This section will give you all the nuts-and-bolts information about your trip to Jamaica-what you need to do before leaving home. We'll answer questions such as when to go, how to get the best airfare or package deal, what to take along, and what documents you'll need. In case you're not sure where in Jamaica you want to go, we begin with a rundown of the various options.

Fast Facts

Business Hours
Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Store hours vary, but as a rule most business establishments open at 8:30am and close at 4:30 or 5pm Monday through Friday. Some shops open Saturday until noon.

Currency Exchange
There are Bank of Jamaica exchange bureaus at both international airports (near Montego Bay and Kingston), at cruise-ship piers, and in most hotels.

Doctors
Many major resorts have doctors on call. If you need any particular medicine or treatment, bring evidence such as a letter from your home doctor.

Electricity
Most places use the standard electrical voltage of 110, as in the U.S. However, some establishments still operate on 220 volts, 50 cycles. If your hotel is on a different current than your appliance, ask for a transformer and adapter.

Embassies, Consulates & High Commissions
Calling embassies or consulates in Jamaica is a challenge. Phones will ring and ring before being picked up, if they are answered at all. Extreme patience is needed to reach a live voice on the other end. The embassy of the United States is located at the Jamaica Mutual Life Building, 2 Oxford Rd., Kingston 5 (tel. 876/929-4850). The High Commission of Canada is situated at 3 Wet Kings House Rd., Kingston 10 (tel. 876/926-1500), and there's a consulate at 29 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay (tel. 876/952-6198). The High Commission of the United Kingdom is found at 28 Trafalgar Rd., Kingston 10 (tel. 876/510-0700).

Emergencies
For police and air rescue, dial tel. 119; to report a fire or call an ambulance, dial tel. 110.

Mail
Instead of going to a post office, you can, in most cases, give mail to the hotel reception. Most hotels also sell stamps. Allow about 1 week for an airmail postcard or letter to reach North America. Increases in postal charges may be implemented at any time, so ask about the current rate before depositing mail. For mail to any business listed in this book, remember to include "Jamaica, W. I." in the address. The island has no zip codes. Call tel. 876/922-9430 in Kingston with questions. For important items, consider a courier service such as DHL (tel. 876/922-7333) or Federal Express (tel. 876/952-0411 or 876/960-9192).

Newspapers & Magazines
Jamaica supports three daily newspapers (Daily Gleaner, The Jamaica Record, and Daily Star), several weekly periodicals, and a handful of other publications. U.S. newsmagazines, such as Time and Newsweek, as well as occasional copies of the Miami Herald, are available at most newsstands.

Nudity
Nude sunbathing and swimming are allowed at a number of hotels, clubs, and beaches (especially in Negril), but only where signs state that swimsuits are optional. Elsewhere, law enforcement officials won't even allow topless sunbathing.

Passports
Passport requirements vary according to your country of origin.

For residents of the United States
Whether you're applying in person or by mail, you can download passport applications from the U.S. State Department website at http://travel.state.gov. For general information, call the National Passport Agency (tel. 202/647-0518). To find your regional passport office, either check the U.S. State Department website or call the National Passport Information Center (tel. 900/225-5674); the fee is 55¢ per minute for automated information and $1.50 per minute for operator-assisted calls.

For Residents of Canada
Passport applications are available at travel agencies throughout Canada or from the central Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca).

For residents of the United Kingdom
To pick up an application for a standard 10-year passport (5-year passport for children under 16), visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency, or contact the United Kingdom Passport Service at tel. 0870/521-0410 or search its website at www.ukpa.gov.uk.

For residents of Ireland
You can apply for a 10-year passport at the Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633; www.irlgov.ie/iveagh). Those under age 18 and over 65 must apply for a 12€, 3-year passport. You can also apply at 1A South Mall, Cork (tel. 021/272-525) or at most main post offices.

For residents of Australia
You can pick up an application from your local post office or any branch of Passports Australia, but you must schedule an interview at the passport office to present your application materials. Call the Australian Passport Information Service at tel. 131-232, or visit the government website at www.passports.gov.au.

For residents of New Zealand
You can pick up a passport application at any New Zealand Passports Office or download it from their website. Contact the Passports Office at tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100, or log on to www.passports.govt.nz.

Pharmacies
Prescriptions are only accepted by local pharmacies if they were issued by a Jamaican doctor. Luckily, hotels have doctors on call. If you need any particular medicine or treatment, bring evidence, such as a letter from your own physician.

Police
Dial tel. 119.

Radio & TV
Jamaica is served by two major radio broadcasters. Radio Jamaica (RJR) is the more popular of the two, partly because of its musical mix of reggae, rock 'n' roll, and talk-show material. RJR's two island-wide services are known as Supreme Sound and FAME FM. The second broadcaster is Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), which also operates the island's only television station (JBC-TV, established in 1963). Many of the better hotels offer Cable News Network (CNN) and other satellite channels.

Taxes
The government imposes between 10% to 15% room tax, depending on your category of hotel. You'll be charged a J$1,000 (US$28) departure tax at the airport, payable in either Jamaican or U.S. dollars. There's also a 20% government tax on rental cars and a 20% tax on all overseas phone calls.

Telephone, Telex & Fax
Even the island's smallest hotels maintain their own fax machines. For telexes, contact the local branch of Cleveland Walace Jamaica, the country's telecommunications operators. In Kingston its address is 47 Halfway Tree Rd. (tel. 876/926-9700).

Time
During the winter, Jamaica is on Eastern Standard Time, the same as New York and Montréal. When the United States is on daylight savings time, however, it's 6am in Miami and 5am in Kingston; Jamaica does not switch to DST.

Tipping
Tipping is customary in Jamaica. Typically 10% or 15% is expected in hotels and restaurants on occasions when you would normally tip. Most places add a service charge to the bill, but a little extra (3%-5%) is often expected for good service. Tipping is not "officially" allowed at all-inclusive resorts.

Visitor Information

Tourist Offices
Before you go, you can get information from the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1320 S. Dixie Hwy., Suite 1101, Coral Gables, FL 33146 (tel. 800/233-4582 or 305/665-0557).

In Canada contact the office in Toronto at 303 Eglinton Ave. E., Suite 200, Toronto, ON M4P IL3 (tel. 800/465-2624 or 416/482-7850). Brits can contact the London office: 1-2 Prince Consort Rd., London SW7 2BZ (tel. 020/7224-0505; www.visitjamaica.com).

Info on the Web
The Internet is a great source of travel information. Jamaica is on the Internet at www.jamaicatravel.com. In addition, Yahoo (www.yahoo.com), Excite (www.excite.com), Lycos (www.lycos.com), Infoseek (www.infoseek.com), and the other major Internet indexing sites all have subcategories for travel, country/regional information, and culture-click on all three for links to travel-related websites.

Other good clearinghouse sites for information are Microsoft Expedia (www.expedia.com), Travelocity (www.travelocity.com), and Travelweb (www.travelweb.com).

You might also check out "The Unofficial Website on Jamaica" (www.jamaicans.com), the best all-around site, with some good pointers, cultural tidbits, a patois primer, and plenty of humor. This is one of the few Jamaica Web pages that isn't either a blatant ad or just somebody's home page with a few vacation pictures.

Travel Agents
Travel agents can save you plenty of time and money by steering you toward the best package deals, hunting down the best airfare for your route, and arranging for cruises and rental cars. Airlines have cut commissions, though, and most agents have to charge a service fee to hold the bottom line. Agents don't get the same rates from all hotels-many have special deals with particular hotels that they do a lot of business with. So if one agent turns you down on a hotel, another may still be able to get you a room, and at a different price. In the worst instances, unscrupulous agents will offer you only travel options that bag them the juiciest commissions. Shop around and ask hard questions-use this book to become an informed consumer.

Red-Alert Checklist

If you purchased traveler's checks, have you recorded the check numbers and stored the documentation separately from the checks?

• Did you pack your camera and an extra set of camera batteries, and purchase enough film? If you packed film in your checked baggage, did you invest in protective pouches to shield film from airport X-rays?
• Do you have a safe, accessible place to store money?
• Did you bring your ID cards that could entitle you to discounts, such as AAA and AARP cards, student IDs, and so on?
• Did you bring emergency drug prescriptions and extra glasses and/or contact lenses?
• Do you have your credit card PINs?
• If you have an E-ticket, do you have documentation?
• Did you leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home?
• Did you check to see if any travel advisories have been issued by the U.S. State Department (http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html) regarding Jamaica?
• Do you have the address and phone number of your country's embassy with you?
  

When to Go?

High Season vs. Low Saeson: Some Pros and Cons

With its fabled weather balmy all year, Jamaica is more and more a year-round destination. Nevertheless, it has a distinct high season running roughly from mid-December through mid-April. Hotels charge their highest prices during this peak winter period, when visitors fleeing cold north winds crowd the island. (We've quoted each hotel's rack rates throughout this guide, but you don't have to pay that much, even in high season, if you book a package instead of calling the hotel directly.)

Reservations should be made 2 to 3 months in advance for trips during the winter. At certain hotels, think about booking a year ahead for Christmas holidays or February.

The off season in Jamaica (roughly mid-Apr to mid-Dec) amounts to a summer sale. In most cases, hotel rates are slashed a startling 20% to 60%. Some package-tour charges are as much as 20% lower, and individual excursion airfares are reduced from 5% to 10%. In addition, airline seats and hotel rooms are much easier to come by. It's a bonanza for cost-conscious travelers, especially families.

Off-Season Advantages
Although Jamaica may appear inviting in the winter to those who live in northern climates, there are many reasons why your trip may be much more enjoyable if you go in the off season:

• A less-hurried way of life prevails. You'll have a better chance to appreciate food, culture, and customs.
• Swimming pools and beaches are less crowded-perhaps not crowded at all.
• Year-round resort facilities are offered, often at reduced rates, which may include snorkeling, boating, and scuba diving.
• To survive, resort boutiques often feature summer sales, hoping to clear excess merchandise.
• You can often appear without a reservation at a top restaurant in, say, Montego Bay and get a table.
• The endless waiting game is over: no waiting for a rented car, tee time, or tennis court.
• Some package-tour fares are as much as 20% lower, and individual excursion fares are also reduced between 5% and 10%.
• Accommodations and flights are easier to book.
• Finally, the very best of Jamaica attractions remain undiminished in the off season-sea, sand, and surf, with lots of sunshine.

Off-Season Disadvantages
Let's not paint too rosy a picture, though. Although the advantages of off-season travel outweigh the disadvantages, there are drawbacks to summer travel:

• You might be staying at a construction site. Jamaican hoteliers save their serious repairs and their major renovations until the off season.
• Services are often reduced.
• Not all restaurants and bars will be fully operational at resorts.
• Hotels and resorts may be operating with reduced staffs.

Climate

Jamaica has one of the most varied climates of any Caribbean island. Along the seashore, where most visitors congregate, the island is air-conditioned by northeasterly trade winds, and temperature variations are surprisingly slight. Coastal readings average between 71°F (22°C) and 88°F (31°C) year-round. The Jamaican winter is similar to May in the United States or northern Europe; there can be chilly times in the early morning or at night. Winter is generally the driest season, but can be wet in mountain areas; expect showers, especially in northeastern Jamaica.

Inland, temperatures decrease by approximately .55°C for every 91m (about 1°F for every 300-ft.) increase in elevation.

Rainfall is heaviest along the eastern edge of the island's North Coast, with Port Antonio receiving the most intense downpours. The island has two rainy seasons: May, and October through November.

The Hurricane Season
The curse of Jamaican weather, the hurricane season, officially lasts from June 1 to November 30-but there's no need for panic. Satellite weather forecasts generally give adequate warning so that precautions can be taken. If you're heading to Jamaica during the hurricane season, you can call your local branch of the National Weather Service (listed in your phone directory under the U.S. Department of Commerce) for a weather forecast.

Another easy way to receive the weather forecast in the city you plan to visit is by contacting the information service associated with The Weather Channel. It works like this: Dial tel. 800/WEATHER and listen to the recorded announcement. When you're prompted, enter the account number of a valid Visa or MasterCard. After the card is approved, at a rate of 95¢ per query, punch in the name of your city. On the Internet you can also stop by www.weather.com to get the same forecasts for free.

Holidays

Jamaica observes the following public holidays: New Year's Day (Jan 1), Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, National Labour Day (late May), Independence Day (a Mon in early Aug), National Heroes Day (3rd Mon in Oct), Christmas Day (Dec 25), and Boxing Day (Dec 26).

Getting There

There are two international airports on Jamaica: Donald Sangster in Montego Bay (tel. 876/952-3124) and Norman Manley in Kingston (tel. 876/924-8452; www.manley-airport.com.jm). The most popular flights are from New York and Miami. Remember to reconfirm all flights no later than 72 hours before departure. Flying time from Miami is 1 1/4 hours; from Los Angeles, 5 1/2 hours; from Atlanta, 2 1/2 hours; from Dallas, 3 hours; from Chicago and New York, 3 1/2 hours; and from Toronto, 4 hours.

Some of the most convenient service to Jamaica is provided by American Airlines (tel. 800/433-7300 in the U.S.; www.aa.com) through hubs in New York and Miami. Throughout the year, one daily nonstop flight departs from New York's Kennedy Airport for Montego Bay. From Miami, at least two daily flights depart for Kingston and two daily flights depart for Montego Bay.

US Airways (tel. 800/428-4322; www.usairways.com) offers one flight daily from Charlotte, North Carolina, Philadelphia, and Boston. Northwest Airlines (tel. 800/225-2525; www.nwa.com) flies directly to Montego Bay daily from Minneapolis.

Air Jamaica (tel. 800/523-5585 in the U.S.; www.airjamaica.com) operates one or more flights daily to Montego Bay and Kingston from such cities as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, Newark, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York's JFK. The airline has connecting service within Jamaica through its reservations network to Air Jamaica Express, whose planes usually hold between 10 and 17 passengers. Air Jamaica Express flies from the island's international airports at Montego Bay and Kingston, and also to smaller airports around the island, including Boscobel (near Ocho Rios) and Tinson Pen (near Kingston).

Air Canada (tel. 888/247-2262 in Canada, or 800/268-7240 in the U.S.; www.aircanada.ca) flies from Toronto to Jamaica daily. The connection to Kingston is nonstop, but the flight to Montego Bay involves a change of planes in Miami. British Airways (tel. 0870/850-9850 in Britain; www.britishairways.com) has four nonstop flights weekly to Montego Bay and Kingston from London's Gatwick Airport.

TSA Carry-On Regulations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stabilized what you can carry on and what you can't. The general rule is that sharp things are out, nail clippers are okay, and food and beverages must be passed through the X-ray machine-but that security screeners can't make you sip your carry-on beverage (to prove it isn't toxic). Bring food in your carry-on rather than checking it, as explosive-detection machines used on checked luggage have been known to mistake food (especially chocolate, for some reason) for bombs. Travelers in the U.S. are allowed one carry-on bag, plus a "personal item" such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. Carry-on hoarders can stuff all sorts of things into a laptop bag; as long as it has a laptop in it, it's still considered a personal item. For a list of restricted items, log on to www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp.

Health & Insurance

Insurance

It's wise to visit the troubled land of Jamaica with full insurance coverage, protecting you against loss of property, theft, or any medical problem that might arise. With medical insurance it's best to secure, if possible, a policy that offers immediate payment-not one where you must shell out in Jamaica, then wait for reimbursement.

If you're an adventure tourist who likes to indulge in scuba diving, hiking in the Blue Mountains, or motorcycling along Jamaica's potholed roads, try to get a policy that does not exclude what most insurers call "hazardous activities." Some motorized watersports also fall under hazardous activities.

Before going, check your existing policies before you buy additional coverage covering trip cancellation, lost luggage, medical expenses, or car-rental insurance. You're likely to have partial coverage, though it may be inadequate. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States, unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, most U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the country.

For information, contact one of the following popular insurers:

• Access America (tel. 866/807-3982; www.accessamerica.com)
• Travel Guard International (tel. 800/826-4919; www.travelguard.com)
• Travel Insured International (tel. 800/243-3174; www.travelinsured.com)
• Travelex Insurance Services (tel. 888/457-4602; www.travelex-insurance.com)

Trip-Cancellation Insurance
There are three major types of trip-cancellation insurance: one for when you prepay a Jamaican cruise or tour that gets canceled, and you can't get your money back; a second for when you or someone in your family gets sick or dies, and you can't travel (but beware that you may not be covered for a preexisting condition); and a third for when bad weather, such as a Jamaica hurricane, makes travel impossible. Some insurers provide coverage for events like jury duty; natural disasters close to home, like floods or fire; even the loss of a job. A few have added provisions for cancellations because of terrorist activities. Always check the fine print before signing on, and don't buy this insurance from a tour operator that may later be responsible for cancellation; buy only from a reputable travel insurance agency. Finally, don't overbuy: You won't be reimbursed more than the cost of your trip.

Medical Insurance
With the exception of certain HMOs and Medicare/Medicaid, your medical insurance will seldom cover medical treatment-even hospital care-in Jamaica, so you may need to pay the bill upfront. Members of Blue Cross/Blue Shield can use their cards at select hospitals in most major cities worldwide (tel. 800/810-BLUE or www.bluecares.com for a list of hospitals).

Some credit cards (American Express and certain gold and platinum Visa and MasterCards, for example) offer automatic flight insurance against death or dismemberment in case of an airplane crash, if you charged the cost of your ticket.

If you require additional insurance, try one of the following companies:

MEDEX International, 9515 Deereco Rd., Timonium, MD 21093-5375 (tel. 800/527-0218 or 410/453-6300; fax 410/453-6301; www.medexassist.com)

Travel Assistance International (tel. 800/821-2828; www.travelassistance.com), 9200 Keystone Crossing, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (For general information on services, call the company's Worldwide Assistance Services, Inc., at tel. 800/777-8710.)

The Divers Alert Network (DAN) (tel. 800/446-2671 or 919/684-8111; www.diversalertnetwork.org)

Car-Rental Insurance
If you hold a private auto insurance policy in the U.S., check to see if you are covered in Jamaica for loss or damage to the car, and liability in case a passenger is injured. The credit card you used to rent the car also may provide some coverage. Policies vary widely from holder to holder. Most American Express cardholders, don't need a damage waiver option, as most Jamaican car-rental agencies recognize Amex's policy. However, many local car-rental companies in Jamaica don't recognize the policy; therefore, you may feel safer dealing with a foreign affiliate rather than a domestic car-rental agency.

Car-rental insurance (about $20 a day) probably does not cover liability if you caused the accident. Check your own auto insurance policy, the rental company policy, and your credit card coverage for the extent of coverage: Is Jamaica covered? Are other drivers covered? How much liability is covered if a passenger is injured? (If you rely on your credit card for coverage, you may want to bring a second card with you, as damages may be charged to the card.)

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Health & Safety

Traveling to Jamaica should not adversely affect your health. Finding a good doctor in Jamaica is no real problem, and all of them speak English, of course.

Keep the following suggestions in mind:

• It's best to drink bottled water in Jamaica.
• If you experience diarrhea, moderate your eating habits and drink only bottled water until you recover. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
• The Jamaican sun can be brutal. Wear sunglasses and a hat, and use sunscreen liberally. Limit your time on the beach the first day. If you do overexpose yourself, stay out of the sun until you recover. If your exposure is followed by fever or chills, a headache, or a feeling of nausea or dizziness, see a doctor.
• Some of the biggest annoyances in Jamaica are the insects called "no-see-ums," which appear mainly in the early evening. You can't see these gnats, but you sure can "feel-um." Screens can't keep these critters out, so carry your favorite bug repellent.
• You don't need to get any particular shots or vaccinations to travel in Jamaica, and most common medicines are available over the counter. If you need special medication, however, try to arrive in Jamaica with an adequate supply for the duration of your trip.
• If you're traveling in the countryside, it's wise to take a small medical kit with you containing antacid, antiseptics, calamine lotion, Band-Aids, sunscreen, lip balm, water purification tablets, and insect repellent.

What To Do If You Get Sick Away From Home
If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure for Jamaica. For conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or heart problems, wear a Medic Alert Identification Tag (tel. 800/825-3785; www.medicalert.org), which will immediately alert doctors to your condition and give them access to your records through Medic Alert's 24-hour hot line.

Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry prescription medications in their original containers. Also bring along copies of your prescriptions in case you lose your pills or run out. Carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name.

And don't forget sunglasses and an extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses.

Contact the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT) (tel. 716/754-4883 or 416/652-0137; www.iamat.org) for tips on travel and health concerns in Jamaica and lists of local doctors, all of whom speak English. If you get sick, consider asking your hotel concierge to recommend a local doctor-even his or her own. You can also try the emergency room at a local hospital: Many have walk-in clinics for emergency cases that are not life-threatening. You may not get immediate attention, but you won't pay the same price as an emergency-room visit (usually at least $300).

Staying Safe
Except for Haiti, Jamaica is the most potentially dangerous destination in the Caribbean. You can get into a lot of trouble in Jamaica or you can have a carefree vacation. Much depends on you, where you go, and what you do. Women traveling alone or even in pairs are especially vulnerable, as rapes are alarmingly common.

Walking alone at night, or even with a loved one, on a moonlit Jamaican beach is a romantic idea-but not smart. You could be mugged. And hitchhiking for both women and men is never a good idea in Jamaica. There have been cases of "disappearances" in the remote hinterlands.

Petty crime also continues to be a major problem on the island, especially in the capital city of Kingston. Americans on many occasions have been robbed, the bandit turning violent if he faces resistance.

Bus travel in Jamaica is definitely not recommended. Buses are invariably overcrowded and the greatest venue for the pickpocket to practice his trade.

The good news? In major resort areas such as Montego Bay, the government is hiring more special foot police and bike patrols to enhance security. These megaresorts are virtually walled compounds with 24-hour guards. Smaller inns don't have such protection, however, so make sure that all your doors and windows are securely locked.

Money

Jamaica has its own dollar, far less valuable than the U.S. dollar. In all exchanges, determine which dollar unit is being quoted in the price. Otherwise, it's possible you could get cheated-badly-in a financial transaction.

All the major resorts and first-class restaurants quote prices in U.S. dollars, so many visitors can go through their entire trip without the bother of converting their currency into Jamaican dollars.

But it's still prudent to carry some Jamaican dollars: For some transactions, such as a drink of coconut water from a roadside vendor, prices are only quoted in Jamaican dollars.

If you have Jamaican dollars left over at the end of your trip, you'll need to show exchange receipts from a bank or other official bureau for the local dollars you purchased. This is a rather cumbersome process. Exchange only the amount of Jamaican money you think you'll actually need.

Note: Prices in this guide quoted in Jamaican dollars are for general guidance. The Jamaican dollar sometimes fluctuates wildly. In general, it has been in a long decline against the Yankee dollar since the early 1990s.

All Jamaican cities and most large towns on the island have banks with a foreign exchange bureau. If you're heading into the remote countryside, make sure you have solved your cash problem before setting out. Banks give far better exchange rates than your hotel will.

Because of inadequate ATMs, traveler's checks are still a popular means of currency to take to Jamaica. They are widely accepted, but you should always inquire about the fee before cashing them. Sometimes there's a high surcharge, which can vary from place to place.

Relying on ATMs is a bit risky in Jamaica. Most banks in cities such as Kingston and Montego Bay have 24-hour ATMs in secure booths. You are, however, given Jamaican dollars-not U.S. dollars-at these machines. Always try to use ATMs during regular business hours. There are frequent muggings of visitors who use ATMs at night in Jamaica.

Be aware that many travelers have mentioned to describe their frustration with the island's ATMs. It's best to ask your local bank how effective your ATM card will be in Jamaica before you depart. Failing all else, we've found branches of Scotiabank work best with North American ATM cards.

Currency
The unit of currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar, with the same symbol as the U.S. dollar, "$." There is no fixed rate of exchange for the Jamaican dollar; it is traded publicly and is subject to market fluctuations.

Visitors to Jamaica can pay for any goods in U.S. dollars, but be careful. Always insist on knowing whether a price is quoted in Jamaican or U.S. dollars.

In this website we quote some prices in both Jamaican and U.S. dollars, though for the most part U.S. dollars are listed alone because the Jamaican dollar tends to fluctuate. U.S. dollar values give a better indication of costs. Prices given in Jamaican dollars are indicated by "J$"; all other prices are in U.S. dollars.

There are Bank of Jamaica exchange bureaus at both international airports (Montego Bay and Kingston), at cruise-ship piers, and in most hotels. Also, there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring into or out of Jamaica.

Finally, whenever you leave your hotel, take along some small bills and coins. They will come in handy, as tips are generally expected for even the smallest service.

ATMs
ATMs are linked to an international network that most likely includes your bank at home. Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) are the two most popular networks; check the back of your ATM card to see which network your bank belongs to. Use the toll-free numbers to locate ATMs in your destination.

Ask your bank for a list of ATMs in Jamaica. Be sure to check the daily withdrawal limit before you depart, and ask whether you need a new personal ID number.

Credit Cards
Plastic is invaluable when traveling in Jamaica. Credit cards are a safe way to carry money, and they provide a convenient record of all your expenses. You can also withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at any bank (though you'll start paying hefty interest on the advance the moment you receive the cash, and you won't receive frequent-flier miles on an airline credit card). At most Jamaican banks, you don't even need to go to a teller; you can get a cash advance at the ATM if you know your PIN. (If you've forgotten your PIN or didn't even know you had one, call the phone number on the back of your credit card and ask the bank to send it to you. It usually takes 5-7 business days, though some banks will provide the number over the phone if you tell them your mother's maiden name or pass some other security clearance.)

Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks are something of an anachronism at many destinations. They are still widely used, however, in Jamaica because of inadequate ATM machines. If you also want the security of knowing you can get a refund if your wallet is stolen in Jamaica, you may want to purchase traveler's checks, which you can do at almost any bank. American Express offers denominations of $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000. You'll pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%. You can also get American Express traveler's checks over the phone by calling tel. 800/221-7282; by using this number, Amex gold and platinum cardholders are exempt from the 1% fee.

Visa offers traveler's checks at Citibank locations nationwide and several other participating banks. The service charge ranges from 1.5% to 2%; checks come in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000. AAA members can obtain Visa checks without a fee at most AAA offices or by calling tel. 866/339-3378. MasterCard also offers traveler's checks.

What To Do If Your Wallet Is Stolen
Be sure to block charges against your account the minute you discover a credit card has been lost or stolen. Then be sure to file a report at the nearest Jamaican police station.

Every credit card company has an emergency 800-number to call if your card is stolen. They may be able to wire you a cash advance off your credit card immediately, and in many places they can deliver an emergency credit card in a day or two. The issuing bank's 800-number is usually on the back of your credit card-though of course, if your card has been stolen, that won't help you unless you recorded the number elsewhere.

Citicorp Visa's U.S. emergency number is tel. 800/336-8742. American Express cardholders and traveler's-check holders should call tel. 800/221-7282. MasterCard holders should call tel. 800/307-7309. Otherwise, call the toll-free number directory at tel. 800/555-1212.

Odds are that if your wallet is gone, the Jamaican police won't be able to recover it for you. However, it's still worth informing them. Your credit card company or insurer may require a police report number or record of the theft. Likewise, if you carry traveler's checks, be sure to keep a record of their serial numbers separate from the checks. You'll get a refund faster if you do.

Moneygrams
Sponsored by American Express, Moneygram (tel. 800/926-9400) is the fastest-growing money-wiring service in the world. Funds can be transferred from one individual to another in less than 10 minutes between thousands of locations throughout the world. An American Express phone representative will give you the names of four or five offices near you. (You don't have to go to an American Express office; some locations in Jamaica are pharmacies or convenience stores in small communities.) Acceptable forms of payment include cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, and occasionally, a personal check. Service charges collected by American Express are $40 for the first $500 sent, with a sliding scale of commissions for larger sums. Included in the transfer is a 10-word telex-style message. The deal also includes a free 3-minute phone call to the recipient. Funds are transferred within 10 minutes, and they can then be retrieved by the beneficiary at the most convenient location when proper photo ID, and in some cases, a security code established by whomever provides the funds, is presented.

Practical Tips

Using a Cellphone in Jamaica
The three letters that define much of the world's wireless capabilities are GSM (Global System for Mobiles), a big, seamless network that makes for easy cross-border cellphone use throughout Europe and dozens of other countries worldwide. In the U.S., T-Mobile, AT&T Wireless, and Cingular use this quasi-universal system; in Canada, Microcell and some Rogers customers are GSM; and all Europeans and most Australians use GSM.

If your cellphone is on a GSM system, and you have a world-capable phone such as many (but not all) Sony Ericsson, Motorola, or Samsung models, you can make and receive calls across civilized areas on much of the globe, from Andorra to Uganda, and certainly Jamaica. Just call your wireless operator and ask for "international roaming" to be activated on your account. Unfortunately, per-minute charges can be high.

World-phone owners can bring down their per-minute charges with a bit of trickery. Call up your cellular operator and say you'll be going abroad for several months and want to "unlock" your phone to use it with a local provider. Usually, they'll oblige. Then, in Jamaica, pick up a cheap, prepaid phone chip at a mobile-phone store and slip it into your phone. (Show your phone to the salesperson, as not all phones work on all networks.) You'll get a local phone number-and much, much lower calling rates.

Otherwise, renting a phone is a good idea. While you can rent a phone from any number of overseas sites, including kiosks at airports and at car-rental agencies, we suggest renting the phone before you leave home. That way you can give loved ones your new number, make sure the phone works, and take the phone wherever you go-especially helpful when you rent overseas, where phone-rental agencies bill in local currency and may not let you take the phone to another country.

Two good wireless rental companies are InTouch USA (tel. 800/872-7626; www.intouchglobal.com) and Roadpost (tel. 888/290-1606 or 905/272-5665; www.roadpost.com). Give them your itinerary and they'll tell you what wireless products you need. InTouch will also, for free, advise you on whether your existing phone will work in Jamaica; simply call tel. 703/222-7161 between 9am and 4pm EST, or go to http://intouchglobal.com/travel.htm.

Links & Sources:

• Frommers