Geography

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean and is located about 90 miles south of Cuba and a 1 1/2 hour plane ride from Miami, Florida. It is about the size of Long Island, New York stretching for over 146 miles from east to west and 51 miles from north to south. As a small country it really has it all: beaches, mountains, forests, rivers, mangroves and cities. The two tourist areas we sell are Montego Bay and Negril. Montego Bay is on the North central coast and Negril is 47 miles away on the Western tip of Jamaica.

Weather

Jamaica enjoys a year round warm climate with daytime temps in the mid-80’s to low 90’s F. Evenings are generally cooler and comfortable with temperature’s in low 70’s. The sun is extremely strong and protection is highly recommended. The rainy season is in May and October. During February, March and April you will rarely encounter bad weather. The dress is very casual, so pack lightly!

Time Zone

Jamaica is in the eastern time zone but does not participate in day light savings. For example, during Spring Break it is the same time in Jamaica as it is in New York.

Language

English is the official language in Jamaica. Although everyone speaks and understands English, Jamaicans speak a dialect known as “Patois,” a creolized or abridged version of English which might be hard to understand to most first time visitors. Most Jamaicans will be happy to teach the average tourist a thing or two about “speaking Patois.” Not to worry though. There really is no language barrier in Jamaica.

Money

The Jamaican dollar is the only legal tender, though prices are often quoted in US dollars, which are widely accepted. The current rate is about $J125 = $1US dollar. Hard cash can be used but your best bet is to have US dollar traveller’s checks. All major brands of traveller’s checks and credit cards are accepted in Jamaica. You can exchange money at banks, licensed exchange bureaus (called Cambio’s) or hotels, though the rate at hotels is usually 2% to 5% below the bank rate. Do not exchange all of your money when you get to Jamaica. It’s best to exchange it as needed; you will lose money converting Jamaican dollars back to U.S. dollars when you depart Jamaica. Plenty of Jamaicans will approach you to change Jamaican dollars on the black market. This is illegal and the black market rate is usually only 5% better than the bank rate so why risk falling for a scam. Most restaurants and shops accept major credit cards. There are a few ATM machines available, but they run out of cash on the busier weeks of Spring Break.

Tipping

As in any large resort area, Jamaicans rely on tips to survive. Please be sure to take care of the people who take care of you. These include waiters, bartenders and hotel maids. Some restaurants impose a 10% service charge on meals. Be sure to check your bill and ask if you are not clear.

What Should I bring with me?

If there are two words we use most often when asked this question, they are “pack lightly!” We like to remind people that they are only going for 1 week so pack appropriately. Remember, it is a tropical climate so there is no need for lots of warm clothing. Some important things not to forget: Important prescriptions, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, extra batteries and a camera. Leave anything valuable such as expensive jewelry or accessories at home. You won’t need them on Spring Break so why risk losing them? Also, a reminder is to pack important stuff like passport, camera, prescriptions with you so you have it on the plane close at hand. If you do forget something you can always find almost anything you need on location.

Dress Code

Jamaica and especially Negril, don’t really have a dress code. The laid back attitude also extends to what you want to wear at night. Shorts and a t-shirt is just fine! And the only reason we would recommend shoes is to protect your feet!

Electricity

You can bring a hair dryer or radio and it will work the same as in the US. There is no need for any special adapters. The outlets are the same.

Calling Home

Everyone has a cell phone nowadays so check with your provider.

Transportation

There is limited public transportation in Jamaica so most visitors rely on local taxis or mini buses for transportation. If you need a taxi, just stick out your hand and yell Taxi. Anybody will stop, but only vehicles bearing a red license plate are official taxis. The official taxi guarantees an insured, licensed cab and driver. Everything is negotiable in Jamaica, Taxis are no exception. Negotiate a price to your destination before you get into a cab. There are no metered cabs, and the driver sets the rate. Keep in mind that rates are higher late at night and for fewer people.

Documentation

U.S citizens must carry proper proof of citizenship. Starting January 1, 2007 all U.S citizens travelling to and from the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and Canada will be required to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States. Non-U.S citizens should contact their consulate for proper I.D. requirements. Passengers who are denied boarding or entry for improper documentation will receive no refund. You should carry all important documents with you. Very strict regulations govern international travel by minors into Mexico. Every minor must have a tourist card, proof of citizenship and sometimes other documents listed below.

• Minors travelling with both legal parents or guardians: nothing else is needed.

• Minors travelling unaccompanied or with anyone other than their legal parents or guardians: they must obtain an original notarized letter of permission signed by both parents.

• Minors travelling with only one parent: must have notarized written permission from the other parent.

(Airlines will also require the name, address and phone of the person meeting the unaccompanied minor upon arrival in Mexico.)

In the case of deceased or divorced parents: legal proof must be carried to accept just one signature on the letter. This proof (death certificate, proof of sole custody etc.) can also be shown to a notary who can then notarize an Affidavit of Sole Custody form.

New Federal Regulations require that the following information be provided: Full legal name (as it appears on your Passport ), Date of Birth, Gender, Passport Number (only if using a passport as proof of citizenship), Citizenship and Emergency Contact information. If you are a US Citizen and will be using your Birth Certificate you do not need to provide your passport number. The only way to provide this information is to visit our website at www.sunsplashtours.com (after making your reservation) and clicking on the Login In button. You will need to enter your last name and customer number.