Key facts
Jamaica is a country located in Caribbean. The country has no land neighbors.
English is an official language in Jamaica. It means that if you speak it, you would be able to communicate with almost everyone. If not, it is highly recommended that you acquire some basic English before traveling to Jamaica.
The national currency in Jamaica is Jamaican dollar (JMD). The dollar (J$) is subdivided into 100 cent (c).
Jamaican
Banknotes
$50$100$500$1000$1$2$5$10$20$5000
Jamaican
Coins
25c$1$5$10$201c5c10c50c
Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.
Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Jamaica is 93.8 Mbps and mobile is 41.49 Mbs.The global average is 187.01 Mbps and 128.37 Mbps respectively.
ATM Density The number of ATMs per person in Jamaica is close to the world average.39.69 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.
SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in Jamaica, a passport or ID is required as identification.
Socket types
There are 2 socket types used in Jamaica. Type A & Type B are widespread in North America (incl. the U.S.), Central America, Japan, and the Philippines.
The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).
Public holidays
In the year 2024, Jamaica will celebrate 10 national public holidays. The next one Labour Day will take place on May 23.
| Date | Holiday name | |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2024 | New Year’s DayNew Year’s Day | |
| February 14, 2024Moving holiday | Ash WednesdayAsh Wednesday | |
| March 29, 2024Moving holiday | Good FridayGood Friday | |
| April 1, 2024Moving holiday | Easter MondayEaster Monday | |
| May 23, 2024 | Labour DayLabour Day | |
| August 1, 2024 | Emancipation DayEmancipation Day | |
| August 6, 2024Moving holiday | Independence DayIndependence Day | |
| October 16, 2024 | National Heroes DayNational Heroes Day | |
| December 25, 2024 | Christmas DayChristmas Day | |
| December 26, 2024 | St. Stephen’s DayBoxing Day |
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
Tourism
What hotel chains are present in Jamaica?
There are no Mariott hotels in Jamaica.
The Hilton hotel chain operates in Jamaica.
The IHG hotel chain operates in Jamaica.
There are no Best Western hotels in Jamaica.
There are no Radisson hotels in Jamaica.
There are no Accor hotels in Jamaica.
What fast food chains are present in Jamaica?
The McDonald’s chain does not operate in Jamaica.
The KFC chain operates in Jamaica.
The Burger King chain operates in Jamaica.
The Subway chain operates in Jamaica.
The Domino’s Pizza chain does not operate in Jamaica.
The Starbucks chain does not operate in Jamaica.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Kingston?
Weather data for Kingston (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com
Transport
Railways There are no passenger trains available.
Subway Systems There is no subway system in any city.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in Jamaica
Sources
- Jamaica Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for Jamaica (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking ban Smoking is forbidden in all public indoor locations, with limited exceptions.
Cananbis legality Recreational usage: Decriminalized up to 2oz (57 grams). Legal for Rastafari.
Medical usage: Legal
The products are only for your own use or consumption, or as a present for members of your household. They may not be imported for commercial purposes under any circumstances.
Alcohol allowance
- 2L of alcoholic beverages
Tobacco allowance
- 200 cigarettes,50 cigars or 230 grams of tobacco
Sources
- What are my duty-free allowances and exemptions? (Jamaica Customs Agency)
- List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
- Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)