Useful Information

As you get to know Jamaica, you'll learn the ins and outs of the culture and people who call this paradise home. But it always helps to have a little help — and a nice crash course — whenever exploring a new destination. Here is your guide to Jamaica to get you started on a memorable stay. Phone numbers and rates listed here were correct at press time.

ATMs
Most Jamaican ATMs (called ABMs on the island) accept international bank cards with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus logos.

Climate
Jamaica enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and humid conditions year-round. Average temperature ranges from 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius) to 99 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).

Though it’s known for warmth and sunshine, the island sees two rainy seasons from May to June and September to November. Also, hurricanes may pass over the island primarily from June to September.

If it rains during your stay, don’t worry. Most times, the short tropical showers provide a welcome break from the afternoon heat.

Credit Cards
Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted throughout the island.

Currency and Exchange Rates / Jamaican Dollars
The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaica Dollar. Licensed “cambio” (exchange) centers and commercial banks are accessible in all resort areas. Official currency exchange rates vary daily, so it’s advisable to shop around for the best rate before converting your cash.

Please find exchange rates at www.exchange-rates.org/currentRates/JMD

Customs and Duty
United States residents who have been out of the country for 48 hours or more may take home items valued up to US$800 once every 30 days without incurring duty. Adults may include 200 cigarettes, 100 non-Cuban cigars and one liter of alcohol. A second liter of alcohol is allowed duty-free if it is produced by a Caribbean Basic country. Family members who return home together may combine their personal exemptions on a joint declaration. Visit cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/duty_free.xml for more information.

Canadian residents who have been out of the country for more than 48 hours can claim up to CAN$400 worth of goods without paying duty if they carry the goods with them. After each absence of seven days or more, they can claim up to CAN$750 worth of goods without duty. Except for tobacco products and alcohol, they do not need to have the goods with them. Visit cbsa-asfc.gc.ca for more information.

United Kingdom residents 17 or older may take home duty-free two liters of table wine and one liter of spirits or liquors, or two liters of fortified or sparkling wine or other liquors; 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco; 60 cc of perfume and 250 cc of eau de toilette; plus other goods worth up to £145. Travelers cannot group their allowances. Visit hmrc.gov.uk for more information.

Departure Tax
There is a $27 departure tax that must be paid upon departure. However, most airlines include this tax in their tickets. Otherwise, the fee may be paid only in cash upon check-in.

Drugs
In Jamaica, the use, sale and possession of drugs such as marijuana (ganja), cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin and any other controlled substances is illegal. Offenders are subject to severe punishments, including arrest, fines and imprisonment.

Electricity
Standard electrical service is similar to that of the United States and Canada: 110 volts, 50 cycles AC. However, there is 220 volts service available at some hotels.

Holidays 2012
On public holidays, all government agencies, schools and most private businesses are closed, and much of the country celebrates. Please plan accordingly.

Language
The official language of Jamaica is English, although most locals speak Patois, a colorful dialect.

Safety
As with any place in the world, you should always remember to follow basic precautions to avoid possible predicaments. Keep all luggage in view at all times and your personal effects close to your body; don’t carry large amounts of cash; and avoid wearing expensive jewelry outside of your resort.

Tipping
It is customary to leave a 10 to 15 percent gratuity at restaurants. Please make sure to check your bill, as some establishments will have already included the gratuity to your total.

Water
All piped water in Jamaica is treated and purified in accordance to international standards. You may drink it, bathe in and brush your teeth with it.

Have questions about Jamaica? Please contact:
Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association   info@jhta.org
2 Ardenne Rd., Kingston 10, Jamaica.
Tel: 876-926-3635 - 6
Fax: 876-929-1054
Or, visit: www.jhta.org

For assistance in planning your trip, meeting, convention or for groups visiting Jamaica, please contact the Jamaica Tourist Board.
Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB)
International Offices, Contacts and Representatives

In the United States
Jamaica Tourist Board, Miami info@visitjamaica-usa.com 
5201 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite # 670, Miami, Florida 33126
Tel: 305-665-0557
Fax: 305-666-7239
Call toll free from the USA: 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422)

For assistance booking Groups & Conventions in Jamaica
groups@visitjamaica-usa.com
Tel: 305-665-0557
Toll Free: 800-294-7687
Fax: 305-666-5536

In Jamaica
Jamaica Tourist Board, Kingston
email: info@visitjamaica.com
64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Jamaica, West Indies
Tel: 876-929-9200 - 19
Fax: 876-929-9375

Jamaica Tourist Board, Montego Bay
18 Queens Drive, Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica, West Indies
Tel: 876-952-4425
Fax: 876-952-3587

In Canada
email:  jtb@visitjamaica-ca.com
303 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 200, Toronto , Ontario, M4P 1L3 , Canada
Tel: 416 482-7850
Toll Free: 800-465-2624
Fax: 416-482-1730

In Asia
India
c/o TRAC Representations
email: rn@tracrep.com
A-16, 6th Floor, Himalaya House, Kasturba Ghandi Marg, New Delhi - 110001
Tel: 91-11-23352550
Fax: 91-11-23350270

Japan
c/o Fourth Valley Concierge Corporation 
email: jamaicainfo@4th-valley.com
Kojimachi Akiyama building 7F, 5-3 Kojimachi ,Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083
Tel: 81 81-3-3263-6847
Fax: 81 81-3-3263-6848

China
c/o China Business Network
Office 610, Building A, Oriental Media Tower, No. 4 Guanghua Road,
Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100026
Tel: +86 0 10 65816691 / +86 0 10 65816820
Fax: +86 0 10 65836205

In Europe
London mail@visitjamaica.uk.com
1 - 2 Prince Consort Road, London, England, SW7 2BZ, United Kingdom
Tel: 44 207-225-9090
Fax: 44 207-225-1020

Italy / Rome
c/o Sergat Italia    sergat@rmnet.it
Via Nazionale 243, 00184 Roma, Italy
Tel: 39-06 4890 1255
Fax: 39 06 4890 7384
Email: sergat@rmnet.it

Germany
c/o Fast Forward-Marketing
email: jamaica@travelmarketing.de
Schwarzbachstrasse 32, 40822 Mettmann, Germany
Tel: 49 0 2104 832974
Fax: 49 0 2104 912673

The Netherlands
email: Info@ontdekjamaica.nl   /  jamaica.tb@12move.nlor
Postbus 2073, 3441 DB Woerden, Netherlands
Tel: 31 34-843-0829
Fax: 31 34-848-2307

Spain / Barcelona
email: sergat@sergatspain.com
Tel: 34 93-4140210
Fax: 34 93-2018657

Or, see: visitjamaica.com