While some parts of Jamaica may seem like a tropical paradise you just stumbled upon like Gilligan’s Island, it is indeed civilized. There are entry, driving and drug laws as well as other things you need to be familiar with like currency, weather, etc. The more educated that you are on the laws and common practices of the island, the smoother and more enjoyable your stay will be.
Requirements for Entry
Visitors arriving who are citizens of the United States have to have a valid passport to present not only when leaving the country but when traveling back home as well. American residents need to have their Green Card as well as passport belonging to their country where they have citizenship. Anyone traveling to Jamaica must have an onward or return ticket.
Canadian citizens are required to present a passport or an official birth certificate along with a government-issued photo identification. Individuals who are not citizens but rather residents, a passport showing where their country of citizenship is along with a permanent resident card, are required.
The more educated that you are on the laws and common practices of the island, the smoother and more enjoyable your stay will be.
Those traveling from other countries should check with their local embassy as well as the Jamaican Embassy for requirements.
Driving
If you plan on renting a car during your stay you should know you will be driving on the left side of the road here. In city, the speed limit is 50 kph and highway is 80 kph. You must be 25 years old and you are required to carry your license with you. In Jamaica, you share the road with pedestrians, bicycles, dogs and farm animals, they all have just as much right to be there so drive friendly!
Drinking the Water
There are hundreds of underground and above ground springs and rivers in Jamaica. The island has a very developed water treatment system that purifies and filters water across the entire island. It is safe to drink the water however, if you don’t feel safe or if you are traveling to the beach, etc, there is bottled water available at restaurants and gift shops.
Currency
Commercial banks and licensed centers are available around the island, especially near resort areas. You can change travelers cheques at nearly any financial institution and you will find ATMs virtually everywhere that will accept bank cards with MasterCard, Visa, Plus and Cirrus logos. Keep in mind that exchange rates can change from day to day so shop around to find a good rate before you convert your cash.
Communication
Again, you’re on an island but you are certainly not secluded. Telephone operators will offer assistance 24 hours a day with credit card, third party and collect calls and if you’re traveling on business, faxes and telegrams can be easily sent from the post office or in many cases, your hotel. Think you can’t take your laptop on vacation? Think again! You’ll find wireless internet in all the same places that you would back home like the library, cafes and many hotel rooms.
Climate
If you’re traveling to Jamaica, you’re probably expecting plenty of sunshine and warm weather and that’s generally what you’re gifted. Jamaica enjoys a humid, tropical climate year round. Average temperatures range from 66 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 32 degrees Celsius) however, the island does experience two separate rainy seasons. May and June make up one season while September, October and November make up the other.
Rain is often welcome in Jamaica though to offer a break from the heat. Showers are traditionally cool and refreshing, lasting only a short time until the sun comes out and you get on with your day.