The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar (J$). One dollar equals 100 cents. Banknotes are available in J$1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 while coins come in denominations of J$1; and 50, 25, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents. American currency is also widely accepted.
Money can be changed at cambios, which are found island-wide, with late opening hours and competitive exchange rates. Money can also be exchanged at most banks, and currency exchanges are found at both airports, offering rates that are slightly lower than the banks. At hotels the rates are significantly lower.
Banks are open from 09:00 to 14:00, Monday through Thursday and 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:30 to 1700, Friday.
Importing and exporting of Jamaican currency is prohibited, however, there are no restrictions on foreign currency, as long as it is declared.
Visitors may bring in up to two litres of alcohol and two cartons of cigarettes to Jamaica. In addition, a reasonable amount of duty-free goods may be brought in for personal use and anything deemed more than reasonable may incur an import tax. All prescription drugs brought in must be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription. Importing firearms, recreational drugs and obscene or pornographic material is strictly prohibited.
Electrical current is 110 volts/50Hz. Flat two- and three-pin plugs are used.
Both dengue fever and leptospirosis are risks for visitors to Jamaica, so it is important to use insect repellents and it’s best to avoid river and dam areas. Although it is generally safe, tap water has been known to cause stomach upsets, so visitors are advised to drink bottled water. Private medical facilities are generally of an acceptable standard, but this can vary around the island. Treatment can be expensive so comprehensive travel insurance is advised. No vaccination certificates are needed for travellers entering Jamaica, but yellow fever certificates are required for those arriving from an infected area.
Jamaica's murder rate is high, averaging around 1000 per year, but the Jamaican Tourist Bureau reminds visitors that they are more likely to be mugged in New York than in Montego Bay. In any case, robberies, assaults and miscellaneous petty crimes against tourists do occur and it's wise to take precautions that you would normally take visiting any foreign city.
A major annoyance in Jamaica, particularly in Montego Bay, is the hordes of young hopefuls aggressively accosting foreigners with offers of ganja, aloe massages, hair-braiding and crafts. Many of these street touts see tourists as easy prey for exploitation, but most are simply trying to make a living and do not present any danger to visitors. However, if you're fairly young, you can expect to be offered ganja, but should bear in mind that possession, use or attempted export of any quantity is against the law in Jamaica and stiff penalties can be imposed.
The emergency number for the Jamaican police is 119.
Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting in Jamaica. Tourism is of major economic importance to the country and visitors are well catered for, with hotel and restaurant staff generally efficient and friendly. Outside Kingston, the pace of island life is relaxed and the local people are welcoming and hospitable. If you visit someone’s home, normal social etiquette should be observed.
Casual wear is suitable during the daytime, but shorts and swimsuits should only be worn at beaches and around swimming pools. Evening dress will vary from casual at places such as Negril to quite formal in other resorts, where men may be required to wear a jacket and tie at dinner.
If you have proof of your visitor's status when you go duty-free shopping around the island, you can carry away your ‘in-bond’ purchases, other than alcohol and tobacco, which are delivered to you at your point of departure.
The all-inclusive resorts include service charges and tips as part of the package; elsewhere visitors are expected to tip 10 to 15 per cent for personal services, room service, at restaurants and for taxi services, unless a service charge is already included in the bill. Parking attendants, bellboys and porters also expect to be tipped.
The international access code for Jamaica is +1, which is the same as the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean. This should be followed by 876. For outgoing calls, the code is 011 followed by the relevant country code. The outgoing code is not used when calling the US or Canada. Jamaican mobile phone service providers use various networks, including GSM, which is compatible with most international networks. Internet cafés can be found in the main towns and at the resorts.
GMT -5
Entry permits are issued to US nationals and visitors from most British Commonwealth countries. A passport valid for at least six months is required, and entry is granted for a period of 14 to 90 days. Many European countries can obtain visas on arrival for stays not exceeding 90 days.
