Jamaica

QUICK JAMAICA FACTS

Currency: Jamaican dollar can be withdrawn from ATMs throughout Jamaica, however keep in mind that smaller cities or towns may not have access to ATMs and its recommended to withdraw cash and take it with you.

Power Points: Most power points are the same as Canadian power points (2 flat parallel prongs). I would recommend you take a Travel Adapter.

Official Language: The official language of Jamaica is English however Jamaican Patois is also referred to as Jamaican Creole or Patwa is spoken in Jamaica.

Health: There are no major health concerns in Jamaica for travellers other than the risk of HIV/AIDS (wrap your sausage) as well as insect-borne illnesses such as dengue and zika virus. I would recommend that you contact your doctor a few weeks before you travel as in some cases you need to start any medication a few days before your trip or you may need to get a vaccination.

Drinking Tap Water: The tap water is generally not safe to drink, bottled water is the best option. If you are unsure, make sure to ask your hotel receptionist or host.

Visa: Most countries don’t require a visa for short stays, to visit Jamaica.

Popular foods:
– Ackee and Codfish (Jamaica’s national dish. Ackee is a fruit that mixes will with codfish).
– Jerk chicken (marinate chicken with jerk spices and slow cooked on an open grill).
– Oxtail (oxtail is used in stews, serves with rice and peas).
– Fish Escovitch (red snapper with pickled veggies).
– Run down (fish stew serves with dumplings and green bananas).

When to go: Jamaica has beautiful weather all year long, making it the perfect place to visit to explore this beautiful island. Traveling between mid-November and mid-April, right before and during the peak travel period of the dry season, would be your best bet. The Caribbean hurricane season, which lasts from August through October, is the worst time to travel to Jamaica.