USEFUL INFORMATION:
GETTING AROUND:
BY BUS:
Don't be afraid to take Jamaican local buses. They are 10 times cheaper than tourist taxis. Don't let those taxi drivers rip you off. Be prepared to offer a tip to the luggage handlers that load your luggage into the bus. The ride is very different from what you are probably used to. Many resorts offer excursions by bus. Check with the resort's office that is in charge of planning day trips for more information. Excursions by bus from Ocho Rios to Kingston and Blue mountain, can turn into a long bus ride without many stops. A visit to Kingston might consist of a stop at a shopping center for lunch, a visit to Bob Marley's home and a 2 minute stop in the Beverly Hills of Jamaica. The guided tour at the Blue Mountain coffee factory can be interesting and informative.
BY TAXI:
Local taxis (called "route taxis") are an interesting way to get around and far cheaper than tourist taxis. For instance, it may cost 50J (less than a dollar) to travel 20 miles. It will just look like a local's car, which is precisely what it is. The licensed ones usually have the taxi signs spray painted on their front fenders, although there seems to be little enforcement of things like business licenses in Jamaica. Seldom you will find one with a taxi sign on the top, becuase not many do this. The color of the licencse plate will tell you. A red plate will tell you that it is for transportation, while a white plate will tell you it is a private vehicle. The yellow plate indicates a government vehicle (like a police car or ambulance) and the list continues. Although the route taxis generally run from the center of one town to the center of the next town, you can flag a taxi anywhere along the highway. Walk or stand on the side of the road and wave at passing cars and you'll be surprised how quickly you get one. Route taxis are often packed with people, but they are friendly folk and glad to have you with them. Route taxis are the primary mode of transportation for Jamaicans and serve the purpose that a bus system would in a large metropolitan city. This is how people get to work, kids get to school, etc. Route taxis generally run between specific places, but if you're in the central taxi hub for a town you'll be able to find taxis going in any of the directions you need to go. Route taxis don't run very far, so if you need to get half way across the island you'll need to take it in stages. If worst comes to worst, just keep repeating your final destination to all the people who ask where you're going and they'll put you in the right car and send you on your way. You may have to wait until the taxi has enough passengers to make the trip worthwhile for the driver, and many route taxis travel with far more people in them than a Westerner would ever guess was possible. If you have luggage with you, you may have to pay an extra fare for your luggage since you're taking up space that would otherwise be sold to another passenger.
BY CAR:
A great way to enjoy a vacation in Jamaica is by renting a car and allowing yourself to relax while your friend takes you through breathtaking countryside to various destinations. Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road, and the highways are pretty crazy by US standards. There is plenty of passing on blind corners and communication with the horn. Jamaican cars will have better functioning horns than seat belts.
BY AIR:
If money is no object, you can fly between the minor airports on the island on a small charter plane. There are only a couple of companies that provide this service and you need to make an appointment at least a day in advance. A flight across the entire island (from Negril to Port Antonio, for instance) runs about US$600.
TALK:
- Most Jamaicans speak Jamaican Creole, also known locally as Patois (Patwa). Jamaican pronunciation and vocabulary are significantly different from English, despite heavy usage of English words or derivatives. Because of this the language is almost completely unintelligible to a native speaker of English. The good news is that Jamaican Creole is almost exclusively used when Jamaicans speak between one another. In all other cases (especially around tourist) English is used.
- Although all Jamaicans can speak English, Westerners may have trouble understanding them. It's English, but a heavily accented version. Even the billboards use the Jamaican phoenetic slang, like "Ebery 'ting is ah right" to mean "Everything is alright." Some Jamaicans speak a little bit of the other popular languages, like Spanish.
- You may hear some Jamaicans say "Waah gwan?" or "what tah gwan", which is the patois variation of "What's up?" or "What's going on?". More formal greetings are usually "Good morning", or "Good evening".
STAY SAFE:
- As in any foreign country, should any emergency situation arise, especially at the domestic level, it is advised to immediately contact your government's embassy or consulate. Governments usually advise travellers staying in the country for an extended period of time to notify their embassy or consulate so they can be contacted in the case of emergency.
- Note that homosexuality is against the law & considered completely unacceptable in Jamaica, and can lead to violence. Do not display affection to people of the same sex in public - Jamaica is a nation notorious for its persistent intolerance of homosexuality and homosexuals, gay bashings are not uncommon and victims would be met with indifference by the authorities. It can also lead to punishment by law. Gay and Lesbian tourists are best advised to avoid Jamaica as a vacation destination.
- Marijuana, although cheap, plentiful and powerful, is illegal on the island.
- If in need of police, dial 119 - just don't expect them to show up on the spot.
- Also, it is best to avoid certain parts of the island at night. Rural areas of the island are generally safe, but inner-city parts of the island such as Spainish Town and some neighborhoods in Kingston (Trench Town, etc.) should be avoided even during the day.
STAY HEALTHY:
- Medical facilities on the island are not always up to par with health care standards of your home country. Falling ill can sometimes result in major medical fees. Therefore, it is advised to buy travel insurance, as this will ensure peace of mind in emergency situations.
- The water quality is generally good and safe to drink. If staying in the island's two major cities, Kingston and Montego Bay, the water is of the quality you would most likely find in your home country. However, Jamaicans generally boil their water, and it is likely best to follow the Jamaican people's example. Water service in rural areas can sometimes go out for several hours at a time. Individuals in rural areas have their own water tanks, which catch water when it rains, so be ready to draw from a tank instead of turning a pipe. Bottled water such as Wata (a local brand), Aquafina and Deer Park are widely available.
- Be cautious of the water quality at public swimming beaches, such as "Walter Fletcher Beach" in Montego Bay, which some locals call "dump-up beach", situated near the north gully. Large amounts of solid and human waste flush down the gully during storm events. The water flowing down Dunn's River Falls has also been said to contain high amounts of coliform bacteria, indicating fecal contamination.
- Malaria can be a risk, mostly near the Kingston area. The island had been malaria free for years, until incidents popped in recent years.
- Rumors have been heard of people suffering from symptoms similar to Dengue fever after visiting the cockpit country, but confirmed reports may not exist.
RESPECT:
- Many Jamaican people are very generous and warm. Returning this warmth and friendliness is a great way to show them you appreciate their country.
- Chances are, you will be approached at one point or another during your travels in Jamaica for money. Do not feel pressured into giving money. A strong "I'm alright" and walking away is usually the best advice for instances such as this. This also applies in the infamous straw markets. Note that the European method of just walking away does not work well. You will generally need to engage with someone in order to get away from them.
- That being said, if you befriend or encounter one of the many wonderful Jamaican people and you wish to give a friendly gift, that is perfectly acceptable and welcome. Just exercise common sense when it comes to money.
- Cultural respect is far more important. You are guests on their island. Please know also that when speaking to the elderly you should say, "Yes ma'am." or "Yes, sir". Good manners should be displayed at all times. Respect the environment and the people. It is a simple rule of thumb that should always be applied when traveling abroad. Don't expect that everyone will respect you, however.
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