Jamaica is an awesome holiday spot, but there are some interesting facts about the island that you need to know to ensure that you will only have the best of your stay in this secluded Caribbean place.
Here are twelve of these common facts:
- When leaving the country, you will not be required to change your Jamaican dollars back to your local currency; so you can keep the money as a souvenir or you can save it for use for your next trip.
- Banks can be found everywhere. This means that you can change your money or traveler’s cheques, get credit card advances or do other financial transactions almost everywhere in the island during banking hours.
- Licensed Bureaux de Change and Cambios are widespread in the island so you do not have to worry to change your money before you go to Jamaica. Often, these places are even more convenient than banks.
- International bankcards with Cirrus, Plus, Mastercard and Visa logos are accepted in many banks and restaurants in Jamaica.
- Tipping is optional in Jamaica. However if you wish to do so, you are can give 10{5ee11404e957289b2d225099b4f7d52b5549ec41b8e6ad1d623dc3506be9751a} to 20{5ee11404e957289b2d225099b4f7d52b5549ec41b8e6ad1d623dc3506be9751a} customary tips to hotel or restaurant staffs if gratuities are not included in the bill or 10{5ee11404e957289b2d225099b4f7d52b5549ec41b8e6ad1d623dc3506be9751a} to 15{5ee11404e957289b2d225099b4f7d52b5549ec41b8e6ad1d623dc3506be9751a} customary tips to cab drivers especially if your trips take place from midnight to 5 in the morning. For bellhops and maids, a dollar or two would do.
- Lightweight linen and cotton clothes are mostly worn in Jamaica because of the tropical climate. However at night, light woolens are worn because the temperatures are cooler than in daytime.
- Rain showers are expected all throughout the island. So coats, waterproof jackets and umbrellas are usually recommended to be brought by visitors.
- Swimsuits are allowed only in pools and beaches. Establishments including stores and food places require casual attires; while classy restaurants and gaming places ask guests to be in formal attires. So if you are planning to visit one of these classy establishments, pack your formal clothes as well.
- Renting cars in Jamaica are allowed even for visitors more than 25 years of age. International Drivers License is accepted in the island. The North American license can be used for a period of 3 months and the United Kingdom license can be used for a period of 12 months. Japanese licenses can also be used in Jamaica for a month.
- Internet service is usually available in parish libraries and hotels. There are as well numerous local cafes in Jamaica that you can visit to browse the web or check your email.
- Direct international calls are available in Jamaica 24/7. This means that if ever you need to place a collect call, or credit card and third party call, you will not have any problems at all. Even calling cards are available. Just purchase either the Chat Nuff or the World Talk and you can readily talk to your loved one after following the instructions.
- Post offices are located mostly in commercial centers of towns. They are open Mondays through Fridays during office hours. This means that whichever town you are at, you can send postcards to your friends without the hassle of going farther.
