Country Guide - Jamaica, North America & Caribbean
Flight.co.uk Overview
"Oh, we're going to Jamaica", say the lines of a popular song dedicated to this Caribbean paradise. It is so easy to get there, with flights to Jamaica being direct from many countries, long haul flights from London and Paris taking seven or so hours, and from New York about four hours. Jamaica is a regional hub, with cheap long haul flights available as last minute bargains to the Caribbean. Discount flights to Jamaica are sold in off peak times or mid-week, so head for the islands! The ease of entry makes flights to Jamaica the most popular option for Caribbean enthusiasts, most of whom touch down at Kingston or Montego Bay for the holiday of a lifetime on the islands famous beaches and resorts. The first sight of the island from the air, for those who book flights to Jamaica, is of alluring white sandy beaches and lush green mountains. When the Jamaica flights land, visitors will find even more delights in this island paradise.; The northern and western coastlines bristle with tourist resorts and hotels, but commercialisation has not spoiled the island which presents a kaleidoscope of colour and natural attractions. All those who take flights to Jamaica will also discover that the people are poor and avid for tourists, full of spirit as lively as the lilt of the local patois and the rhythms of the reggae music for which the island is famed.
Cities in Jamaica
Destination Overview
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 unspoilt 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 commercialised to cope with the crowds and make the most out of the tourists.
Somehow the commercialisation has not spoiled Jamaica, however. It still presents a magnificent kaleidoscope of colour 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 endeavoured to keep their tribal traditions alive while being forced to labour 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 savouring 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.
Time Zone
Local time is GMT -5.
Money
The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is divided into 100 cents. The island is well supplied with ATMs, banks and bureaux 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 bureaux at the airports and hotels also offer better rates than banks. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Both cash and travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars.
Currency
US$1 = 69.5000
Electricity
Electrical current is 110 volts, 50Hz. Flat two- and three-pin plugs are in use.
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 travellers 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.
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.
Safety
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 socialising 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.
Duty Free
Travellers 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).
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.
Airports
| Name | Norman Manly International |
| City | |
| IATA Code | KIN |
| Location | Norman Manly International |
| Contact | Tel: +1 876 924 8452. |
| Transfer Terminals | |
| Transfer 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. |
| Airport Facilities | The airport facilities include bureaux de change, ATMs, duty free shops, a cafe, bar, restaurants, Internet kiosks and tourist information. |
| Airport Hotels | |
| Website | www.manley-airport.com.jm |
