you are planning to change into local currency are in American dollars. ATMs and official exchanging offices are plentiful in the island; the last ones have wider opening hours and better rates than banks. It is recommended to keep the receipts.
If an extra charge for service is not included in the bill, tipping 10-15% is enough. You are expected to tip hotel staff, waiters and taxi drivers. Bellboys, barmen and velet parking are used to receive US$ 1 per item.
Concerning health, it is necessary to take some cautions against dengue fever, malaria and leptospirosis. Tap water is not dangerous, although it can cause some people to feel stomachaches, so it is recommended to drink bottled water. Private medical facilities are good, although their level can vary around the island. Visitors coming from yellow fever infected areas must produce a vaccination certificate as an entry requirement.
Safety is an important topic to keep in mind when traveling to Jamaica, since crime and violence rates are quite high, especially in Kingston. You should remain vigilant, not resist in the event of a robbery and avoid to walk or to use public transportation at night. Neither it is advisable wander alone in the most isolated areas or beaches, even during the day. If you are traveling by car do not pick up auto-stoppers. When traveling to or from Kington airport avoid going by Mountain View; you should also be very cautious if you travel by Hummingbird at night.
There are some social customes which you should know. Jamaicans are used to greet with a handshake and to observe the basic manners. Jamaicans are characterized by their hospitality and in case of being invited for a meal to a house is a good idea to take a small present. On the contrarily of common assumptions, marijuana possession and traffic are illegal and the authorities are very strict. Dress can be informal during day, although shorts and bathing suits must be limited to the beach and swimming pools. At night you can wear formal or informal clothes depending on the chosen place.
Where to go
Kingston, the capital of Jamaica and home of reggae, is one of the places where you must go in a trip to the island. Some of the main attractions are Bob Marley Museum, the National Gallery, Devon House, built in the end of 1800s by the first black Caribbean millionaire; Hope Botanical Gardens, a downtown paradise; the famous neighborhood of Spanish Town and Port Royal, the paradise for pirates in the 12th century.
North of the island is Montego Bay (MoBay), of beautiful beaches, coral reefs and brilliant aquamarine lagoons. Some of the places worthwhile visiting here are Bob Marley Experience, a tribute to the famous Jamaican singer and Croydon in the Mountains, the plantation where Samuel Sharpe, the heroic slave, was born. The most famous beach in the island, Doctor's Beach Digs, was founded in the first years of the 1900s by a group of doctors. You should also go to Rose Hall, to Falmouth and to the Marine Park Montego Bay.
Negril, founded by hippies, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beaches and incredible sunsets during day and the bars and restaurants at night. The main attractions are the lighthouse, cavalcades to Rhode Hall Plantation and Seven Mile Beach.
Another place to visit in Jamaica is the port city of Ocho Ríos. Although it can be too crowded for some people, it has some attractions worthwhile seeing as Bob Marley’s Mausoleum, Columbus Park Museum, Dolphin Cove, where you can swim with dolphins families, the Waterfalls of Dunn River, Firefly and the Green Grotto Caves.
