Jamaica

It is easy to wax lyrical about the island of Jamaica in the north of the Caribbean. The glorious glow of its sunsets, the unique and engaging ways of its people, the alluring white sandy beaches and lush green mountains, the sparkling waterfalls. All can inspire the poet in anyone. The beauty of this island paradise has drawn visitors for centuries: first it was the wealthy few who were privileged to enjoy the unspoiled tropical delights of Jamaica. Today the northern and western coastlines of the island bristle with tourist resorts and 'all-inclusive' hotels, and natural attractions have been commercialized to cope with the crowds and make the most out of the tourists.

Somehow the commercialization has not spoiled Jamaica, however. It still presents a magnificent kaleidoscope of color and beauty that makes holidaymakers sad to leave, and vow to return.

The name Jamaica originates from the pre-colonial native inhabitants, the Arawak Indians, to whom 'Xaymaca' meant 'land of wood and water'. There is little left of the Indian culture: after being discovered by Columbus in 1494 Jamaica was ruled by the Spanish for 150 years, and then by the British for the next 300 years. Independence came in 1962 to the Jamaican people who are now a warm blend of different cultures and nationalities, though significantly African based because of the influence of the imported slaves, who endeavored to keep their tribal traditions alive while being forced to labor on the island plantations.

There is, however, a little trouble in paradise: the Jamaican people on the whole are poor, and very reliant on tourism for their living. Some visitors object to being harassed by vendors, unlicensed taxi drivers, hair braiders and the like. Crime is also a problem. These minor irritations however should not keep anyone away from savoring the spirit of Jamaica, which is as rich as the lilt of the local patois and the rhythms of the reggae music for which the island is famous.

Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -5.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts, 50Hz. Flat two- and three-pin plugs are in use.
Money: The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is divided into 100 cents. The island is well supplied with ATMs, banks and bureau de change. Banking hours are usually Monday to Thursday 9am to 2pm, and Friday 9am to 4pm. Cambio exchange offices are found throughout the country, open later than banks and offer better exchange rates. Retain receipts as proof of legal currency exchange. Exchange bureau at the airports and hotels also offer better rates than banks. Major credit cards and travelers cheques are widely accepted. Both cash and travelers cheques are best taken in US Dollars.

 

Note: This is not updated daily and should be used as a guide only.

Language: The official language is English but a local patois is also spoken, a mixture of English, Spanish, and various African languages.
Entry Requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required if travel is for tourism (up to a stay of 6 months). If traveling on business, a passport and visa are required.
Entry Requirements for UK nationals: British nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required (irrespective of endorsements).
Entry Requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens require a passport. Any documents that establish nationality and identity, such as a Certificate of citizenship or an original Birth Certificate with an official photo ID, are also accepted if the reason for travel is tourism. No visa is required.
Entry Requirements for Australians: Australian citizens require a valid passport, but a visa is not required.
Entry Requirements for South Africans: South Africans must hold a valid passport. No visa is required for tourist purposes.
Entry Requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days, provided the purpose of travel is tourism. If traveling on business, a visa is required.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold sufficient funds to cover period of intended stay, as well as an onward or return ticket to country of permanent residence and documents required for next destination. From 23 January 2007 all US citizens traveling to and from Jamaica by air will require a valid passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well. *Special note: In connection with the Cricket World Cup, a common visa policy will be in effect from 1 February to 15 May 2007 between Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Guyana, Grenada, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. All visitors, except for nationals of Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, USA and UK, will require a CARICOM Special Visa, which will allow movement between the participating countries.
Health: Dengue fever and Leptospirosis are risks in Jamaica, so visitors should use insect protection measures and avoid rivers and dams. There has been a malaria outbreak in December 2006 in Kingston, and visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites. Although generally safe, the tap water can cause stomach upsets and visitors are advised to drink bottled water if on short trips. Private medical facilities are of a reasonable standard but can vary throughout the island. Medical treatment can be expensive so insurance is advised. No vaccination certificates are needed for entry into Jamaica, but yellow fever certificates are required from travelers coming from an infected area.
Tipping: Outside the all-inclusive resorts, where tips are part of the package, visitors should tip 10-15% for taxis, personal services, room service and restaurants where a service charge is not already included in the bill. Parking attendants, bellboys and porters also expect a tip; US$1 per bag/drink is customary.
Safety: There are high levels of crime and violence, especially around Kingston, and tourists should be alert, not resist in the event of attempted robbery, and avoid walking or using public transport at night. If you are self-driving do not give lifts to strangers. When traveling to or from the airport in Kingston avoid the Mountain View route. Travelers on the Hummingbird route should also be cautious at night. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas or on beaches, even in daylight hours. Jamaica is prone to hurricanes between June and November. The ICC Cricket World Cup takes place in the Caribbean from 11 March to 27 April 2007, travelers are advised that flights and accommodation will be in great demand during this period.
Customs: Contrary to popular belief, smoking ganja is illegal.
Business: Business in Jamaica is surprisingly formal, with proper titles used and suits and ties the norm despite the tropical climate. Introductions are usually made with a handshake and an exchange of business cards. Punctuality is key and socializing is an important aspect of the business meeting. Business hours are usually from 8.30am to 4.30pm or 5pm on weekdays, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Communications: The international access code for Jamaica is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 876. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code is not needed when calling the US or Canada. City or area codes are not required. Direct international telephone services are available, and operators can also facilitate calls. The local mobile phone operators use various networks, including GSM, which is compatible with most international networks. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts, and access is also available from most hotels and parish libraries.
Duty Free: Travelers to Jamaica over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g other tobacco products; 946ml alcoholic beverages and wine; perfume up to 150g; and goods for personal consumption to the value of J$500. Prohibited items include products from goatskin (e.g. drums, handbags and rugs).
 

Kingston

The capital of Jamaica, Kingston jives to the beat of the infectious reggae music that was born here and has swept through the world. It is the largest English-speaking city south of Miami, lying on a wide plain with the world's seventh-largest natural harbor to the south, and the Blue Mountains behind. Jamaica itself may have the image of being laid back and rather slow, but cosmopolitan Kingston moves at a fast pace, in keeping with its importance as the dominant force on the island politically, commercially and culturally. Tourists tend not to stay in Kingston as such, generally heading for the northern and western beaches and resorts instead, but the city does have a wide array of historical and cultural attractions, not to mention a very sophisticated and sizzling nightlife. Kingston was founded in 1692 after the demise of nearby Port Royal, the former capital, which was devastated in an earthquake. Port Royal was known as the 'wicked city', being the haunt of decadent aristocrats and swashbuckling pirates. Kingston has tried to be more dignified, but it is a little grimy and crime is rife. There are some neighborhoods to avoid, like Trenchtown, a slum area alongside a drainage trench where drug-related killings happen regularly.

 

Bob Marley Week Reggae fans and Rastafarians gather in Kingston during the first week of February each year to enjoy a feast of events lined up to commemorate the life and music of Jamaica's best-known son, Bob Marley. Apart from a concert, the week includes symposiums, lectures, karaoke contests, a fashion show, exhibition and various other events related to Marley, who died of cancer in 1981. The week is organized by the Bob Marley Foundation and Bob Marley Museum. Date: 5-11 February 2007.

Devon House Devon House is one of numerous preserved historic mansions in Jamaica that depict the glory of days gone by. This house was built in 1881 by George Stiebel, a wealthy Jamaican who became one of the first black millionaires in the Caribbean on the strength of his mining interests in South America. In the grounds are craft shops, restaurants, a bakery and pastry shop. The venue is also famous for its delicious ice cream.  Opening Time: Tours are from Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm. The shops are open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 6pm, the restaurants close at 10pm. Admission: J$250, (adults), J$100 (children); including guided tour.

Hope Botanical Gardens This 20-hectare (50-acre) oasis of beauty in the middle of downtown Kingston features pleasant paths that meander past manicured lawns and tranquil gardens, including a cactus garden, orchid house, a forest garden and an ornamental pond. The gardens are situated next to the campus of the University of the West Indies, and also contain a small zoo and interesting aviary. Address: Old Hope Road. Telephone: 927 1257. Opening Time: Gardens: daily 8.30am to 6.30pm. Zoo daily 10am to 5pm. Admission: Gardens: free. Zoo: J$20 (adults), J$10 (children).

Spanish Town The neighborhood known as Spanish Town is on the western outskirts of Kingston and was capital of the island under Spanish rule between 1662 and 1872. Today the architecture is an interesting mix of Spanish and British Georgian, and there are some historic attractions to explore. St James Cathedral is the oldest Anglican church outside England, having been built in 1523. The Jamaican People's Museum of Crafts and Technology showcases some vintage farm implements, musical instruments and pottery, and the Town Square is overlooked by the Old King's House, former residence of Jamaica's British governors that once hosted Admiral Lord Nelson and Captain Bligh of HMS Bounty fame. Spanish Town also has a very busy, colorful local market in the Town Square.

Port Royal Port Royal was once a 17th century haven for a variety of hedonistic pirates and malcontents dedicated to looting Spanish vessels throughout the Caribbean. One morning in 1692, however, an earthquake and tidal wave destroyed most of the town along with a couple of thousand residents. Today the former haunt of notorious pirates like Henry Morgan, Blackbeard and Calico Jack is just a fishing village, sited at the tip of a narrow peninsula stretching across the entrance to Kingston's harbor. The village can be reached by ferry from West Beach Dock, Kingston, in about 20 minutes. Plans are underway at the site to transform the village into a living history museum. Relics of the town's wicked past can be seen at the Museum of Historical Archaeology, the Maritime Museum and Giddy House (a building that tilts at an angle). Fort Charles is the last remaining of six forts originally built to protect the port.

Ocho Rios

The port town of Ocho Rios used to survive on the strength of fishing and banana boats, but now it is the daily arrival of cruise ships full of tourists that keep the coffers full all along the northeast coast of Jamaica. Ocho Rios and its near neighbors Runaway Bay, Discovery Bay and Port Antonio are mainly clusters of holiday resorts and hotels, catering for package-deal holidaymakers and several celebrities who maintain their private retreats in the region. Ocho Rios cannot claim to be a genuine Jamaican experience, and is filled with tourist paraphernalia. Because of the need to entertain thousands of fun-seekers, the natural and historical attractions of the area have been commercialized and controlled. There is plenty to see and do in between bathing and sun-worshipping on the magnificent beaches, from climbing up waterfalls to horseback riding through sugar cane plantations, or taking afternoon tea at the former home of British playwright/songwriter, Noel Coward. The surrounding countryside at Ocho Rios (sited in the 'Garden Parish' of St. Ann) is lush and tropical, with fern-clad cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls, and a self-drive tour of the region to take in the scenery, like a drive through the famous three-mile vine-draped Fern Gully, is well worthwhile. Ocho Rios is a town dedicated to fun and sun, a crossroads of pleasure and leisure full of surprises and delights, in the centre of Jamaica's vacation wonderland.

 

South Coast

The south of Jamaica is the most unspoiled part of this Caribbean island where the true heart of the nation still beats, relatively untouched by the tourist boom evident on the rest of the island. Centre of the region is the breezy hill town of Mandeville, founded in 1816 and lying 2,000ft (610m) above sea level. The genteel British colonial influence is strong here, from the village green bordered by a church and courthouse to the Manchester Club, which boasts Jamaica's oldest golf course founded in 1868. The surrounding area, and the south coast region, has numerous natural attractions and wildlife refuges. With its natural beauty and slow pace, Jamaica's south is sought after by more discerning visitors intent on secluded relaxation rather than glitz and glamour.

 

Airports

Norman Manly International Airport, Kingston (KIN)

Location: The airport is located 11 miles (18km) south east of Kingston. Time: GMT -5. Contacts: Tel: +1 876 924 8452. Transfer to the city: An airport bus service and local bus service connect to the centre of Kingston with a journey time of between 30 minutes to an hour. Taxis are available. Car rental: There are several local car rental companies available, as well as Liberty/Hertz and International Rentals/Budget. Facilities: The airport facilities include bureau de change, ATMs, duty free shops, a cafe, bar, restaurants, Internet kiosks and tourist information. Departure tax: A departure tax (which may be collected at the time of the ticket sale) of J$1,000 is payable for international travelers, except infants under two years and 24-hour transit passengers. Website: www.manley-airport.com.jm

 

Climate

Jamaica's climate is tropical with constant warm to hot temperatures all year round, though cooler in the higher, central areas. The wettest months are between May and November, when short sharp showers can be expected. The heaviest rains occur in September and October and the hurricane season runs from June to November, though, despite the powerful Hurricane Ivan in September 2004, relatively few hurricanes touch Jamaica.