Understanding:
Jamaica’s history begins with its indigenous cultures. The island’s pre-Columbian era was marked by the presence of the Taino people, who called the land “Xaymaca,” translating to the “land of wood and water.” In 1494, Christopher Columbus arrived and the Spanish later established the first European settlement on the island.
Spanish rule, characterized by the decimation of the Taino due to diseases and mistreatment, persisted until the mid-17th century when the British captured the island. Jamaica then became a hub for the Atlantic slave trade to meet the growing demand for a workforce in the sugar industry. The harsh conditions led to numerous uprisings, including the 1831 Christmas Rebellion led by Sam Sharpe, one of the greatest Jamaican heroes. Slavery was eventually abolished in the British Empire in 1834.
In the 20th century, Jamaicans sought self-determination and independence. After years of negotiations, Jamaica gained independence from British rule in 1962, with Sir Alexander Bustamante becoming the country’s first Prime Minister. Economic and political changes ensued, and the small island became a global cultural force with the emergence of reggae music, led by the legendary Bob Marley. Beyond its complex heritage, Jamaica invites visitors with its pristine beaches, vibrant music scene, and warm hospitality.
Geography:
Jamaica is a compact island nestled in the Caribbean, renowned for its tropical beaches lining the rugged coast. Among these, the Seven-Mile Beach in Negril stands out as perhaps the most famous stretch of sand in Jamaica and a must-visit destination. For those seeking a more exclusive and off-the-beaten-path experience, the bays and natural harbours around Port Antonio in the East offer a tranquil retreat.
The island’s highest point is the Blue Mountain Peak, at 2,256 meters, located in the Portland parish on the eastern side. Tourists are drawn to the entire Blue Mountain range, attracted by its beautiful hiking trails and the diverse wildlife that thrives at higher altitudes.
Several small rivers crisscross Jamaica, winding their way from the mountains to the sea and occasionally forming waterfalls like the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios. Along their course, these rivers traverse the irregular inland landscapes that predominantly encompass lush, tropical forests.
Basic Info:
- Capital: Kingston
- Population: 3M (2022 estimate)
- Language: English (official) and Jamaican creole
- Religion: 69% Christian / 21% Atheists / 7% others / 1% Rastafarianism
- Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD). As of December 2023:
- 1 USD = 164 JMD
- 1 EUR = 168 JMD
- Plugs:
- types A and B (similar to the US plugs)
When to go:
The country has a tropical climate encompassing a dry and a rainy season.
The best months to visit are obviously on the dry season, spanning from December to April. Here, the weather is generally dry and pleasant, providing an ideal setting for outdoor activities. As it is peak season, prices are also inflated accordingly.
The rainy season starts in June and goes til November, and hurricanes are most frequent between August and October. Rainfall is characterized by heavy but brief showers. Prices are usually lower on this season but be aware of flight cancellations due to hurricane activity.
There’s also a shoulder season on the month of May and the end of November, when prices are more reasonable and the risk of rain is still low. Our personal experience underscores this, as our visit in early June yielded only one day of rainfall.
Visa policy (simplified):
Most “western” countries are granted a visa-free access to the country that is valid for 30, 60 or 90 days, depending on citizenship. However, an authorization for entry is required, and you can obtain it through the electronic C5 form, accessible by clicking here.
It’s worth noting that the C5 form may not be the most intuitive to fill out. After completion, we recommend printing it and bringing a hard copy with you. While it’s possible to fill it in on arrival as of June 2023, be aware that doing so may prolong your time at immigration.
Budget:
Traveling independently is not necessarily cheaper than an all-inclusive week on a resort, where a package covers flights, meals, and accommodation.
Jamaica isn’t the most budget-friendly destination from Europe. We combined our trip with the Dominican Republic, securing affordable round-trip tickets via Madrid for around 600€ per person. While in the Dominican Republic, we booked direct flights to Kingston with Arajet, a Caribbean low-cost company. Even so, as our dates were not flexible, we ended up paying around 350-400€ for this roundtrip flight after factoring in baggage.
Our rental car, initially booked for 235€ through Hertz, turned out to be pricier due to an insurance fee, bringing the total cost to 420€. Regarding accommodation, we chose options from Airbnb and Booking.com, spending between 20 and 35€ per person per night. Typical restaurant meals average around 10-12€ per person. Opting for street food or roadside diners can slash this cost in half.
Money:
Most businesses have card terminals, making pre-paid cards like Revolut convenient for transactions. ATMs are available in medium to large cities. It’s advisable to keep some Jamaican (JMD) or American dollars (USD) in your wallet for occasional situations where businesses lack card terminals, especially in roadside restaurants and small grocery shops.
Please note that many businesses, especially in areas like Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios, accept American currency as payment.
SIM cards:
International airports, such as Sangster Airport in Montego Bay or Norman Manley Airport in Kingston, have kiosks or stores where you can purchase prepaid SIM cards from local mobile network providers like Digicel and Flow. These kiosks are typically situated in the arrivals area after clearing customs, but they often charge tourist prices. Opting for official stores outside the airports is likely your best choice if you’re seeking a physical SIM card.
Alternatively, you may explore eSIM options through apps like Airalo, which we occasionally use. We personally relied solely on free Wi-Fi hotspots, which are frequently available in hotels and restaurants.
What to wear:
There are no religion-related restrictions on clothing, but it’s a good idea to be respectful and try to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or conservative communities.
Light and breathable clothing such as shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, and sundresses are suitable for most everyday activities. Consider bringing a lightweight jacket or umbrella if visiting during wet season (June to November)
Safety:
Jamaica’s not homogeneously safe. While most areas are entirely safe, caution is advised in certain neighborhoods of larger cities, particularly when venturing out at night. Even in populated areas during the day, occasional petty crimes may occur, as in any place on the planet.
The country is susceptible to natural hazards such as hurricanes, with the peak occurring from August to October. It’s vital to follow local authorities’ instructions in case of an emergency.
Road safety is also a concern in Jamaica. The road conditions, especially inland, are not always optimal, and locals often drive recklessly. We personally recommend avoiding night driving.
Tipping:
Tipping in Jamaica is customary and expected in many situations, especially in the most touristy areas. In restaurants, a typical tip is around 10% of the bill, though higher-end establishments may already include a service charge. Roadside diners generally do not expect tips. When taking a day tour from a resort, it’s customary to tip the driver/guide around 10% of the tour cost.