Praktisch · Kapitel 5
By the HolidayGenie editorial team ·
Entry, Money, Transportation, and Safety Information.
Entry
For German, Austrian, and Swiss citizens: no visa required for up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Before departure: fill out the digital Jamaica Immigration Card (online).
Also be able to show a return ticket at check-in.
Money
- Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD); 1 EUR ≈ 165-175 JMD (fluctuating)
- US Dollars (USD) are accepted everywhere in tourist zones, but at a worse rate than exchange
- Credit cards accepted in hotels, better restaurants, and tours
- Carry cash for small businesses, street food, and tips
- ATMs available in cities and tourist areas
Transportation
Rental Car
In Jamaica, driving is on the left (British heritage). Roads are partly poor, especially inland. Recommended only for experienced drivers. International driving license required.
Route Taxi (Shared Taxi)
Cheapest option for short distances. Taxis follow fixed routes, picking up and dropping off along the way. A few hundred JMD per person.
Private Taxi
Available in tourist zones. Negotiate the price before the ride. Licensed taxis have red plates with "PP".
Knutsford Express
Comfortable long-distance bus between main locations (Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Port Antonio). Punctual, air-conditioned, bookable online.
Domestic Flights
Limited, mostly only Kingston–Montego Bay by SkyHigh Aviation or charter.
Safety
Jamaica has a high crime rate in certain districts of Kingston and Montego Bay — the murder rate is one of the highest in the Caribbean. However, tourist areas are well monitored and generally safe.
- Safe in resorts and tourist streets during the day
- Do not walk alone through unfamiliar streets at night
- Leave valuables in the hotel, do not wear expensive watches/chains visibly
- Use official taxis (with PP plates)
- Certain neighborhoods in Kingston (e.g., Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens) only with guided tours
- Be cautious with marijuana offers from strangers — despite decriminalization, it is not legal for tourists
Achtung
The Foreign Office has safety notices for parts of Jamaica. Check the latest notices from the Foreign Office before traveling.
Health
- Tap water drinkable in most tourist areas, but many travelers prefer bottled water
- Sun protection very important — even when cloudy
- Mosquito protection — due to dengue and (rare) Zika cases
- Standard vaccinations (Tetanus, Hepatitis A recommended)
- Good private clinics in Kingston and Montego Bay, public care simpler
- Travel health insurance with repatriation strongly recommended
Useful Information
Emergency Numbers
- 119 — Police
- 110 — Fire/Rescue
- 120 — Coast Guard
Embassy
German Embassy in Kingston: 10 Waterloo Road. For Austria and Switzerland: Consular protection is usually provided through the embassies in Cuba or the USA — contact the Foreign Office / EDA in an emergency.
Websites
- Jamaica Tourist Board: visitjamaica.com
- Knutsford Express: knutsfordexpress.com
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