Jamaica Travel Facts and Information
If you are planning a trip to Jamaica, you should get as much information
as you can about the island before you go. While you'll find all the
information you need on this site, here are some basic facts about
Jamaica that you can start with.
General Facts
Location: 18:30N Latitude, 78:0W Longitude
or 600 miles South of Miami, Florida
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (DST not observed)
Size: 4,441 sq. miles (10,991 sq. Km)
Language: English, Jamaica patois (pronounced pat-wah)
Capital: Kingston
Population: 2.7 million
Religion: 65% Protestant, 4% Catholic, 12% other religions
Highest Point: Blue Mountain Peak (7,402 ft/2,256 metres)
Area Code: 876
Major Airports: MBJ Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay
Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston
Electricity: 110 volts or 220 volts - both at 50 cycles
Visa and Passport requirements
Americans
Beginning January 23, 2007, you must have a valid passport
No visa is required
All commonwealth countries (UK, Canadian, Australia, New Zealand,
Ireland)
Require a valid passport. No visa required.
Japan
Passport required. Visa required for stay over 30 days.
Government
Jamaica has a constitutional parliamentary democratic system of
government just like British system. It is a multi-party system
where the prime minister is the head of state. The governor general
represent the British monarch and is a ceremonial head of state.
Economy
Jamaica gets a major portion of its income from bauxite mining and
tourism. It is the third largest producer of bauxite, from
which aluminum is made. Agriculture - primarily sugar, banana,
and coffee, is still a major income earner, but production of
these crops have be steadily declining since the late 1970's.
However, remittances and cash from relatives living abroad, is
by far, the biggest source of foreign exchange for the island.
Currency
The official currency is the Jamaican dollar. The Jamaican
currency market is deregulated, therefore the exchange rate
fluctuates against major currencies such as the US, UK, and
Canadian dollars, as well as the Euro. It is legal to use US
dollars for purchases and just about everywhere freely accepts it
and to a lesser degree the British pound. Be aware, however, that
you will get your change back in Jamaican currency. You can
exchange your country's money at the airport and at most hotels,
banks, and where ever you see the sign "Authorised Foreign Exchange
Dealer". You will get a better exchange rate from a bank than
from the airport or your hotel.
If you don't want to carry around a lot of cash, most major
credit cards and travellers' cheques are accepted in most
places. Just be sure to have some valid form of ID such as
your passport or any other official travel documents.
Climate & Weather
Jamaica is located in the tropics had therefore have tropical
climate and weather. The average temperature along the coast
stays between 80F-88F throughout the year. As you move up in
the hills and mountains the temperature falls. The highest point,
the Blue Mountain Peak can get a low as 50F at in January.
The trade winds which is always blowing, helps to keep Jamaica
cool and nice. There is nothing better than lying under a
coconut tree in the middle of the day with the breeze gently
caressing and cooling your body.
As expected in the tropics, there is plenty of rain which average
78 inches annually. The Blue Mountain and the coastal areas surrounding
it can see up to 300 inches each year. Although May and June are
traditionally rainy months, you can see just as much rain in the
hurricane months of August and September. Usually rain comes tropical
down pour, which are usually short and heavy with the sun hot and shining
immediately after.

