A typical first trip here runs about $725 to $1,000 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Jerk chicken, slow-smoked with scotch bonnet peppers and allspice; a world icon
- Ackee and saltfish, the national dish; ackee is a fruit that looks like scrambled eggs
- Rice and peas (kidney beans), served with every meal; "peas" means beans here
- Blue Mountain coffee, one of the world's most exclusive and expensive coffees
- Red Stripe beer and rum punch are the essential drinks
- Jamaica Carnival (April), colorful mas bands and soca music
- Reggae Sumfest (Montego Bay, July), world's premier reggae music festival
- Emancipation Day (August 1) and Independence Day (August 6)
- Bob Marley's Birthday (February 6), celebrated widely in Kingston
- Rastafarianism, an important spiritual and cultural movement originating here
Jamaican Patois (English-based creole) is widely spoken; Standard English is official. Patois can be difficult to understand at first, don't be embarrassed to ask for clarification.
Jamaicans are generally warm and proud of their island's global cultural impact.
- Respect Rastafarian culture, don't mock or treat it as a curiosity
- Negotiating for taxi rides and market prices is expected
- Tipping 10–15% is appreciated in tourist restaurants
- Stick to resort areas or arrange guided tours for maximum safety
Latest for Jamaica
Updates for Jamaica will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.