Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean and lies 90 miles south of Cuba. It is the largest english speaking island. Jamaicans also speak a dialect known as patois (patwa). The population is diverse and is made up largely of people of the following descents, West Africans, Europeans, Chinese, Indians and a little middle Eastern. Hence our Motto, Out of Many, One People.

The island is divided into three counties, Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey. These counties are further divided into a total of fourteen parishes. Each parish has a capital. For example, Montego Bay is the capital of the parish of St James. The capital of each parish is usually the main business hub. For more information on Jamaica, our people and the culture,

Get Jamaica

Food

From our infamous jerked chicken, rice and kidney bean (rice and peas) steamed in coconut milk, curried goat, escoveitch fish and ackee and saltfish, THE JAMAICAN CUISINE is a mixture of cooking techniques and spices passed down from generation to generation.

The cooks at the villas will not disappoint with their renditions of the local fares and others of your choice.  Here is a SAMPLE MENU from which you can choose items to help with your meal planning/requests.

Currency

The Jamaican dollar is the local currency, however United States, Canadian Dollars, Euro and the Pound Sterling are also acceptable. It is also advisable to have some of your foreign currency converted to local dollars.

While cash is accepted everywhere, credit/debit cards are only accepted in supermarkets, duty-free stores, some restaurants and other establishments where indicated. For more information, please see the following:

Visit Jamaica

It is very important that your bank or credit card issuer be notified of your travel plans. Your bank or credit card issuer may put a block on your card(s) should activity be seen on it, outside of your country of residence.

Jamaica’s Airport Customs 

For more information on what you can take into or out of Jamaica, please see VISA HQ or JAMAICA CUSTOMS

Airport Arrival

We recommend that you arrive to the Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay. All our villas are located 55 minutes east of the airport and the inclusive round-trip airport transfers (for stays of 7 nights or more,  only cover those from/to the airport in Montego Bay.  

After clearing Immigration and Customs proceed to the Arrivals Lobby where you will exit to your right. Our driver and/or Rep will be awaiting you with a sign displaying My Vacation Escape Services

Entry Requirements

Each visitor is required to have a valid passport along with round-trip tickets. Depending on which country you are traveling from, you may need a visa. For more information, please check with Visa HQ or Jamaica Customs

Cell Phones

Cell phone service is available throughout the island. However, we advise that you check with your local provider about the cost, as calls to/from your cell phones, using our local provider, can be very expensive. 

Electrical System

Our electrical system is compatible with most American appliances. 110 volts/50 cyle is standard and you may find 220 volts in some villas. Visitors from Europe should take along an adapter.

There are power outages from time to time and while only a handful of properties have generators there are others that only have flashlights and/or candles as back up.

Internet Service

Wireless internet service is available in some public areas, it is available at all the houses we represent. The usage is free at the house and in some of these public areas.

Getting Married

Jamaica is one of the most popular places for Destination Weddings and also one of the few places that do not require a blood test before marriage. Visitors can get married 24 hours after arrival, provided that prior arrangements were made to secure a marriage licence. 

In order to get a marriage licence, the following documentation will be needed:

  1. Proof of citizenship, in the form of a certified copy of your birth certificate. The birth certificate must include the father’s name.

  2. Original certificate of divorce or annulment.

  3. Written consent from parents if parties are under 18 years.

  4. Persons from non-english speaking countries will need a notarized, translated copy of all documents and photocopy of the original documents in their native language.

  5. Certified copy of death certificate for a widow or widower.

 For more information, contact your Wedding Coordinator or any Jamaica Tourist Board office worldwide.

Checklist At A Glance

  • Passport(s).

  • Name, address and telephone number of where you will be vacationing.
    (For Immigration purposes)

  • Airline tickets.

  • Notify Bank/Credit Card provider of travel plans.

  • Sunscreen/sunblock.

  • Sun protective swimwear.

  • Prescription medicines.

  • Insect repellent.