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| Important: New US Government Re-entry Requirement |
All travelers between the U.S. and the Caribbean will be required to carry passports starting January 8, 2007, as mandated by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Under a new immigration law known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, whether traveling by air or sea, must provide a passport to enter or re-enter the U.S. from both vacation and business travel.
All travelers are encouraged to begin application processes for their passports as soon as possible to avoid expected delays towards the end of the year. Travelers should allow for at least eight weeks between the submission of their application and the receipt of their passport.
For questions regarding the new U.S. passport requirements, go to http://travel.state.gov/passport
Source: U.S. Department of State |
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| Emergency Numbers |
Emergency Numbers (I hope you will not need them, but in case you do)
Ambulance 110
Fire 110
Police 119 |
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| Geography |
Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea
Geographic coordinates: 18 15 N, 77 30 W; location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, the main sea lanes for the Panama Canal
Area: total: 10,991 sq km land: 10,831 sq km
water: 160 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Connecticut
Coastline: 1,022 km
Lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 meter
Highest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 meter
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| Climate |
Temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year, averaging 25°C to 30°C in the lowlands and 15°C to 22°C at higher elevations. Temperatures may dip to below 10°C at the peaks of the Blue Mountains. The island receives, in addition to the northeast trade winds, refreshing onshore breezes during the day and cooling offshore breezes at night. These are known on Jamaica as the "Doctor Breeze" and the "Undertaker's Breeze," respectively.
No, there is monsoon season. However, the rainfall is heaviest from May to October, with peaks in those two months. Rainfall is much greater in the mountain areas facing the north and east, however. Where the higher elevations of the John Crow Mountains and the Blue Mountains catch the rain from the moisture-laden winds.
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| Types of Communication |
| You will find all types of communication systems in Jamaica. Direct and operators assisted call are facilitated third party or credit card calls international telephone service operates in all areas 24 hours a day, and telephone operators will gladly facilitate collect, third party or credit card calls. Faxes, cables and telegrams servives are available. Internet access is available as well, anywhere you would like it, at your hotel or in computer cafe. There are two main television station (TVJ and CVM). There are quite a number of Radio stations. |
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| Our Language |
| English is the official language. Although most of us speak the local dialect - Patios, which has been derived from several languages. Make sure to learn little a Patios - see a local play which can be hilarious. Some Examples:........................... |
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Jamaican Currency
The official rate of exchange varies daily, so it’s not a bad idea to shop around for a rate that suits you before changing large amounts of cash. Many Jamaican ATMs accept international bank cards with Visa, Mastercard, Cirus and Plus logos, and banks give credit card advances, change traveller's cheques and offer other financial services. |
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| Electricity |
| Electricity is little different from the US (same voltage 110v, but the frequency is 50 Hz instead of 60 Hz in US, However, most your electrical appliances will work here. If your appliances do not use 110 volts or flat two-pronged plugs, bring the required adaptors and converters with you. Keep in mind that most hotels have hair dryers, alarm clocks, radios and clothes irons available. |
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| For Pet Lovers |
| We know that many visitors love their pets and would love to take them on vacation. Pets are allowed in Jamaica, but it has to be rabbies free (there are no rabies in Jamaica). In keeping with international standards, the importation of all live animals into Jamaica requires an import permit from the Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture PRIOR to arrival in Jamaica. All animals must be rabies-free, and must never have been rabies vaccinated. For more information, contact the Veterinary Services Division at (876) 977 2489 or (876) 977 2492 to secure a permit, fax a letter of request to (876) 977 0885. |
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| The Most Important Things to bring |
- Yourself and family (if any)
- Love
- The vacation spirit, and
- Suntan lotion of course
What not to bring
- Work
- Leave your troubles at the airport |
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