🌴 Jamaica Visitor Tips

💵 Currency & Money

Jamaica uses the Jamaican Dollar (JMD). US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, tourist areas, and car rental companies including ours. ATMs are available at the airport and throughout Montego Bay. Exchange rate fluctuates around J$155 = US$1. Credit cards are accepted at most businesses in tourist areas.

🌡️ Weather & What to Pack

Jamaica is warm year-round with average temperatures of 27-32°C (80-90°F). The rainy season is May to November with brief afternoon showers. Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen (SPF 30+), a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking. Bring a light rain jacket just in case. Swimwear is essential — you will be in the water a lot!

📱 SIM Cards & Wi-Fi

Pick up a local SIM card at the airport from Digicel or FLOW for data and calls. A tourist SIM with 5GB data costs around US$15-20 and works across the island. Most hotels and restaurants have free Wi-Fi. Google Maps works well with a data connection for navigation.

🍗 Food & Dining

Jamaican food is incredible. Must-try dishes include jerk chicken or pork (best from roadside jerk centres), ackee and saltfish (national dish), curry goat, festival (fried dumplings), and patties. Street food is safe and delicious at established vendors. Expect to pay J$500-800 for a local meal and US$15-40 at tourist restaurants.

💰 Tipping Guide

• Restaurants: 10-15% if service charge is not included
• Hotel staff: US$1-2 per bag for porters, US$2-5 per day for housekeeping
• Tour guides: 10-15% of tour cost
• Taxi drivers: 10% or round up to the nearest hundred JMD
• Gas station attendants: J$100-200 (they pump your gas for you)

🔐 Safety Tips

• Jamaica is generally safe for tourists in tourist areas. Use common sense as you would anywhere.
• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
• Keep valuables out of sight in your rental car. Use the trunk.
• Stay on main roads when driving, especially after dark.
• Your rental car should always be locked, even at the beach.
• Save emergency numbers: Police 119, Ambulance 110, Fire 110.

⏰ Time Zone

Jamaica is on Eastern Standard Time (EST / UTC-5) year-round. Jamaica does not observe daylight saving time, so in summer it is the same as US Central Time.

🔌 Electricity

Jamaica uses 110V, 50Hz electricity with Type A and Type B plugs (same as USA and Canada). If you are coming from Europe or the UK, you will need a plug adapter.

🏖️ Beach Etiquette

• All beaches in Jamaica are public below the waterline
• Some beaches charge a small entry fee (Doctor's Cave, Aquasol)
• Beach vendors are common — a polite "no thank you" works
• Do not leave belongings unattended on the beach
• Reef-safe sunscreen is appreciated by the environment