Regional NotesJAMAICA GEOGRAPHY Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, with 4,400 square miles. The interior is mountainous (and the home of Blue Mountain coffee). The coastal plains have scores of beaches. TIME Eastern Standard Time without daylight savings (so one hour earlier in summer). GMT/ UTC less 5 hours. GOVERNMENT Jamaica is an independent state. MONEY The Jamaican Dollar is the official currency, and visitors are asked to convert their currency. To re-convert at the end of your stay, you will need your original receipts. Howerver, other currencies are accepted on the island, and it is important to check what currency prices are being quoted in. Banking hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 2pm, and Friday to 3pm. Restaurants may add a 10% service charge to bills; otherwise, tips are appreciated. COMMUNICATIONS There is an up-to-date telephone service, with direct international dialling. LANGUAGE & CULTURE The official language is English. Jamaican Creole dialects are widely spoken. The population of 2.5 million people is very diverse, largely of black African descent. Jamaica is an urbanised society, with a corresponding level of petty crime. Compared to life on the smaller Caribbean islands, a degree of vigilance is recommended. Swimwear and other revealing dress is not acceptable in towns. In the evenings, dress is smart-casual to formal, ranging to the expectation of jackets (though not ties) for men in the more exlusive hotels and casinos. Traffic drives on the left. Some roads are potholed, and road behaviour (pedestrians and drivers) is relatively unrestrained. Car hire is possible, but the requirements can be stringent. All firms stipulate a minimum age of 21 for drivers, and some 25. Any valid driving licence is accepted, but insurance and security deposits run into several hundred US dollars. Moped and motorcycles can also be hired, but the hazards of riding them (including approach by vendors at traffic lights) are such that tour companies don't recommend them, especially if you are not used to driving on the left. Licensed taxis and minibus taxis display red Public Passenger Vehicle plates, and charge rates per car, not per passenger. Agree a price for your journey before setting off, especially if a sight-seeing tour is offered. Buses are the most popular form of transport, so can be very crowded despite their lack of air conditioning. Public Holidays New Year's Day, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day (23 May), Independence Day (6 August), Emancipation Day (1 August), National Heroes Day (3rd Monday in October), Christmas Day & Boxing Day. HEALTH Doctors are in private practice throughout the island. Ambulances are on Tel 110. The island hospitals are:- University Hospital, at Mona, Kingston (Tel 809/927-1620); Cornwall Regional Hospital, at Mount Sale, Montego Bay (Tel 809/952-5100); Port Antonio General Hospital, at Naylor's Hill, Port Antonio, Tel 809/993-2646, and St Ann's Bay Hospital, near Ocho Rios, Tel 809/972-2272. IMPORTANT ADDRESSES. CONSULATES etc British Embassy, 26 Trafalgar Road, Kingston 10, Tel 829-926-4050. Canadian High Commission, Mutual Security Bank Building, 30-36 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel 876-926-1500. Consulate of Canada, 29 Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, Tel 876-952-6198, 979-8014. United States Embassy, Jamaica Mutual Life Centre, 2 Oxford Road (3rd floor), Kingston, Tel 809-929-4850 to 4859. Regional LinksThe Locations |
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