First Time in Jamaica: What You Need to Know

You'll see a lot of first-timer lists written from a resort lobby. This isn't one of those. This is what we tell friends before they visit.

Money

USD is accepted everywhere tourists go. You'll get a better rate at cambios than at the airport. Most places give change in JMD even if you pay in USD, factor it in. Tipping is 10-15% and it matters; most service staff depend on it.

Getting around

Don't rent a car on your first trip. The driving is left-side, fast, and mountain roads have no shoulders. Use private drivers (most hotels can arrange them) or the JUTA network. For short hops, route taxis are cheap and widely used by locals; most visitors stick to daylight hours and travel with someone who knows the route.

Weather

November to April is high season for a reason, dry, breezy, 80°F. May through October is hot and humid, with afternoon showers you can almost set a watch by. Hurricane season peaks August-October. If weather forces a cancellation, we refund in full or reschedule at no cost.

Cultural notes

• 01Greet before you ask. 'Good morning' before 'where can I find...'
• 02Jamaicans are direct. Asking twice is not rude; it signals interest.
• 03Patwa is its own language. English works fine, but ask about a word and people light up.
• 04Don't haggle in restaurants. Do haggle in markets, politely.