Passport and Visa
Nordic citizens do not need a visa to travel to Jamaica. Check that your passport is valid until the day after the return journey. The passport must not be cracked or broken.
Vaccinations and health
Make sure you have good comprehensive travel insurance that applies to your trip to Jamaica. See what your home insurance covers. Additional travel insurance can be ordered through Phoenix. Remember to bring documentation of current travel / health insurance. If you have medicines with you, they should be stored in their packaging where it is clear what the medicine is. For prescription medicines, you should also have a certificate from your doctor in English and pack it together with the medicines in your hand luggage.
Weather and clothes
Jamaica has a tropical climate, which is hot and humid. Up in the mountains, the climate is cooler and drier. Between July and November, hurricanes sometimes occur.
Currency
Jamaica: Jamaican dollar, JMD, or US dollar. 100 Jamaican dollars is approximately 6.70 Swedish kronor (May 2016).
Transportation and Communications
There are both taxis and local buses in Jamaica. Taxis often lack taximeters, so it is wise to settle the price in advance. Most bus trips are run by minibuses, but there are also larger local buses. Buses stop in downtown Montego Bay as well as at major hotels. Rental car is available for rent on site, but the traffic is intense. Please note that Jamaica has left-hand traffic.
Security
Crime in Jamaica is a constant problem, so do not let the beauty of the island fool you. Most crimes are in Kingston, often gang-related; Violent crime is largely a problem for the residents of some parts of the city. Visitors should be extremely careful about visiting Kingston neighborhoods outside the New Kingston business district.
Food and drinks
The food in Jamaica is spicy and often has meat, chicken, rice, fruit and beans as a base. Seafood is also frequently used in Jamaican cooking. For that, feel free to drink the local beer Red Stripe. A must is the Jamaican jerks. Jerk is chicken, fish or pork that is seasoned with special spices to get its distinct taste. The food is then grilled over charcoal and served as is or with rice, fruit and a chutney-like sauce. Another popular dish is the national dish Ackee and Saltfish, which consists of the lychee-like fruit Ackee and salted cod. Montego Bay has great restaurants and bars. Most are centered around The Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue). You will also find some restaurants in Montego Freeport.
Shopping
Shopping in Jamaica is mainly centered around The Hip Strip, Montego Bay where you will find simple souvenir shops. Popular purchases are wood carvings, beachwear, rum, coffee and art. There are also some shops on the outskirts of the city, but the supply is limited.
General and mixed
Time difference: Winter, Swedish time minus 6 hours, summer, Swedish time minus 7 hours.
Tips & Warnings Most hotels and restaurants charge a 10% service charge on your bill. When a service charge is not included, a 10% to 20% tip is expected, as well as for guides and drivers. However, many all-inclusives have a strict no-tipping policy.
Language: English
EL: As in North America, the current in Jamaica is 110 volts. Some hotels offer 220-volt plugs as well as special shaver sockets ..
Good to know: Sometimes prices are quoted in local currency, sometimes in US dollars. Be observant of restaurants. Always agree on the taxi price in advance.
