Transportation

1. Air

The Donald Sangster International Airport at Montego Bay and Norman Manley Airport in Kingston are served by several international and domestic flights on a daily basis. Air travel within cities and towns in Jamaica is fast and reliable. Air Jamaica Express operates from Montego Bay and Kingston and connects all areas in Jamaica that has a landing field, on a daily basis. Air Negril operates daily from Montego Bay to Negril. F

Air Jamaica Express: 876-922-4661, 952-5401 or 800-523-5585

Air Negril: 876-940-7747 or 876-884-6347.

2. Bus

Tourists in Jamaica can choose to travel by bus to different parts of the islands. Buses are the most economic options for getting around the island and to cities and towns, but are not very punctual.

Bus fares on buses and minibuses are extremely low. It is approximately $1 for every 50 miles on a bus and between $1.50 and $2.50 for the same distance on a minibus. A minibus Negril can be used to travel across a town for as low as $2.

3. Car

Cars can be rented easily at major cities in Jamaica such as Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Large car rental firms offer quality service, but at a slightly high price as compared to the local companies.

The rent can be pretty steep during the peak seasons. You can expect to pay about $120 per day. This amount also includes compulsory collision damage waiver coverage. Off-season rates can drop to about $35 per day. In order to rent a car in Jamaica, you must be over 25, have a valid driver's license from another country and have a valid credit card.

4. Ferry

Ferries operate on a regular basis between Kingston and Port Royal. Port Antonio also has a ferry service that runs 24 hours a day and connects it with Navy Island. Admiralty Transport and Bequia Express are reputed ferry operating services in Jamaica and operate between Jamaica and Port Elizabeth, charging about $15 one way. Travel time is about 1 hour.

5. Ship

A large number of cruise ships start at various ports in America and arrive at Jamaica on a regular basis. Cruises to Jamaica are a popular way to get to the island and last for about two to three weeks.

6. Taxi

The official taxis in Jamaica are authorized members of the Jamaican Union of Travelers Association, or JUTA. The drivers are licensed by the firm and the taxi's license plate will be colored in red and will display PPV for Public Passenger Vehicle. Rogue and ‘pirate' taxis also roam the streets of Jamaican cities and towns. Visitors are advised against using such taxis. Another type of taxi in Jamaica is the shared taxi that operates on short routes around the town and resembles a small van. As many taxi drivers do not go by the meter, negotiation of the cab fare and currency to be used for payment is essential before using the service.

G. Facts and Figures

- Official Name: Jamaica

- Passport/Visa Requirements: A passport valid for a minimum of six months is required. U.S. citizens that hold a birth certificate and photo identification may not require a passport. Visas are necessary for all tourists that visit the island for a period of 90 days and above.

- Population: 2,758,124

- Languages: English, patois English

- Predominant Religions: Protestant 61.3% (Church of God 21.2%, Seventh-Day Adventist 9%, Baptist 8.8%, Pentecostal 7.6%, Anglican 5.5%, Methodist 2.7%, United Church 2.7%, Jehovah's Witness 1.6%, Brethren 1.1%, Moravian 1.1%), Roman Catholic 4%, other including some spiritual cults 34.7%

- Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (daylight savings time is not observed)

- Voltage Requirements: 110 volts; 50 cycles

- Telephone Codes: 876 country code.