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Jamaica Holidays, Flights & Travel Guide
Jamaica travel guide - Jamaica
holidays, holiday packages & Jamaica hotels.
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Jamaica Holidays, Jamaica Holiday
Packages Overview
It is easy to wax lyrical about the
island of Jamaica in the north of the Caribbean. The glorious glow
of its sunsets, the unique and engaging ways of its people, the
alluring white sandy beaches and lush green mountains, the
sparkling waterfalls. All can inspire the poet in anyone. The
beauty of this island paradise has drawn visitors for centuries:
first it was the wealthy few who were privileged to enjoy the
unspoilt tropical delights of Jamaica. Today the northern and
western coastlines of the island bristle with tourist resorts and
'all-inclusive' hotels, and natural attractions have been
commercialised to cope with the crowds and make the most out of the
tourists. Somehow the commercialisation has not
spoiled Jamaica, however. It still presents a magnificent
kaleidoscope of colour and beauty that makes holidaymakers sad to
leave, and vow to return. The name Jamaica
originates from the pre-colonial native inhabitants, the Arawak
Indians, to whom 'Xaymaca' meant 'land of wood and water'. There is
little left of the Indian culture: after being discovered by
Columbus in 1494 Jamaica was ruled by the Spanish for 150 years,
and then by the British for the next 300 years. Independence came
in 1962 to the Jamaican people who are now a warm blend of
different cultures and nationalities, though significantly African
based because of the influence of the imported slaves, who
endeavoured to keep their tribal traditions alive while being
forced to labour on the island plantations.
There is, however, a little trouble in paradise: the
Jamaican people on the whole are poor, and very reliant on tourism
for their living. Some visitors object to being harassed by
vendors, unlicensed taxi drivers, hair braiders and the like. Crime
is also a problem. These minor irritations however should not keep
anyone away from savouring the spirit of Jamaica, which is as rich
as the lilt of the local patois and the rhythms of the reggae music
for which the island is famous.
Tourist Offices - Jamaican Tourist Office: +1 876 929 9200
or www.jamaicatravel.com
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Entry Requirements
for Jamaica Holidays & Jamaica Travel
All visitors must hold sufficient funds to
cover period of intended stay, as well as an onward or return
ticket to country of permanent residence and documents required for
next destination.
- For Australians -
Australian citizens require a valid passport, but a
visa is not required.
- New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. No
visa is required.
- United States citizens must have a valid passport. An
original Birth Certificate or Certificate of
Citizenship/Naturalization, along with an official photo ID, are
also accepted if the reason for travel is tourism. No visa is
required if travel is for tourism (up to a stay of 6 months). If
travelling on business, a passport and visa are
required.
- United States citizens must have a valid passport. An
original Birth Certificate or Certificate of
Citizenship/Naturalization, along with an official photo ID, are
also accepted if the reason for travel is tourism. No visa is
required if travel is for tourism (up to a stay of 6 months). If
travelling on business, a passport and visa are
required.
- British nationals must have a valid passport. No visa
is required (irrespective of endorsements).
Jamaica Holidays - Currency of Jamaica
The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is divided into 100
cents. The island is well supplied with ATMs, banks and bureaux de
change. Banking hours are usually Monday to Thursday 9am to 2pm,
and Friday 9am to 4pm. Cambio exchange offices are found throughout
the country, open later than banks and offer better exchange rates.
Retain receipts as proof of legal currency exchange. Exchange
bureaux at the airports and hotels also offer better rates than
banks. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Both cash and travellers cheques are best taken in US
Dollars.
Jamaica
Telephone Access Codes and Communications
The international access code for Jamaica
is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean,
followed by 876. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant
country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code
is not needed when calling the US or Canada. City or area codes are
not required. Direct international telephone services are
available, and operators can also facilitate calls. The local
mobile phone operators use various networks, including GSM, which
is compatible with most international networks. Internet cafes are
available in the main towns and resorts, and access is also
available from most hotels and parish
libraries.
Jamaica
Duty Free Allowances & Restrictions
Travellers to Jamaica over 18 years do not have
to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g other tobacco
products; 946ml alcoholic beverages and wine; perfume up to 150g;
and goods for personal consumption to the value of J$500.
Prohibited items include products from goatskin (e.g. drums,
handbags and rugs).
Jamaica
Holidays & Packages- Tipping Information
Outside the all-inclusive resorts, where tips are
part of the package, visitors should tip 10-15% for taxis, personal
services, room service and restaurants where a service charge is
not already included in the bill. Parking attendants, bellboys and
porters also expect a tip; US$1 per bag/drink is
customary.
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