Climate

Jamaica is a tropical island located in the Western Caribbean Sea between 17oC - 18oC North and 76oC - 78oC. Jamaica lies to the South of Cuba and the West of Hispaniola.

The climate is tropical with an average temperature 27 degrees. Higher temperatures are recorded during the summer months of May to September. It is also appreciably cooler in the areas of higher elevation where temperatures can fall as low as 13oC.

The terrain is mountainous interspersed with valleys, plains and rivers. Jamaica's famed Blue Mountain range (home of Blue Mountain Coffee) rises in the east of the island reaching a peak of 2,256m. The plains are usually expansive and provide ample arable lands to support agricultural productivity.

The tropical climate supports Jamaica's main industry - Tourism, with its conduciveness to sun, sand and sea. The island also boasts a plethora of tropical flora and fauna, several of which are indigenous to the island.

Currency

The Jamaican Dollar (J$) is legal tender in Jamaica. Several major entities also accept payment in United States dollars (US$). The exchange rate is fluid but currently varies between J$61:US$1 and J$62:US$1. Banks offer exchange for most major currencies including British Pound Sterling (?), Canadian Dollars, and Euros. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Dress Code

Jamaica's dress code is aligned to the Western standard. Suits are worn for formal and business occasions. Otherwise, light clothing is recommended, especially for outdoor wear. Sunscreen and sunglasses should also be used to avoid over-exposure to the sunlight.

Local Time

Jamaica time is 5 hours behind GMT during Standard time. This is equivalent to EST on the East Coast of the United States. Jamaica however, does not observe Daylight Saving Time, and therefore moves to 6 hours behind GMT during that period (1 hour behind EDT).

Utilities

Electricity in Jamaica runs on 50Hz, 110V. North American style outlets are the standard, though some hotels offer Continental outlets as well. The telephone system is on par with the global standard and mobile technology is easily accessible. Jamaica currently has three service providers offering GSM and CDMA technology. To check whether your phone will work, pleas confirm whether your service provider has a roaming agreement with one of Jamaica's providers. Otherwise, a temporary SIM card can be bought for use while in Jamaica.

Hotels

Numerous hotels operate across the island, with the majority situated in the tourist resort areas of the North Coast. In Kingston, several hotels cater to vacationers and the business traveller. The most popular are:

The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

81 Knutsford Boulevard
Kingston 5
Tel: 876-926-3690-9
Fax: 876-929-5855
E-mail: jmpegasus@cwjamaica.com
http://www.jamaicapegasus.com/
Average room rate: USD115 - USD150

The Hilton Kingston Hotel

77 Knutsford Boulevard
Kingston 5
Tel: 876-926-5430
Fax: 876-929-7439
http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=KINHITW
Average room rate: USD155 - USD210

The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites

85 Knutsford Boulevard
Kingston 5
Tel: 876-929-9000
Fax: 876-926-7744
E-mail: courtleigh@cwjamaica.com
http://www.courtleigh.com
Average room rate: USD115

The Terra Nova All Suites Hotel

17 Waterloo Road
Kingston 10
Tel: 876-926-2211, 926-9334
Fax: 876-929-4933
E-mail: terranova@cwjamaica.com
www.terranovajamaica.com
Average room rate: USD135 - USD145

Knutsford Court Hotel

11 Ruthven Road
Kingston 10
Tel: 876-929-1000
Fax: 876-960-7373
E-mail: sales@knutsfordcourt.com
http://www.knutsfordcourt.com
Average room rate: USD100

Altamont Court Hotel

1-5 Altamont Terrace
Kingston 5
Tel: 876-929-4497-8
Fax: 876-929-2118
E-mail: altamont@n5.com.jm
www.cariboutpost.com/altamont
Average room rate: USD95 - USD110

Transportation (Taxi & Public Transportation)

Transportation from the airport to the main hotel areas in New Kingston is readily available. Fares range between US$30 and US$40 for the 30-minute journey. Taxi services are also available from the hotels to the shopping district, and can be chartered for day trips as well.

Public transportation (buses) run frequently but is usually crowded with busy commuters. Fares are J$30 per trip.

Conference Centre

The Jamaica Conference Centre is the premier one of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, and home to the Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority. It boasts five Conference Rooms, three Caucus Rooms, Printery, Reception Foyer, Dining Block, several Delegates Lounges and Offices. The Conference rooms are fully equipped with simultaneous translation/interpreting facilities for six languages.

For further details please visit the Conference Centre's website at:
http://www.jamaicaconference.com/index.htm

Sightseeing Introduction to Kingston & Montego Bay

Kingston

Kingston is known as the heartbeat of Jamaica. It is the capital city and centre of business, government and cultural activity. The main attractions in Kingston include the Bob Marley Museum, Royal Botanical Gardens (Hope Gardens), Devon House, the Institute of Jamaica and National Museum of Jamaica. Kingston is also a hot spot for dining and entertainment with a range of options to suit any taste. These include cinema, theatre, nightclubs and restaurants. Dining options include Chinese, European, and of course Jamaican dishes. Fast food chains are also in plentiful supply.

A short journey will take visitors to the historical sites in Spanish Town, Jamaica's first capital, and Port Royal, once renowned as 'the Wickedest City on Earth' because of its home to the early pirates and buccaneers.

Montego Bay

Montego Bay is Jamaica's second city and its tourist capital. It is the gateway to a variety of attractions on the North Coast, particularly with access to the best beaches. The world famous Dunn's River Falls is approximately 40 minutes by road. The Rose Hall Great House gives visitors an appreciation for the plantation history of the island, while nearby Seville and Discovery Bay in St. Ann provide heritage sites that go back to the days of Christopher Columbus and beyond. Entertainment and nightlife in Montego Bay is centred on the 'Hip Strip' on Gloucester Avenue and includes restaurants, clubs and the 'must visit' Margaritaville.

Montego Bay is a stone's throw away from Negril, a relaxed town with a seven-mile stretch of white sand beach, perfect for those seeking a getaway. Ocho Rios, a bustling resort town, with beautiful beaches and entertainment and shopping of its own is located approximately an hour's drive away.