CUSTOMS
U.S. visitors are allowed to leave Jamaica with (U.S.) S400 worth of goods after a 48-hour visit. Two liters of liquor per person are allowed duty-free, if at least one liter is manufactured in Jamaica. Always use a credit card when possible. Other visitors should check with Customs. Canadian residents are allowed to claim goods of $300 yearly on a seven-day absence and $100 on a 48-hour absence. Alcohol and tobacco products are not eligible under these exemptions. Only one of the above exemptions may be claimed on one trip; you cannot pool your exemption with other travelers. U.K. residents are allowed 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, one liter of spirits or strong liquors, and all other goods including gifts and souvenirs, £36 sterling value.
Currently there is a departure tax of $1000 Jamaican, but the rate is subject to change without prior notice due to the fluctuation of the Jamaican dollar.
110 volts/50 cycles is standard; 220 volts is available at some hotels.
Visitors from the U.S.A. and Canada must carry proof of citizenship in the form of a passport, or birth certificate with raised seal along with a photo identification. Citizens from the U.K. and Japan are required to have passports. All other countries, contact the nearest Jamaica Tourist Board for entry requirements.
It's illegal to take firearms or ammunition into or out of Jamaica.
A 15 percent government tax has been introduced to replace the accommodations and other indirect taxes.
You can get married 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica if you have applied for your marriage license and submitted proof of status. You will need proof of citizenship (certified copy of birth certificate, signed by a notary public, which includes father's name); parent's written consent if under 21 years of age; proof of divorce if applicable (certified copy or original certificate of divorce); copy of death certificate for widow or widower. You don't need a blood test.
Animals are not allowed to enter Jamaica.
Most religious denominations are represented in Jamaica. Check with the front desk or concierge at your hotel for information on churches nearest you.
Lightweight tropical clothing is best throughout the year. Swimwear is acceptable on the beaches or around the pool, but not on the streets.
Telex, facsimile, cable, radio, television and telephones are throughout the island.
Major credit cards are accepted islandwide. Gasoline must be purchased in cash.
The rate of exchange is subject to fluctuation. Under Jamaican law, it is illegal to take Jamaican currency into or out of the country. Purchases may be made in Jamaican currency, except at in-bond stores, where duty-free purchases must be made in U.S. currency, traveler's checks or credit cards. There is an exception - when purchasing liquor, Jamaican currency is allowed. Currency may be exchanged at any bank or at Exchange Bureaus islandwide.
Eastern Standard Time. Jamaica does not observe daylight-saving time.
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