Jamaica
Travel tips for Jamaica: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cards widely accepted. Cards are widely accepted at major hotels, supermarkets, and tourist-focused restaurants, but you should carry local cash (JMD) for small vendors, beach sellers, local bars, and gas stations.
Try the food
- Ackee and Saltfish: Jamaica's national dish features salted cod sautéed with boiled ackee fruit, onions, Scotch bonnet peppers, and spices.
- Jerk Chicken: Chicken is marinated in a fiery mixture of allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers, then slow-cooked over pimento wood.
- Jamaican Patty: A baked, flaky pastry filled with highly seasoned ground beef, chicken, or vegetables.
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type A / Type B
- Voltage
- 110V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- Tap water
- Usually safe
- Emergency
- 119 (police), 110 (ambulance/fire)
- SIM tip
- Pick up a Digicel or Flow prepaid SIM card at the airport kiosks in Kingston or Montego Bay, or purchase an eSIM online before your trip for instant connectivity.
Etiquette
Always greet locals with a polite 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon' before asking a question or starting a transaction, and tip 10-15% in restaurants unless a service charge is already included.