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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

JAMAICA is the third largest of the Caribbean islands and the largest of the English speaking Caribbean islands.

The island covers approximately 4,244 square miles (10,991 sq.km) and is 146 miles long (235 km). widths vary between 22 and 51 miles (35-82 km).

The country is very mountainous, with the highest point, Blue mountain peak,reaching 7,402 feet (2,256 m). The average annual rainfall ai 78 inches (198 cm), and the average temperature is 82 F (27 C)

Jamaica abounds in fine beaches and scenic beauty, and has some 120 rivers.You'll find several mineral springs in Jamaica, four with bathing facilities. The two public springs are Bath, in St Thomas, and Milk River, in Clarendon. Rockfort Mineral Bath in Kingston is Operated by the Cement Company.

An August 6, 1962, after more than 300 years of British rule, Jamaica became an independent country.

Today, Jamaica remains a part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLOTHING: Lightweight, tropical clothing is best suited throughout the year. On beaches, shorts and swim wear are acceptable. A light sweater is suggested for evening especially in winter. Some hotels require casual evening wear for women and a jacket for men when dining Laundering and dry cleaning facilities, barbering and hairdressers are available

TIME ZONE: Eastern Standard Time.(Jamaica does not observe daylight savings time)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 110 volts/ 50 cycles standard. 220 volts used in some hotels Clothes irons and blow dryers work without adapters. Adapters available where applicable.

WATER: All drinking water is purified and filtered by modern methods. Water temperature is approximately 78 F(25 C)

COMMUNICATIONS: International cables and inland telegrams can be sent from most hotels and post offices, Direct international telephone service operates 24 hours a day. There are three Daily newspapers and five weekend newspapers E-mail, telex, fax,radio and local/cable television are also available.

LANGUAGE: The official language of Jamaica is English, but the JAMAICAN "Patois" a combination of several languages is spoken throughout the island

BANKS & BUSINESS OFFICES: Bank hours island-wide are 9 am to 2 PM, Mon. Through thurs.:9am to 4 PM, Fri. most business offices are open 8:30am to 4:30pm Mon. Through Fri. very few offices are open Sat.

HOSPITALS & MEDICAL FACILITIES

Falmouth (Area Code 1-876)

Falmouth Hospital 954-3250

*Andrews Memorial Hospitals 926-7401

Bustamante Hospital for Children 926-5721

Kingston Public Hospital 926-0210

Medical Associates Hospital 926-1400

*Nuttall Memorial Hospital 926-2139

*St Joseph's Hospital 928-4955

University of West Indies Hospital 927-1620

Lucea Hospital 956-2233

*Hargreaves Memorial Hospital 962-2040

Mandeville Hospital 962-2067

Cornwall Regional Hospital 952-5100

Doctor's Hospital 952-1616

Montego Bay Hope Medical Diagnostic Center 953- 3649

Sav- La-Mar Hospital 955-2533

St Ann's Bay Hospital 972-0150

Port Antonio Hospital 993-2646

Princess Margaret Hospital 982-2304

GENERAL INFORMATION

CHILDREN: Most hotels accept children. There are play grounds island-wide and a zoo at Hope Gardens in Kingston. Baby -sitting services are available ask your travel agent for details

PETS: No pets are allowed. There is no rabies in Jamaica.

CREDIT CARDS: MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED.

CURRENCY: The official rate of exchange fluctuates daily depending on the foreign exchange markets. The rate

(at time of printing): US$1.00=JA$37.41; CA$1.00=JA$24.76; DM$1.00=JA$21.89; Y100=JA$32.84; Lira100=2.21; L1.00=59.83. Foreign currency may be exchanged for Jamaican Dollars at banks or licensed exchange bureaus in airports and hotels. Purchases may be made in any currency recognized by the Jamaican government. Jamaican dollars may be reconverted to foreign currency at Airports Bureau of Exchange upon departure by presenting a foreign exchange receipt. Foreign currency or Jamaican dollars may be taken into or out of Jamaica. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 (or its equivalent in any other foreign currency)or JA$150.000 must be declared to Jamaican Customs/

DEPARTURE TAX: JA$1000 or the equivalent in foreign currency is payable at airport upon departure.

US$15per person is payable for cruise ship passengers.(Subject to change without notice.)

TAX-FREE STATUS: A 1981 treaty between the U.S.and Jamaica makes expenses for a meeting or convention

held in Jamaica tax deductible.

TIPPING: Most hotels have a service charge from 10 -15%. The same amount is generally accepted at restaurants.

BAGGAGE: Includes the transportation and handling of two (2) pieces of luggage check in and carryon person, throughout. Baggage must be within Air Jamaica's weight guideline requirements for air travel excess weight charges are responsibility of the traveler.

Marriage in Jamaica

Visitors can be married just 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica,

Providing prior application has been made for marriage license.

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP:

Proof of citizenship-certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father's name. Parents written

consent,if under 21. Proof of divorce (if applicable)-original certificate of divorce.

Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower. Italian nationals celebrating their marriage in

Jamaica must notify their embassy, and a certified copy of their marriage certificate must be forwarded

to their embassy to be legalized and translated. French Canadians need a notarized translated English

copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents.

Some hotels will make all arrangements for you. Special package prices include performance of ceremony, government tax, transportation cost and expenses incurred, plus any other special requests.

You may also apply in person at

The Ministry of National Security

12 Ocean Blvd., Kingston Mall,

Office hours: Monday- Thursday from 9 am to 5 PM

Friday from 9 am to 4 PM.

Marriage Officers:

Houses of Worship

Bethel Baptist Church: 926-8272

Bethel United Church: Pentecostal, 928-2887

Coke Methodist Church: 922-2224

Jehovah's Witness: 926-7828

Jewish Synagogue: 922-5931

Kingston Parish Church: Episcopal, 922-6888

St. Andrew Parish Church: Episcopal, 926-6692

St. Peter & Paul Catholic: 927-6579

Seventh Day Adventist: 924-1062

Webster Memorial, Church: Presbyterian, 926-6127

Mandeville Baptist Church: 962-3118

Black River Catholic Church: 965-2209

Church of God : 962-7677

Salvation Army: Unlisted

St. Mark's Parish Church: 962-2876

Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Catholic 952-2481

Calvary Baptist Church: 952-4375

Holy Trinity, Church: Episcopal 952-1270

Kings Chapel United Church: Pentecostal 952-1248

St. James Parish Church: Episcopal, 952-2775

Church of God of Prophecy: 974-5511

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church: 974-2384-972-2279

St. Ann's Methodist Church: 972-1074-2286

St. John's Anglican, Episcopal Church: 972-2305

Christ Church, Episcopal Church: 993-2600

Salvation Army Church: 993-3155

St. Anthony's Catholic Church: 993-2747

Church of God: Unlisted

Gate of Heaven Catholic Church: 957-4900

Jehovah's Witness Church: Unlisted

St. George's Parish Church: 955-2731

St. Mary Anglican Church: 957-4578

Seventh Day Adventist Church: Unlisted

United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman: Unlisted

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	TOP CAT ENTERPRISES \| home JAMAICA THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO JAMAICA is the third largest of the Caribbean islands and the largest of the English speaking Caribbean islands. The island covers approximately 4,244 square miles (10,991 sq.km) and is 146 miles long (235 km). widths vary between 22 and 51 miles (35-82 km). The country is very mountainous, with the highest point, Blue mountain peak,reaching 7,402 feet (2,256 m). The average annual rainfall ai 78 inches (198 cm), and the average temperature is 82 F (27 C) Jamaica abounds in fine beaches and scenic beauty, and has some 120 rivers.You'll find several mineral springs in Jamaica, four with bathing facilities. The two public springs are Bath, in St Thomas, and Milk River, in Clarendon. Rockfort Mineral Bath in Kingston is Operated by the Cement Company. An August 6, 1962, after more than 300 years of British rule, Jamaica became an independent country. Today, Jamaica remains a part of the Commonwealth of Nations. GENERAL INFORMATION CLOTHING: Lightweight, tropical clothing is best suited throughout the year. On beaches, shorts and swim wear are acceptable. A light sweater is suggested for evening especially in winter. Some hotels require casual evening wear for women and a jacket for men when dining Laundering and dry cleaning facilities, barbering and hairdressers are available TIME ZONE: Eastern Standard Time.(Jamaica does not observe daylight savings time) ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 110 volts/ 50 cycles standard. 220 volts used in some hotels Clothes irons and blow dryers work without adapters. Adapters available where applicable. WATER: All drinking water is purified and filtered by modern methods. Water temperature is approximately 78 F(25 C) COMMUNICATIONS: International cables and inland telegrams can be sent from most hotels and post offices, Direct international telephone service operates 24 hours a day. There are three Daily newspapers and five weekend newspapers E-mail, telex, fax,radio and local/cable television are also available. LANGUAGE: The official language of Jamaica is English, but the JAMAICAN "Patois" a combination of several languages is spoken throughout the island BANKS & BUSINESS OFFICES: Bank hours island-wide are 9 am to 2 PM, Mon. Through thurs.:9am to 4 PM, Fri. most business offices are open 8:30am to 4:30pm Mon. Through Fri. very few offices are open Sat. HOSPITALS & MEDICAL FACILITIES Falmouth (Area Code 1-876) Falmouth Hospital 954-3250 Kingston Andrews Memorial Hospitals 926-7401 Bustamante Hospital for Children 926-5721 Kingston Public Hospital 926-0210 Medical Associates Hospital 926-1400 Nuttall Memorial Hospital 926-2139 St Joseph's Hospital 928-4955 University of West Indies Hospital 927-1620 LUCEA* Lucea Hospital 956-2233 MANDEVILLE Hargreaves Memorial Hospital 962-2040 Mandeville Hospital 962-2067 MONTEGO BAY* Cornwall Regional Hospital 952-5100 Doctor's Hospital 952-1616 Montego Bay Hope Medical Diagnostic Center 953- 3649 NEGRIL Sav- La-Mar Hospital 955-2533 OCHO RIOS St Ann's Bay Hospital 972-0150 Port Antonio Port Antonio Hospital 993-2646 St. Thomas Princess Margaret Hospital 982-2304 Private Hospital GENERAL INFORMATION CHILDREN: Most hotels accept children. There are play grounds island-wide and a zoo at Hope Gardens in Kingston. Baby -sitting services are available ask your travel agent for details PETS: No pets are allowed. There is no rabies in Jamaica. CREDIT CARDS: MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED. CURRENCY: The official rate of exchange fluctuates daily depending on the foreign exchange markets. The rate (at time of printing): US$1.00=JA$37.41; CA$1.00=JA$24.76; DM$1.00=JA$21.89; Y100=JA$32.84; Lira100=2.21; L1.00=59.83. Foreign currency may be exchanged for Jamaican Dollars at banks or licensed exchange bureaus in airports and hotels. Purchases may be made in any currency recognized by the Jamaican government. Jamaican dollars may be reconverted to foreign currency at Airports Bureau of Exchange upon departure by presenting a foreign exchange receipt. Foreign currency or Jamaican dollars may be taken into or out of Jamaica. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 (or its equivalent in any other foreign currency)or JA$150.000 must be declared to Jamaican Customs/ DEPARTURE TAX: JA$1000 or the equivalent in foreign currency is payable at airport upon departure. US$15per person is payable for cruise ship passengers.(Subject to change without notice.) TAX-FREE STATUS: A 1981 treaty between the U.S.and Jamaica makes expenses for a meeting or convention held in Jamaica tax deductible. TIPPING: Most hotels have a service charge from 10 -15%. The same amount is generally accepted at restaurants. BAGGAGE: Includes the transportation and handling of two (2) pieces of luggage check in and carryon person, throughout. Baggage must be within Air Jamaica's weight guideline requirements for air travel excess weight charges are responsibility of the traveler. Marriage in Jamaica Waiting Period Visitors can be married just 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica, Providing prior application has been made for marriage license. Documentation PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP: Proof of citizenship-certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father's name. Parents written consent,if under 21. Proof of divorce (if applicable)-original certificate of divorce. Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower. Italian nationals celebrating their marriage in Jamaica must notify their embassy, and a certified copy of their marriage certificate must be forwarded to their embassy to be legalized and translated. French Canadians need a notarized translated English copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents. Blood Test None Arrangements Some hotels will make all arrangements for you. Special package prices include performance of ceremony, government tax, transportation cost and expenses incurred, plus any other special requests. You may also apply in person at The Ministry of National Security 12 Ocean Blvd., Kingston Mall, Kingston (876) 922-0080 Office hours: Monday- Thursday from 9 am to 5 PM Friday from 9 am to 4 PM. Marriage Officers: Houses of Worship - Kingston: Area Code 1-(876) Bethel Baptist Church: 926-8272 Bethel United Church: Pentecostal, 928-2887 Coke Methodist Church: 922-2224 Jehovah's Witness: 926-7828 Jewish Synagogue: 922-5931 Kingston Parish Church: Episcopal, 922-6888 St. Andrew Parish Church: Episcopal, 926-6692 St. Peter & Paul Catholic: 927-6579 Seventh Day Adventist: 924-1062 Webster Memorial, Church: Presbyterian, 926-6127 Mandeville: Mandeville Baptist Church: 962-3118 Black River Catholic Church: 965-2209 Church of God : 962-7677 Salvation Army: Unlisted St. Mark's Parish Church: 962-2876 Montego Bay: Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Catholic 952-2481 Calvary Baptist Church: 952-4375 Holy Trinity, Church: Episcopal 952-1270 Kings Chapel United Church: Pentecostal 952-1248 St. James Parish Church: Episcopal, 952-2775 OCHO RIOS: Church of God of Prophecy: 974-5511 Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church: 974-2384-972-2279 St. Ann's Methodist Church: 972-1074-2286 St. John's Anglican, Episcopal Church: 972-2305 Port Antonio: Christ Church, Episcopal Church: 993-2600 Salvation Army Church: 993-3155 St. Anthony's Catholic Church: 993-2747 Negril: Church of God: Unlisted Gate of Heaven Catholic Church: 957-4900 Jehovah's Witness Church: Unlisted St. George's Parish Church: 955-2731 St. Mary Anglican Church: 957-4578 Seventh Day Adventist Church: Unlisted United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman: Unlisted Back To TOP CAT ENTERPRISES Move Forward CLICK HERE Providing Services Through Professional Ethnic Networking ;