Jamaica Travel Guide

Jamaica — Travel Tips

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Social Conventions

Away from the fast-paced capital city, Jamaica is slow and relaxed. Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Jamaicans are hospitable and it is not uncommon to be invited into a local home where normal social conventions apply. When it comes to day attire, beachwear is only considered appropriate for the poolside or the sand and is frowned upon elsewhere. Eveningwear varies, from the formal jacket-and-tie dress codes in many top restaurants to the more relaxed casual clothing in beach bars. Marijuana, or ganja as it is known in Jamaica, is illegal to possess, use or export. Possession may lead to imprisonment and deportation.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Air Jamaica (JM) (website: www.airjamaica.com).

Departure Tax

J$1,000 (equivalent to US$20).

Main Airports

Norman Manley International (KIN) (Kingston) is 18km (11 miles) southeast of the city. To/from the airport: Coach, bus and taxis depart to the city (journey time - 30 to 60 minutes). Facilities: Banks (with ATM), bureau de change, shops, bars, restaurants, duty-free and car hire.

Montego Bay (MBJ) (International) is 3km (2 miles) north of the city. To/from the airport:Air Jamaica Express runs shuttle services between the airports. Facilities: Duty-free facilities.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are ports of call for several cruise lines.

Other passenger/freight lines (Geest) sail from North, South and Central American ports.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Jamaica without incurring customs duty:

• Up to 2L of alcohol and 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco).
• A reasonable amount of duty-free goods for personal use; anything deemed in excess of reasonable may incur an import tax.

Restricted items: Meat, fruit and vegetables, ground provisions, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, herb teas, two-way radios, coconut derivatives, oil producing seeds, edible oils, detergents, alcohol in bulk, sugar.

Prohibited Imports

Indecent or obscene material, including prints, paintings, photographs, cinematograph films, lithographs, engravings, books, cards or written communications. All publications of de Laurence Scott and Company or Red Star Publishing Company of Chicago, in the USA, relating to divination, magic, cultism or supernatural arts. Any counterfeit coins. Coffee or honey in any form. Narcotics. Firearms and explosives.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Air Jamaica Express (website: www.airjamaica.com) runs scheduled flights between prime resort areas, with regular flights from Kingston to Montego Bay, between Kingston and Ocho Rios, and between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. International Air Link (website: www.intlairlink.com) also operates a shuttle flight between Montego Bay and Negril.

Getting Around By Water

Water taxis, sailing yachts and cruises are offered by numerous tour operators. Boats and yachts can also be chartered on a daily or weekly basis, with or without a captain. Contact the Jamaica Tourist Board for details.

Getting Around By Rail

The nation’s state-owned Jamaica Railway Corporation ceased operation in 1992. Just a few lines continue to function, purely for cargo.

Getting Around By Road

A poor road safety record means roads can be dangerous after dark.

Bus: Although reliable services connect Kingston and Montego Bay the rest of the island’s bus schedule is patchy. The Jamaica Union of Travelers Association (JUTA) (tel: 952 0813) is the largest operator of scheduled and unscheduled bus/minibus and vehicle charter services aimed at tourists. Pick up a Discover Jamaica road map from hotels and tourist offices.

Taxi: Rates are per car - not per passenger, with taxis hailed on the street or booked by phone. Technically, most are supposed to have meters, but it’s worth agreeing a price for the trip ahead of departure. Fares should be displayed inside the taxi - but add 25% if it’s after midnight. Taxis with red plates marked PPV (Public Passenger Vehicle) charge fixed rates with a 10 to 12% tip usually added. Most hotels and resorts have assigned Jamaican Tourist Board (JTB) drivers who carry photo ID and display a prominent blue JTB sticker on the front windscreen.

Car hire: Car hire firms can be found in major towns, hotels and airports and most offer unlimited mileage. A general consumption tax of 15% is applied to all car hire transactions. Drivers must be aged 25 or over. Vehicles drive on the left.

Regulations: Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) outside the main towns. Seat belts must be worn at all times and children under three years must sit in a child seat.

Documentation: Drivers can use a full UK driving license for up to 12 months.