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
Time zone: EST - 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 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Hours of Work/Business
The work/business hours are from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Banking Hours
Banks in Montego Bay are open Monday through Friday, usually 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Very few branches are open on Saturdays.
Shopping Hours
Most shopping areas are open daily from 9:00 a.m.
Tipping
10-15% of the bill in restaurants and bars
Emergency Phone Number
General emergency number: 119
Fire: 110
Ambulance: 110
Passport
As of January 23, 2007, 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
NOTICE TO GUESTS: The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced June 8, 2007 that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can nevertheless temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007.
Climate
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.
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 Tel. 876-953-2800, extension 5426 or our concierge at 876-953-2800, extension 5607.
E-mail: rc.mbjrz.concierge@ritzcarlton.com
*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 at 876-953-2800, extension 5607.
Parking
The hotel provides parking facilities and complimentary valet service. Out side of the hotel, most business places offer either paid or complimentary parking.
International Airports
There are two International Airports in Jamaica:
- Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay: Telephone: 876-952-3133
- 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.