Jamaica

Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands and the largest of the English-speaking Caribbean islands. The island covers approximately 4,244 square miles and is 146 miles long. Widths vary between 22 and 51 miles. The country is very mountainous, with the highest point, Blue Mountain Peak, reaching 7,402 feet. The average annual rainfall is 78 inches and the average temperature is 80 degrees. Jamaica abounds in fine beaches and scenic beauty, and has some 120 rivers. You'll find several mineral springs in Jamaica, four with bathing facilities. The two public springs are Bath, in St. Thomas, and Milk River, in Clarendon. On August 6, 1962, after more than 300 years of British rule, Jamaica became an independent country. Today, Jamaica remains a part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Jamaica has something for everyone. The people we have meet are a pleasure to know. The service is good, the food incredible. Try the jerk chicken or pork, the cocoa bread and a local favorite a dirty banana, a frozen drink so smooth you think it's a malt. Ask for a beef Pattie or if you don't eat beef try the veggie Pattie. It don't mean a thing if you don't try the "Ting", a refreshing Jamaican soft drink. "Ting" takes the sting out of the jerk sauce.

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP

Citizens of the United States and Canada do not require a visa to go to Jamaica as tourists, and are permitted to visit the island for a period not exceeding six months. Starting January 01, 2007 you must have a valid passport to travel to Jamaica regardless of your age. In some cases minors may need a official letter from parents to travel to Jamaica along with the valid passport. If one parent is traveling with the minor child or children, you may be required to present a official letter of authorization from absent parent to travel to Jamaica. Residents may use an alien registration card; however some residents may require a visa. Press personnel on assignment will require a work permit. Additionally, all visitors are required to travel with a roundtrip or onward airline ticket for entry into Jamaica. U.K.: Commonwealth citizens need passports. All other countries please contact the JTB office near you for requirements. Please contact the local tourist board as regulations can change at any time and we are not responsible for anyone who misses a flight due to improper documentation.

HEALTH

No vaccinations required unless you have visited the following locations within the past six weeks: Asia, Africa, Central & South America, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Trinidad & Tobago. Please check with the Jamaican Tourist Board office nearest you.

PETS

No Pets are allowed.

CREDIT CARDS

Major credit cards are accepted.

CURRENCY

The official rate of exchange fluctuates daily depending on the foreign exchange markets. Foreign currency may be exchanged for Jamaican dollars at banks or licensed exchange bureaus in airports and hotels. Purchases may be made in any currency recognized by the Jamaican government. Jamaican dollars may be reconverted to foreign currency at Airport Bureau of Exchange upon departure by presenting a foreign exchange receipt. Foreign currency or Jamaican dollars may be taken into or out of Jamaica However, amounts exceeding US $10,000 (or its equivalent in any other foreign currency) or JA $150,000 must be declared to Jamaican Customs. You do not have to do a money exchange in Jamaica, they widely accept the U.S currency. Your change may come back in Jamaican so ask first. This Houston Texas Travel agent is a Jamaica specialist so ask for some advice and tips on spending.

DEPARTURE TAX

JA $500 or equivalent in foreign currency is payable at airport upon departure. US $15 per person is payable for cruise ship passengers. (Subject to change without notice.) Most air and hotel packages already include your departure taxes.

TAX-FREE STATUS

A 1981 treaty between the U.S. and Jamaica makes expenses for a meeting or convention held in Jamaica tax-deductible.

TIPPING

Most hotels have a service charge from 10-15%. The same amount is generally accepted at restaurants. SuperClubs and Sandals Resorts offer a NO Tipping Policy, you do not tip at those resorts.

CUSTOMS

Incoming duty-free items; one quart of liquor (except rum), + pound of tobacco (cigars or cigarettes or a combined form thereof not exceeding this quality). Incoming restricted items: Fresh flowers, plants, honey, fruits, meats and vegetables (except canned). Coffee (in any form), firearms, explosives, and dangerous drugs, including marijuana. Kosher foods require special documentation. Call any Jamaica Tourist Board office. Outgoing: U.S. visitors US $600 in purchases after each 48-hour visit. UK visitors 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and one litre of spirits. Canadian and Japanese visitors: Call any JTB office. Items made in Jamaica are duty-free. Call any JTB office for updated details as they are subject to change at any time.

CLOTHING

Lightweight, tropical clothing is best suited throughout the year. On beaches, shorts and swimwear are acceptable. A light sweater is suggested for evening, especially in winter. Some hotels require casual evening wear for women and a jacket for men when dining. Laundering and dry cleaning facilities, barbering and hairdressers are available at an additional charge.

TIME ZONE

Eastern Standard Time. Jamaica does not observe daylight saving time.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

110 volts/50 cycles standard. 220 volts used in some hotels. Clothes irons and blow dryers work without adapters.

WATER

All drinking water is purified and filtered by modern methods. Water temperature is approximately 78 degrees.

COMMUNICATIONS

International cables and inland telegrams can be sent from most hotels and post offices. Direct international telephone service operates 24 hours. There are three daily newspapers. Telex, fax, radio and television are also available. Cellular phones work in Jamaica when we visited but verify with your cell company and plan.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Jamaica is English.

BANKS & BUSINESS OFFICES

Bank hours island-wide are 9am to 2pm, Mon. through Thurs.;9am to 4pm, Fri. Most business offices are open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Mon. through Fri.

SHOPPING

You'll find woodwork, straw, beads, embroidery and crafts at the Craft Market. Gold, silver, china and electronic equipment in the In-Bond stores. Clothing, rum, liquor, perfumes, Blue Mountain Coffee and cigarettes are also available. Many markets are not open on Sunday's or national Holidays. Superclubs has shopping available onsite at the resort or they offer tours to take you shopping in to town. Jamaican rum crème is a favorite of my clients. Ask your travel agent for some tips on shopping.

CRUISE LINES

Approximately 10 cruise lines call on the Jamaican ports of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and to a lesser extent Port Antonio.

CAR RENTALS

Car rental agencies, listed in the telephone directory, include internationally known companies and dependable local operators. Some operators have concessions at the international airports, while others operate in resort areas. To rent a car, visitors must be at least 25 years of age; must have a valid drivers license; and must post a bond with cash, major credit card or travelers checks. Service stations are open daily and only accept cash.

DRIVING REGULATIONS

North American drivers license is valid for up to three months per visit. U.K. drivers license is valid for up to 12 months per visit. Japanese drivers license is valid for up to one month from time of entry. Driving is on the left. The speed limit is 30mph in towns and 50mph on highways. No passing zones are non existent. Tail gating is very common, use extreme caution when driving in Jamaica

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

For sightseeing tours, inquire at hotel front desks, the Jamaica Tourist Board or JUTA offices.

REST STOPS

For your convenience, rest facilities are available on some main roads, such as the Rio Bueno, Travel Halt and Rio Brac between Falmouth and Runaway Bay, which is halfway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. They are open daily, including most holiday's from 9am to 8pm.

TAXIS

Taxis are often not metered. It is important, initially, to ask the price for your journey. Licensed JUTA taxis are available from airports and most hotels. We have taxi drivers that we can recommend for our clients who travel to Jamaica, they are the ones we use and feel comfortable with.

GOLF

There are 11 golf courses in Jamaica, each with its own unique delights and challenges. SuperClubs and Sandals Resorts offer free green fees at its many resorts in Jamaica. Grand Lido Braco offers 3 courses with free green fee's.

DIVING

Jamaica's underwater world is filled with spectacular discoveries. There is over 10 dive sites throughout the island, licensed diving operators offer quality rental equipment, instructions, and small, personalized group dives. SuperClubs and Sandals Resorts offer free diving for certified divers and lessons for non certified divers. The resorts have a resort fee for any nondivers that wish to take lessons and dive while in Jamaica. Snorkeling is free at many resorts. At Superclubs Breezes Runaway Bay you can hand feed the many fish on the reef 50 feet from the beach.

MARRIAGES IN JAMAICA

WAITING PERIOD

Visitors can be married just 24 - 48 hours after arriving in Jamaica, providing prior applications has been made for marriage license. SuperClubs and Sandals Resorts offer FREE Weddings and renewal of Vows, you simply pay the government fee.

DOCUMENTATION:

1.Proof of citizenship certified copy of birth certificate, with fathers name.

2.Parents written consent, if under 21.

3.Proof of divorce (if applicable) original certificate of divorce.

4.Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower.

BLOOD TEST: None

WEDDINGS ARE FREE AT SUPERCLUBS PROPERTIES!

Custom Travel strongly recommends all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, especially the SuperClubs properties for young old, single or married, where you get the full value for your money. Or Sandals strictly for couples in LOVE. SuperClubs Resorts offer many Guarantees to make your wedding and your stay in Jamaica all its meant to be.

So whether you book your Jamaica vacation with Funjet Vacations ,Apple Vacations or Sandals and Superclubs online from our homepage, if you come in person, or call this Houston Texas travel agent, you and your money are in good hands.

When you think of travel, think of Custom Travel Houston, others imitate us.