For your convenience, The Ritz-Carlton has provided the following information to help you plan for and enjoy your stay with us.
Electricity
The standard is 110 volts. Hotels usually offer voltage converters for 220 volt devices. Some sockets do not accept polarized or three-prong plugs.
Time Zone
Standard time zone is UTC/GMT - 5 hours, the time zone is Eastern Standard Time
Languages
The official language is English. In the tourism industry, English and Spanish are mainly spoken. The native islanders typically speak in a regional patois, which is a combination of Spanish, English, and assorted African tongues.
Local Currency
The official currency is the Jamaican Dollar; however, U.S. dollars are accepted island-wide. The exchange rate for the U.S. dollar fluctuates almost daily. Currency exchange service is available at the hotel's front desk 24 hours. Most Foreign Exchanges are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hours of Work/Business
The work/business hours are from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
Banking Hours
Banks in Montego Bay are open Monday through Friday, usually 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Very few branches are open on Saturdays.
Shopping Hours
Most shopping areas are open daily from 9 a.m.
Tipping
10-15% of the bill in restaurants and bars
Telephones
The area code is 876. Calls to and from the United States incur long-distance charges. International calls are made by first dialing 011 followed by the numbers.
Emergency Phone Number
General emergency number 119, fire and ambulance 110
Private Transportation
Exclusive transportation such as limousines, yachts and fishing boats is available for private excursions or transfers to and from the airport. For pricing and reservations, please contact the tour desk at our concierge. The Tour Desk is independently operated by The Jamaica Tours Limited.
Taxis
Always ask about the fare before taking the cab. Most hotels will have a list of official rates. The official taxi operators in Jamaica are JUTA and JCAL. (Recommended and registered by the Jamaica Tourist Board)
Rental
There are several rental car companies in Jamaica, and particularly in Montego Bay. For additional information on car rentals, please contact our concierge.
Parking
The hotel provides parking facilities and complimentary valet service. Out side of the hotel, most business places offer either paid or complimentary parking.
Passport
The United States Government requires all travelers to the U.S. traveling by air to have a valid passport when entering/re-entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. This same regulation will go into effect on June 1, 2009 for those traveling by land or sea. For more information, please visit:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
Generally the Jamaican climate is delightful. The average temperature is 77°F (25.5°C) in the winter months and 82°F (28°C) in the summer. The coastal plains of the north shore benefit from the tradewinds blowing off the Atlantic. These are complemented by morning and evening breezes caused by the land heating up by day and cooling at night. In the mountains, the evenings may be a little cold.
Clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens are advisable, while light woolens are suggested for evenings.
International Airports
There are two International Airports in Jamaica, Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, telephone (876) 952-3133 and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, telephone (876) 924-8452.
Private Airport
Departure
We suggest arriving at the airport at least two and a half hours before your international flight. For national flights the airlines suggest that you arrive at the airport at last one hour ahead.