Do I need a passport to travel to Jamaica?

Yes, you will require a passport to travel anywhere outside of Canada.

 

What kind of currency should I use in Jamaica?

US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and most times elsewhere too.  While you can choose to use USD, what I usually do is go to the currency exchange before leaving Canada and get about $10,000 Jamaican dollars (approx $145 CAD).  This gets me through the first couple days and then I use my ATM card at Scotiabank ATM machines which are located everywhere in Jamaica.  The ATM’s give the option of USD or J$ as well.  The disadvantage of using USD is that if you pay in US you are typically given your change in J$.  Its more difficult to calculate the exchange on the fly, and you don’t know if you’re getting correct change.

Click here for current exchange rate.

 

What’s the climate like in Jamaica?

Variations in temperature range from 90 F (32 C) on the coasts to 40 F (4 C) on the peaks. Kingston, at sea level, has an average daily maximum temperature of 88 F (31 C) and an average daily minimum of 71 F (22 C). At Stony Hill, 1,400 feet above sea level, the maximum and minimum means are 86 F (30 C) and 68 F (20 C). 

 

What about the drinking water?

All drinking water in Jamaica is purified and filtered by the most modern methods and is safe for consumption.

 

What do I pack?

A variety of shorts and sleeveless tops, swimsuits and flip flops!  Don’t forget your sunscreen and a beach towel.

 

What language do they speak in Jamaica?

Jamaica is an English speaking country….however, that being said you will typically hear them speak Patois among themselves.  Patois is a broken and slang version of English that’s difficult to understand unless you’re regularly exposed to it.  But don’t worry, when speaking with tourists they’ll use proper English with a nice Jamaican accent.

 

Have a question that I didn’t answer?  Email it to me and I’ll add it to this list for the next guy who wants to know.