Jamaica is an island-nation in the Caribbean, located to the south of Cuba and to the west of the island of Hispaniola
Regions Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes:
Cities
Other destinations
UnderstandJamaica, which was originally claimed for Spain in 1494, has a history that has been greatly affected by slavery and the slave trade. The island was taken from Spain in 1655 when British Admiral William Penn and General Venables seized the island. Jamaica for almost two centuries was the world's largest sugar exporter, which was achieved through the use of imported slave labour, resulting in the very large Black population on the island. But, Jamaica does have a sizeable minority of East Indians, and varying numbers of Whites, Afro-Chinese, and persons of Syrian/Lebanese decent. Also, Christianity is the major religion on the island (It is estimated that about 80% of the island's 2.5 million inhabitants are Christians). It is common for Jamaicans to say "Waah gwan?", which is the patois variation of "What's up?" or "What's going on?". You can ask a Jamaican to speak slowly when you do not understand what s/he is saying. Proper English is often reserved for professional atmospheres, but most of people on the island can understand proper English. Patois is the language that is commonly spoken on the island. But do also note that UK English, and not American English, is the form of English used on the island. Resources:
Get inBy planeBoth Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay receive hundreds of international flights daily. There are smaller airports in Negril and Ocho Rios, which can be accessed by smaller aircraft. By trainJamaica has about 250 route miles of railroad, of which 77 is currently active to handle privately operated bauxite (aluminum ore) trains. Passenger and public freight service ceased in 1992, but increasing road congestion and poor highway conditions have caused the government to re-examine the commercial feasibility of rail operations. By carJamaican roads are not renowned for their upkeep. Roads in and around major cities are generally overcongested, and rural roads can be dangerous, especially in inclement weather. Alert and courteous driving is advised at all times. There are very few north-south routes as well, so travel from the north to the south can involve treks on mountain roads. These trips can induce nausea in the more weak of stomach, so it is advisable that if you suffer from motion sickness to bring dramamine or similar medication. Roads can be very narrow, and be especially alert when going around bends. Jamaica, as a former British colony, drives on the left. Make note of this when driving, especially when turning, crossing the street, and yielding right of way. There are relatively few stoplights. These only are generally found in major city centers, such as Montego Bay, Kingston, and Ocho Rios. Renting a car is easily done, and it is advised to go through a major international car rental company such as Hertz or Avis, but good Jamaican rental companies exist, such as Island Car Rental http://www.islandcarrentals.com/ Do your research before renting and driving. By boatGet aroundBy busDon'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. By taxiLocal taxis are an interesting way to get around and far cheaper than tourist taxis. They are often packed with people, but they are friendly folk and glad to have you with them. To get a local taxi, stand by the side of the road and draw a circle at the ground. You'll be surprised how quickly you get one. It will just look like a local's car, which is precisely what it is. Seldom you will find one with a taxi sign on the top. The licensed ones usually have the taxi signs on their sides. By carA great way to enjoy a vacation in Jamaica is by renting a car (Island Car Rental is best) and allowing yourself to relax while your friend takes you through breathtaking countryside to various destinations. TalkBuyAlways stay up-to-date on the exchange rate and carry a calculator. It's easy to assume everything will be inexpensive when US$1 is the equivalent of JA$66.05 (23 Aug 06), but you'll want to avoid paying US$9 for a bottle of imported shampoo. Buy products made on the island. They are cheaper and you are supporting the local economy. Prices are usually higher in tourist areas like Negril and Ocho Rios. Shops in "tourist traps" usually have higher prices than native ones, and you'll see the same items on offer in them. EatJamaican food is a mixture of caribbean dishes with local dishes. Although Jamaican food gets a reputation for being spicy, local trends lean towards more versatile food variety. Some of the caribbean dishes that you'll see in other countries around the region are rice and beans (which is cooked with coconut milk) and patties (which are called empanadas in spanish speaking countries). The national dish is Ackee and saltfish, and MUST be tried by anyone visiting the island. It is made with the local fruit called Ackee, which looks like scrambled eggs, but has a unique taste of its own and dried codfish mixed with onions and tomatoes. You probably won't get a chance to try this food anywhere else, and if you really want to say that you did something uniquely Jamaican, then this is your chance. This is 100 times better than the tinned ackee. Another local food is called bammy, which was actually invented by the now extinct Arawak (Taino)Indians. It is a flat floury cassava pancake normally eaten during breakfast hours that kind of tastes like corn bread. There is also hard-dough bread (locally called hard do bread), which you must slice. I recommend toasting it, for when it is toasted, it tastes better than most bread you'll ever eat. If you are looking for dishes with more meat in them, you can try the jerk flavoured foods. The most popular is jerk chicken, although jerk pork and jerk conch are also common. The jerk seasoning is a spice that is spread on the meat on the grill like barbeque sauce. Keep in mind that most Jamaicans eat their food well done, so expect the food to be a bit drier than you are accustomed to. There are also curries such as curried chicken and curried goat which are very popular in Jamaica. You may even want to pick up a piece of sugar cane, slice off some pieces and suck on them. Fruit and vegetables in Jamaica are plentiful. Many of the local varieties are unknown to visitors. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are inexpensive. Visitors may well find that imported produce tends to be more expensive than in their home country. Grapes in particular tend to be very expensive on the island. It is recommended to sample the local fruit and vegetables. If unfamiliar with a particular fruit it can pay to ask a local about which parts can be eaten. Local and imported fruits are available from road-side vendors. If the fruit is to be eaten immediately the vendors can generally wash the fruit for you on request. DrinkThere are many drinks in Jamaica. Standards such as Pepsi and Coca-Cola can be found, but if you want to drink local soda, you can try Champagne cola or grapefruit soda called "Ting" and also Ginger beer. Since the turn of the century, the majority of soft drinks are bottled in plastic instead of glass. You can try the local lager called Red Stripe (which is exported to many countries in the west, so there is a good chance you have already tasted it) and Dragon Stout. Most beers can be found in Jamaican pubs and hotels. A local hard drink is Jamaican Rum, which is made from sugar cane. It normally tends to be overproof and drunk with cola or fruit juice. DRINK WITH CAUTION! It's not designed for someone who is drinking for the first time. Since Jamaica was colonized by Britain, the drinking laws are 18 and over, but they don't generally enforce it as strict as it would be in the Western countries (minus the ones with no drinking laws, of course). SleepAll inclusive resortsSome tourists visiting Jamaica prefer to stay at resorts. A number of these resorts are all-inclusive, meaning that a single fee pays for just about everything including room, food, drink, and activities. Some well known resorts:
Other options
LearnThings to do: Hiking, camping, snorkeling, horse back riding, backpacking, swimming, jet skiing WorkUnemployment in Jamaica is at a high. The government does not invest in venture to turn over capital but instead sells government paper to banks and overseas financial entities at very high interest rate. In an effort, as they say, to balance the budget [which the People National Party (P.N.P) has been trying to do some 16 years now] a prominent member of the party describe this as been the most massive transfer of resources from the poor to the rich that has ever occurred in this country since the abolishment of slavery. A whole lot of people who should be gainfully employed in the work force are not as a result of government policies. The garment industry for example has seen a sharp decline over the years due to soaring interest rates. so now banks make money, not by lending money to potential investors, but by buying government paper so the unemployment in the country is as a direct result of government policies. Agriculture, manufacturing, and various other sectors are in a shambles causing many workers to find alternatives. Stay safeAs 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 travelers 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 not generally considered acceptable in Jamaica, and can lead to violence. Do not display affection to people of the same sex in public - Jamaica is not a country renowned for its tolerance for homosexuality. Marijuana, although cheap, plentiful and powerful, is illegal on the island. If in need of police, dial 119. 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 some neighborhoods in Kingston (Trench Town etc.) should be avoided even during the day. Stay healthyMedical 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 piece 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 Aquafina and Deer Park are widely available. RespectThe Jamaican people are a very generous and warm people. 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. 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 it is recomended that you 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. Contact
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