The birthplace of Bob Marley, Jamaica is unsurprisingly the much loved Caribbean destination among the travelers. Apart from the origin of reggae, there are various other reasons that make this a favorite tourist spot.
The delicious food, Blue Mountain Coffee, Red Stripe Beer, stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, eye-pleasing natural backdrop, and majestic waterfalls make it a must-visit country. If you’re wondering to travel to the country, you need to know some important things that will help in kicking-off a smooth sojourn.
In the feed, we have gathered 5 things you need to know before visiting Jamaica. Keep reading!
The Best Time To Travel
If you’re planning a vacation to Jamaica you should possibly know the best time to do so. The best time plays an important role in packing and planning out the whole trip. Generally, the country has a hot climate all year round with temperature ranging from 27o C to 30o C. The best time to travel is during the winter season that offers a balmy climate to all the tourists. You should plan your vacay from November to mid-March. January to March is regarded as the peak travel season where the place experiences hordes of tourists.
Currency
Usually, when you travel to any destination you need a currency exchange. Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is the currency of the county that you need to visit the bank for money exchange once you enter the country. However, if you’ve American Dollars with you, you are not supposed to get the USD exchanged into JMD as the US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country. Still, we would recommend you to have some of the local currency as if you’re traveling to off-beat destinations or to the suburbs you require the Jamaican Dollars.
The Country Is Expensive
Getting around the country is quite expensive. Unless, you’re staying nearby to the destinations, traveling around the country is a costly affair. Taxi fares are hefty so we would suggest you opt for Buses that are a cheap alternative but make sure you avail the bus service through trusted companies. However, if you’re willing to travel to some nearby spots, for instance, to a beach just 15 minutes drive from your resort you can rent a car or book a taxi as for shorter distances taxis would be a quick and great option.
Tap Water is Safe
Unlike, most of the countries around the vicinity, tap water in Jamaica is safe to drink. There are many tourist destinations such as Mexico that don’t offer a safe tap water experience but Jamaica is totally a safe spot. You need not get water bottles each time as you can fill them with tap water anytime you want, thus no more expense on buying water bottles. You can safely use the water to gargle or brush your teeth. But we would advise you to be slightly cautious when traveling to remote areas as water filtration there could be questionable.
Food is Delicious
Jamaica offers a vast platter, embellished with diverse food and tastes. Every region here has their own tastes and cuisines and you ought to taste that. The famous dishes that you must try include oxtail stew, Jamaican coffee, patties, ackee, and the national dish salt fish. Jamaica is truly a food lover’s paradise!
Marijuana Is Illegal
Marijuana is considered to be a taboo in the Jamaican culture and despite the prohibition, you might find hawkers on the beach selling it to you. So, if you want to consume, consume it at your own risk.