Jamaica – Travel Guide / Trip Planner
In order to relax and enjoy yourself on vacation, it’s best to know the basics of the island country you’re visiting.
The people of Jamaica speak English, although the residents also speak a native dialect, a type of Patois, which sometimes makes it difficult to communicate.
The main currency on the island is the Jamaican dollar, although the US dollar is also widely accepted.
For those planning to rent a car, please remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road in Jamaica. Jamaica has an extensive and inexpensive public transportation system that can get you all around the island. The Knutsford Express is a large comfortable bus-line that travels between all the major cities in Jamaica. Kingston also has its own large comfortable buses. Elsewhere on the island, private mini-buses (coasters) travel from town to town.
Please note that the Jamaica electrical power system uses 110-120volt AC with non-grounded outlets/plugs. This means that only power ‘adapters’ for grounded (3 prong) devices are required by North Americans. Surge suppressors (to handle the occasional dirty power) are also recommended.
Jamaica falls in the Eastern Standard Time Zone, five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Note that the island does not observe daylight savings time, so during the spring & summer months, the time will be one hour behind North Americans coming from the Eastern Time zone.
When is the best time to travel to Jamaica?
In terms of the weather, the best time to vacation in Jamaica may be December through April, with February/March being optimal, as this is when there’s the lowest chance of rain. The daily average temperatures still range comfortably from a low of 72˚ (22˚c) to a high of 84˚ (29˚c) degrees. It’s much hotter, more humid, and with a higher chance of rain later in the year. The chance of a Tropical Storm or Hurricane hitting Jamaica is possible anytime between June and November, with September being the most risky. It is prudent to watch the weather conditions a week or two in advance of your travel plans to ensure it is safe to travel late in the year.
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