Dress
The climate average temperature year-round is 82° F/28° C in the lowlands. Bathing suits and barefeet on the beach is common. Some areas frown on wearing bathing suits in public areas. A sundress or shorts are appropriate for nightwear unless dinning at upscale restaurants. There are some topless bathing areas in Negril

Area Code & Telephone
876 is the area code for the entire island. Local and overseas calls can be made from your room or the reception area of your hotel. We advise using a locally purchased calling card rather than collect calls or home plan calling cards. The rates are usually cheaper in Jamaica than at home. For your convenience, GFT has several cell phones that can be used to make calls at any hour of the day with the purchase of a calling card.

Documents
U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport or either a certified birth certificate with raised seal and a photo I.D. All other travelers need a valid passport. All visitors must have a return ticket for entry into Jamaica.

Electricity
Some wall outlets are standard U.S. currents (120v/60 cycles); some are European. Most hotels will have converters readily available, although it doesn't hurt to take your own, just in case.

Email & Internet Usage
For your local and international email and Internet access, there are several small stores and cafes in the area. A fee is always charged.

Medical Clinic
Jamaica has small but adequate medical centers throughout the island. Minor injuries and sunburns can be treated, but we recommend that you fill all Rx before leaving home. Some people find that packing two supplies of prescribed medication in different suite cases gives them an added peace of mind. Charges apply for consultations, as your insurance will not be accepted.

Tipping
There is a departure tax out of Jamaica. Waiters and bartenders should be tipped 15%, hotel maids US$ 1-2 per person, per day; bellhops US $1 per bag, and drivers 10% of the fare.

Ground Transportation
GFT will arrange all excursion transportation, airport transfers and occasional trips to the market for money exchange and purchases. If you find that you need transportation other than these times, we have contracts with several local taxi drivers for your convenience. If you must use a Mini-bus or taxi outside of our partners, they are readily available with varying rates. In all cases, ask for the rate in advance. Taxis are both regulated (preset fares) and unregulated (charge what they can get).

Personal Safety
Most hotels offer the use of safes in your room or the main office. Please be sure to lock your valuables in the safe and take the key with you. The dress is almost always casual on the island, so you should leave your most expensive jewelry at home. Jamaica is as safe as your hometown. Just as you would not venture out alone at night in an unknown area, use the same precaution in Jamaica. At all times, someone is available with GFT via two cell phones. Please do not hesitate to call them for any reason.

1. Travelling Solo in Jamaica