Jamaica Insider Tips, No woman, no cry in Jamaica…

Enjoy your holiday to Jamaica with lowcostholidays.com travel tips...

Beautiful beaches…

Jamaica is home to some of the most amazing beaches in the Caribbean. Miles of sandy beaches and rich blues seas create an idyllic location for soaking up the sun and adventurous water sports. Don’t let mandatory hazards ruin you Jamaican beach break, make sure you keep yourself hydrated; drink plenty of water and watch out for heatstroke signs.

Remember your Ibuprofen tablets or gel and spray on lots of insect repellent before you go out; sand flies on Jamaican beaches are particularly prominent in the late afternoon and if you get bitten your skin can be itchy and irritating.

Jamaica’s year round tropical climate provides high temperatures of around 31°C, it is essential you take the relative sun cream with you as you can burn even on cloudy days.

Beach vendors may hassle you to buy fruit and drinks, but don’t worry a polite but firm “no thank you” will assure them you’re not interested.

How do I get around?

Driving your own or air-conditioned car in Jamaica is a comfortable, reliable way of getting around, it also gives you the freedom to map your own journey. Unfortunately car rental in Jamaica can be pricey so look around the abundant car dealerships before you make any deals. General attentiveness is necessary when driving as Jamaican drivers are not known for their caution; look out for cows and goats on the road, especially in country areas. Remember to drive on the left and always wear a seatbelt.

Jamaican bus services are cheap and cheerful but unless you stay in the city centres, you shouldn’t expect a fast efficient service, just like Jamaican culture; a relaxed, unhurried value is its forte.

Taxis in Jamaica usually don’t have metres, so negotiate a price before you get in. The officially licenced taxis can be recognised by their red number plates and you can flag them down when you see them.

Carnival…

If you’re looking for the best nightlife in Jamaica, lowcostholidays recommend you travel in spring where you can party all day at the celebrated carnivals; expect drinking, dancing, singing and exciting entertainment on the crowded streets of Jamaica. Revellers can enjoy costumed street processions, open-air dancehall, reggae and soca music performances, street fetes, beauty competitions, beach parties and much more. You will find most of the events are free, make sure any money you are carrying is kept in a safe place, not your back pocket. Be especially wary in heaving crowds, more violent crimes can happen during these times.

Money:

The Jamaican dollar is the local currency and by law you must use local currency when paying for all goods on the island, having said this you are likely so many people trading with US dollars. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged in banks on the island, remember to keep your receipt if you plan on exchanging back your money, just for proof you didn’t trade on the black market. Most banks are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 2pm.

Shopping:

You’ll find great duty free bargains shopping in Jamaica and haggling is a great local tradition in street markets. Traditional Jamaican hand crafts and Jamaican rum are always a popular buy and make great souvenirs.

Museums and attractions:

Of course everyone wants to pay their respects to the legendary Bob Marley when in Jamaica. Located in uptown Kingston, the Bob Marley Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. It is advised you don’t drive to the site unless you know the roads of Jamaica, lack of road signage generate a difficult journey and many people tend to drift off route. Get a taxi from Kingston so you don’t have to worry about finding it.

Jerk Chicken, curry goat and beef patties…

You haven’t experienced true Jamaica culture until you try the food; spicy exotic variations of meats and vegetables will blow your mind away.

Dining in Jamaica is a calm laid-back experience. Table manners are considered less important than enjoying the food and company of others, so feel free to pick up your chicken with your hands in the informal restaurants.

You will find street vendors on nearly every corner in Jamaica, serving the traditional Jamaican food like fish tea, plantain, roast yams with salt fish and of course the best on the go snack; Jamaican patties. If you tend to have a weak stomach, it’s probably best to stay away from the spicy options and buy food from licenced grocery stores and restaurants.

Other useful tips:

• The official language in Jamaica is English, although you may have a little trouble understanding it. Locals talk quite fast and many speak Patois; a mixture between African and English, you may recognise some of the words from famous reggae songs.
• Locals will speak to you on the street, they may offer to braid your hair, give you a massage or wash your car but be aware, they are expected a fee in return even if they don’t mention it. If you do feel intimidated, don’t panic as there are tourist police everywhere.
• Avoid public displays of affection in same-sex relationships. In Jamaica, homosexuality is against the law and is culturally unacceptable.
• Some restaurants will add a service charge of 10-15%; make sure you check your bill before leaving a tip on top of a large service charge.