How to get to Jamaica: choosing the right route. Cheap flights to Jamaica How to get to Jamaica cheaper

The cost of a flight always depends on the time of travel. The chart will allow you to compare prices for air tickets from Moscow to Jamaica, track the dynamics of changes in their cost and find the best offer.

Statistics will help determine the season of low prices. For example, in July prices reach an average of 82,975 rubles, and in February the cost of tickets drops to an average of 49,470 rubles. Plan your trip now!

Site users make hundreds of thousands of searches on our site every day. We analyze this information and create charts to make it easier for you to plan your trips.

What is more profitable – to buy air tickets in advance, avoiding the general rush, or to take advantage of a “hot” offer closer to the departure date? The chart will help you determine the best time to purchase airline tickets.

See how the price of air tickets from Moscow to Jamaica changed depending on the time of purchase. Since the start of sales, their value has changed by an average of 106%. The minimum price for a flight from Moscow to Jamaica is 12 days before departure, approximately 36,072 rubles. The maximum price for a flight from Moscow to Jamaica is 46 days before departure, approximately 133,800 rubles. In most cases early booking helps you save money, take advantage of it!

The cost of air tickets from Moscow to Jamaica does not represent a fixed and constant amount. It depends on many factors, including the day of departure. The dynamics of changes are visible on the graph.

According to statistics, the most affordable option for flights from Moscow to Jamaica is on Tuesdays, their average cost is 53,780 rubles. The most expensive flights are on Saturdays, their average cost is 62,943 rubles. It is worth considering that flights on holidays are usually more expensive. We hope this information will help you plan your travels more effectively.

The cost of air tickets depends not only on the date, but also on the time of departure. An airline can operate several flights on one day, and they will differ in price category.

The graph shows the cost of departure depending on the time of day. For example, the average cost of a ticket from Moscow to Jamaica in the morning is 78,252 rubles, and in the evening 75,317 rubles. Evaluate all conditions and choose the best offer.

The graph shows comparative prices for air tickets from Moscow to Jamaica on the most popular airlines. Based on this information, you can plan your trip and buy air tickets from Moscow to Jamaica from a carrier that suits you.

Statistics will help you choose a flight based on your financial capabilities, as well as your wishes in terms of comfort and flight conditions. Most low prices for flights from Moscow to Jamaica is offered by JetBlue Airways, the most high prices– British Airways.

The most Beautiful places and the main attractions of Jamaica! Photos and videos, descriptions - where to visit in Jamaica, where and when to go on vacation. We tell in interesting article about the country, its resorts, cities, visa, cuisine, holidays, people and the Caribbean Sea

Jamaica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean and is especially known for its all-inclusive resorts. The island is full of legendary tourist places- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and this is only a small part. This big country, is geographically diverse and in order to study it well, you should not limit yourself to the boundaries of your resort.

General information about the country

Where is Jamaica

In the Caribbean Sea 90 miles south of Cuba

Jamaica on the world map

Territory– area about 10,991 square kilometers (234.964 km long, 82.0765 km wide)
Capital of Jamaica– Kingston
Official language- English; local - Patois
Religions– Jamaicans are mostly Protestant, as well as Catholics and Rastafari
Currency– Jamaican dollar; The US dollar is also widely accepted
Country dialing code – +1876
Tips– it is customary to pay 10-15% of the cost of the service
Official site countries – http://www.jamaica.gov.jm

Climate, or when is the best time to go

Throughout the country tropical climate.

High tourist season(December-March).Expect sunny, warm days, especially along the coast. Little rainfall except in Port Antonio and the northeast. It can get cold at night, especially in the mountains.

Avoid visiting during spring break because if you go to Jamaica during America's spring break season in March, you'll pay 25% or more on everything

Average tourist season (April-May). good time for visiting; the weather is still quite dry (again, with the exception of Port Antonio). Reduced prices for accommodation. Much less tourists, especially in larger resorts/cruise ports.

Low season (June-November). At this time there are heavy downpours here, except south coast, and there are also storms, including hurricanes, which usually last from August to October.

Many of the best festivals in Jamaica take place in midsummer

Jamaican culture

Jamaican culture describes Jamaican religion, the Jamaican way of life and Jamaican society as a whole. Jamaican culture- this is what defines a people. A rich cultural and historical heritage awaits visitors to Jamaica, from ancient forts guarding old pirate cities to unique story Rastafarianism and the mysterious culture of the Maroons. And of course, it is the birthplace of reggae music, which is celebrated every day all over this fun-loving island.

Do I need a visa to enter Jamaica?

In order to visit Jamaica in 2019, Russian citizens do not need a visa, but this is only if your stay in the country does not last more than 30 days.

What are the entry requirements to Jamaica?

To enter you will need:

international passport, valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
return tickets by plane or ferry (depending on how you arrived in the country)
hotel reservation confirmation
and of course proof of solvency for the entire stay in the country ($50 per day)
Children over 14 years old, like adults, need a passport (parents provide solvency)
If a child is traveling to Jamaica without parents, for example, with grandparents or as part of a tourist group, then they must provide a nationally certified document in which the parents give their consent for the child to travel abroad

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel to Jamaica

Customs regulations

Passengers may bring duty-free goods into Jamaica in quantities that they can reasonably use for personal use.
It is possible (though unlikely) that you may need to prove that laptops and other expensive items (especially electronics) are intended for personal use; otherwise, you may be charged an import duty.
For getting additional information see Jamaica Customs (www.jacustoms.gov.jm).

How to get to Jamaica

Of course, the easiest way is by plane. You can use connecting flights, for example, from British Airways (but you will need to spend the night in London and move to another airport, and you will need to register transit visa), there is also an option through Amsterdam by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (you will also have to spend the night in Amsterdam).

When departing from the country, you will be charged a fee of $30 (it is included in the ticket price and is charged to all passengers over 14 years of age).

What to do in Jamaica?

Many people come to Jamaica just to lie on the beach, but most still dream of seeing popular attractions or doing something truly local.

Types of recreation presented to tourists on the island:

surfing
rafting
swimming with horses
Hiking in the Blue Mountains
hike to the waterfalls
swimming with dolphins
sightseeing tours and many other interesting things

If you're planning to go scuba diving, look for shops and agencies that offer the best prices, as equipment and tours can vary widely even along the same coast.

Places you must visit

Jamaica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Small Caribbean island Boasting a vibrant culture and wonderful attractions, it is one of the most visited destinations around the world. There are many beautiful things on the island natural wonders, such as glowing lagoon, blue mountains, green grotto caves. Of the man-made attractions, the most famous are Bob Marley Museum, National Gallery Jamaica, Devon House etc.

Jamaica- one of the most big islands in the Caribbean, and tourists have wide choose what they want to see or do in reggae land. Whether you're looking to enjoy local nightlife, beautiful beaches, a secluded getaway or an opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, there's sure to be a place for you. appropriate place in Jamaica.

National cuisine of Jamaica

Jamaican cuisine is a combination of local and imported ingredients, spices and flavors, and cooking methods influenced by the main ethnic groups: Taino, African, European, Chinese and Indian. Although the kitchen has modern appliances used in the food industry, there are age-old processes and tools that are indigenous and traditional that have been used to create delicious dishes for generations.

Fish is a staple of Jamaican cuisine and will be served everywhere you go. Red beans and rice, chicken or pork, sweet potato pudding, and meat pies are also typical Jamaican dishes. While in Jamaica, be sure to try the world famous Blue Mountain coffee. Lunch and street food will cost around $4.50 and dinner will cost around $10.

If you want to save on food, buy food from supermarkets and cook it yourself. Restaurants here are quite expensive, as they are aimed mainly at well-to-do tourists.

Pros and cons of holidays in Jamaica

pros:

magnificent beaches
lively and hospitable population
leisurely, carefree and relaxed lifestyle
live performances from reggae stars throughout the island
tap water is safe to drink

Minuses:

long rainy season
tourist crowds of (mostly American) tourists in high season
few secluded beaches
high crime in city centers such as Montego Bay and Kingston
international flights only operate to Montego Bay and Kingston

Conclusion

In Jamaica you are sure to find plenty interesting events and attractions. From bamboo rafting on rivers, rock climbing, diving, etc. Jamaica is a land of vegetation, water and endless adventure. With a number of tourist attractions around the island, hotels, historical places you will never be bored.

Plan your vacation to Jamaica! When and where is the best time to go? What are the prices in 2020? What is there to do on the island? What do tourists write in reviews? Read our review and tips.

Every year, sunny Jamaica embraces everything more tourists. This island in the Caribbean has comfortable temperatures all year round. Even a difficult flight cannot make Russians give up the desire to soak in the turquoise sea water and listen to rhythmic music.

When is the holiday season in Jamaica? Weather by month

You can relax on an island with a humid tropical climate all year round: in winter the air temperature is +25°C, in summer +30°C, average annual temperature water in the Caribbean Sea is +24°C, in summer +28°C.

Highlight two holiday seasons in Jamaica - in summer, when it is hot and humid, and in winter, when it is dry and cool. In May, June, September and October the island has a low season: high humidity, heavy rains, and from September also hurricanes.

In July and August, the rainy season takes a temporary break: the air temperature is +30... 32°C, there are showers, but not as often and for a shorter duration than at the beginning of summer. Starts in September hurricane season, which rage in the Caribbean until the end of autumn.

In December - February there are winds on the island north winds, bringing coolness: during the day +25°C, at night +20°C. There is practically no rain. At this time, tourists who do not like extreme heat come to Jamaica to relax.

March is the windiest and coldest month of the year, and in April it already gets warmer and you can feel the approach of the rainy season.

(Photo © Peter Q / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Where is the best place to relax in Jamaica?

The main beach area is located along north coast Jamaica, there coastline protected by coral reefs. The most popular resorts Jamaica, according to tourists, is Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio.

Negril considered one of the most clean resorts peace. Famous for its beaches - almost 11 km white sand, as well as reefs and coves. In Negril good conditions for diving. The Long Bay area is considered elite, with expensive hotels, and the West End is preferred by liberal youth. The only nuisance that tourists mentioned was annoying mosquitoes. In the evening, it is better not to appear on the beach without a special mosquito repellent.

Montego Bay famous for its luxury hotels, bars, old mansions and duty free shops. It's boiling here night life and all conditions have been created for practicing various sports. There is a national marine park, where you can dive, fish or just relax.

This modern resort on the shores of Discovery Bay, built on the site of fishing villages. Its main highlight is the picturesque nature. There are thick trees around rainforests, beautiful beaches and cascading waterfalls flowing into the Caribbean Sea.

Port Antonio- a cozy town with beautiful mansions and picturesque views. According to reviews from tourists, for a quiet and relaxing holiday it is worth going to this resort in Jamaica. Port Antonio has the best surfing spots and is also home to the famous Blue Lagoon.

Prices for holidays in Jamaica - 2020

Independent holiday in Jamaica

Another major expense when holidaying in Jamaica is hotel accommodation. In 2020, prices are as follows: a night in a hostel costs from $15, standard Double Room V budget hotel at the resort in high season - from about $40-45. For those who want to live comfortably, here are the prices for holidays in Montego Bay: a 3* hotel room - from $75 and above, 4* - from $200, 5* - from $300 per day. However, budget travelers are better off relaxing in Negril, where prices are slightly lower. We recommend searching for a hotel on Roomguru.ru; it finds the best price by comparing offers in all popular booking systems. It is better to book accommodation in advance, especially if you are going to vacation in Jamaica during the high season.

Want to save money? Avoid Jamaica during spring break in March as prices increase by 25% during this time.

Prices for tours to Jamaica in 2020

Prices for trips to Jamaica cannot be called low: a holiday in the high season of 2020 (for example, in July and August) for 7 nights with a flight from Moscow costs from 200 thousand rubles for two, for 11 nights - from 230 thousand, for 14 - from 260 thousand rubles. "All inclusive" costs from 300 thousand.

In the low season, for example, in May and June 2020, prices for tours fall, and a tour can be purchased from 150 thousand rubles for 7 nights, from 170 thousand for 10-11 nights and from 250 thousand rubles for 14 nights.

(Photo © LeonidasGR / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Entertainment in Jamaica

Jamaica is a musical country, reggae thunders here from morning to night on all beaches and discos. Every year in major cities music festivals take place. But people come to Jamaica not only for beach holiday and nightly entertainment.

The nature of the island is extremely picturesque. Tourists engage in diving, surfing, sailing, walking along rivers, conquering Mountain peaks and study karst caves. While visiting the famous Blue Mountains, you can look at the coffee plantations where one of the best varieties of coffee in the world is grown - Blue Mountain.

Excursions to the capital of Jamaica - Kingston, where you can admire ancient architecture and visit the Bob Marley Museum, thanks to whom Jamaican reggae became popular all over the world, are very popular. Or visit the old Appleton wine plantation and try their signature Jamaican rum.

Holidays with children in Jamaica

In Jamaica there are hotels with children's animation, attractions, water parks and European cafes. For example, the Grand Palladium in Elgin Town. Children will be able to ride a camel or horse, swim with dolphins, watch sharks and stingrays, and take a walk along the river with their parents. However, the main contingent of vacationers on the island are curious young people and lovers. The complexity of the flight and high prices in Jamaica do not attract vacationers with children.

In addition, many people associate Jamaica with reggae, free love and drugs. Children are not even allowed to be in some public places, and from a safety point of view, Jamaica is not the best place in the world. Free movement around the island is fraught with adventure, although there is nothing to fear in the resort area, there is vigilant security.

(Photo © adwriter / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

The desire to go to Jamaica arose spontaneously. Several years ago, I could not even imagine that I would one day find myself so far away and make an important and fateful decision here. But more on that later.

Jamaica is the third largest island state Caribbean 145 km. south of Cuba. Looking at this small speck on the world map, it becomes a little scary to fly so far. I assure you, it's worth it! And the tiring flight with a transfer, and the painful wait, and sunburn you won't remember after visiting Jamaica. Only the azure surface will remain in memory Caribbean Sea, huge palm trees, coral sand and stunning sunsets to reggae rhythms.

For a long time, Jamaica was a colony of Great Britain, going from the abolition of slavery in 1834 to gaining full independence in 1962. Nowadays, only left-hand traffic, which at first was unusual for us, reminds us of its colonial past. The country was once the world's leading sugar producer.

I was brought to Jamaica by a wedding ceremony that left unforgettable feelings in my heart. If you want to make the most important day of your life truly special, I highly recommend choosing a wedding venue and at the same time honeymoon namely Jamaica. You will not experience such vivid emotions, coupled with the peculiarities of local color, anywhere else.

The wedding ceremony is extremely simple and very touching; it can be held either in the local city hall or in one of the hotels right on the Caribbean Sea, where a representative will arrive with all the documents necessary for registration. Subsequently, you can make a notarized translation with an apostille at the Russian Embassy in Kingston.

So welcome to Jamaica - a land of amazing contrasts and diversity!

Visa and border crossing

I talk in detail about the visa to Jamaica.

Concerning customs rules, it is prohibited to import:

narcotic and psychotropic substances (here you need to be more careful with medications that may contain prohibited components, the same applies to potent painkillers, first of all),
pets, and you yourself are unlikely to decide to take your pet to the other end of the Earth.

Restrictions:

alcohol is allowed to be carried in a volume of 1.3 liters,
tobacco products – in the amount of 200 units.

It is prohibited to export:

representatives of flora and fauna,
leather and fur products,
national currency.

No vaccinations are specifically required to visit Jamaica, however, it is recommended to take anti-malarial drugs, but, as a rule, no one adheres to this. It is imperative to ensure availability health insurance international standard.

How to get there

If you decide to travel to Jamaica, be prepared for the long journey ahead. Very long. But this circumstance should not stop you from visiting the country: all the time spent will be more than repaid with incredible impressions and a fantastic vacation.

There are two ways to get to Jamaica: by air or by water transport. When planning a trip, be sure to take into account travel time, and these are two full days both ways. In other words, if you fly for 7 days, then 2 of them you will get to your destination, for a total of 5 days of direct rest.

By plane

The main air gates of Jamaica are airports (capital) And Montego Bay, where international tourist flights from Europe and America arrive. Direct flights There is currently no connection between Russia and Jamaica (in 2014 it was possible to fly from Moscow to Montego Bay on a Transaero flight). Now it is possible to fly with a transfer for a total duration of about 16 hours, not including time transit connection.

Connecting flight options

For me personally, the most comfortable was the combination of Lufthansa and Condor flights with a connection in Frankfurt am Main. Let me explain why. Frankfurt Airport is convenient because when transiting for no more than 24 hours and without leaving the airport, a Schengen visa is not required. Condor is a subsidiary of Lufthansa and operates charter flights by most popular tourist routes. The Frankfurt - Montego Bay flight operates twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays; you can fly from Moscow to Frankfurt daily. It is more convenient to purchase tickets on the Condor airline website (there is no information in Russian, only English or German). You can also view ticket options.

Flights to Montego Bay are operated on Boeing airliners 767–300 EUR in business, premium and tourist class configurations. From my own experience, I can say that only desperate people can fly 13–14 hours from Germany to Jamaica in tourist class; it is very difficult to withstand this and the first few days of your vacation you will recover from the flight. The layout of the seats is quite dense and the distance between them is very modest. Hot meals are served twice during the flight. Premium class much more comfortable and not much more expensive than a tourist one (800 and 700 EUR, respectively), for a business it’s not worth overpaying twice as much; it differs little from a premium one in terms of comfort, except that the service is more personalized. I plan to devote separate articles to flight reviews.

Alternative way The flight is also offered by British Airways with a transfer in London. Flights to Montego Bay operate on Wednesdays and Sundays, and on Mondays and Fridays. Travel time is on average 16 hours. An Airbus 320 will take you from Moscow, and a Boeing 777 on the route from London to Jamaica. Air tickets in economy class will cost an average of 900 EUR or 70,000 RUB round trip. I did not initially consider this option due to the fact that from Moscow the plane arrives at Heathrow Airport, and the flight from London to Jamaica from Gatwick Airport, the connection requires access to the city and you need to apply for a British transit visa.

The path to Jamaica is already very tiring, I decided to choose the first option for myself. It is convenient to book air tickets on the airline’s website or on the websites of the above services. You can also get to Jamaica with a connection at, but in this case you will have to, so this option is only suitable for holders of a valid American visa. European airlines also offer flights with a connection at one of their hubs (KLM via or Iberia via, Swiss via Zurich), but these options usually involve several connections in Europe and the USA.

Upon arrival

In the arrivals hall and in the area passport control National music plays, putting travelers in the right mood.

We go outside and here it is - a tropical oasis: a burning wind with the smell of the sea, rum and carefree relaxation. All that remains is to get to the hotel, and there are a lot of them here: for every taste and level of income, in order to fully feel the atmosphere, because it is this that sinks into the soul for a long time and encourages you to return here again.

By train

Although Jamaica was the first in the Western Hemisphere to build railway in 1845, there was no way to get there from Russia by train. Maximum to Europe and from there fly by plane across the ocean.

By bus

You cannot get to Jamaica by bus from Russia. The continents are separated by the Atlantic Ocean, which can only be flown or swam across. There are also no bus connections with nearby countries, since Jamaica does not have land borders.

By car

Perhaps in the near future humanity will create a supersonic jet car or perpetuum mobile, but until this happens, this method is also not for Jamaica. Let your iron friend await your return in the garage or airport parking lot :).

By ferry

By water, you can travel to Jamaica on one of the cruise ships offering a variety of itineraries throughout the Caribbean. Check out the sites large companies Dreamlines or Gocruise.

Most often, the liner starts from the USA () and further along the route, making stops in the most picturesque corners washed by the Caribbean Sea. Most often, such cruises are quite long: up to several months, depending on the number of stops along the route. I think traveling by air and by sea are two different worlds, providing a varied experience. One day I will decide to take such a cruise, but for now I am choosing a plane for myself.

Tourist regions

Jamaica is difficult to divide into tourist and non-tourist zones; any part of the country, no matter where you find yourself, is attractive and interesting for a traveler in its own way. Therefore, the entire island can be considered one tourist region. But there is still a conventional division: the center, the western and eastern parts.

In this section, I will briefly describe each of them.

Center

Central Jamaica is mountainous and has many lakes and waterfalls. We came here to look nature reserves, fishing villages and clean beaches(Ocho Rios, Spanish Town).

The center is less popular among tourists, but when exploring the island on your own, I recommend not depriving this part of your attention.

East

In the eastern part is the capital and a beautiful port with a picturesque lagoon. This is where the huge cruise ships stop.

It seems to me that the east, more than other regions, combines contrasting business and places of interest to tourists, where water and other entertainment is concentrated (Port Antonio).

West

The western part of Jamaica is the most touristy. It is here that the vast majority of tourists arrive and hotels of famous world chains are located here. International arrivals to Montego Bay Airport charter flights. The city is the second most popular resort, but it is preferred mainly by supporters organized holiday.

Independent travelers explore the area and stop in remote corners that are not overloaded with tourists.

I often book hotels on Booking, so I can check if there are better prices somewhere. If you wish, you can consider the option of renting private apartments and apartments - more details.

Top cities

The largest cities in Jamaica include the following:

is the capital and more of an economic center of the country than a tourist one. The city looks very modern, this is largely due to the earthquake of 1907, after which it was completely destroyed and rebuilt. There are large banks, embassies, shopping centers, as well as a large port where we went to look at huge cruise ships. There are also opportunities to have fun: aquatic species sports, museums, clubs and restaurants. I liked the city with its ultra-modern architecture, cleanliness and the presence of a full-fledged infrastructure for both a business visit and for leisure, I would love to spend more time here.

Montego Bay can be considered the main tourist center, this is where most flights arrive and this is where the world’s most famous hotel chains, restaurants, a wide beach strip and everything a tourist’s soul desires are located. I arrived here on a flight from Frankfurt am Main. If you don’t stop by, but fly directly to Montego Bay, you will find yourself in tropical bliss, which will become the main impression of visiting Jamaica. And when you manage to see both cities, you feel the contrast between the center of business life and the center of leisure. I recommend doing just that so that you can form the most complete opinion about the country.

Resort located in the western part of the island, it was in the past a village, not a city. Its beaches are among the top ten in the world, and the air is filled with carelessness and happiness. There is a zone in Negril sandy beaches and rocky shores, vibrant nightlife and great places for divers. I went snorkeling here.

located in the eastern part, it is a former fishing village that has become a resort area. A large amount of greenery is striking, this place is surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, huge cruise ships arrive here and bring horse riding enthusiasts who practice equestrian sports here. We talked at the hotel with a married couple who fly to one of these centers every year to go horse riding.

Islands

Jamaica itself is an island state, with the island and the Cayman Islands located nearby.

Together with them she is part of the group of Big Antilles. The length of the island of Jamaica is 235 km, and the maximum width is about 80 km. This is the third largest island of this group. South coast The islands are surrounded by reefs, and the northern one is more rocky with a narrow strip of beaches. The island amazed me with its rich nature, many rivers and waterfalls, picturesque mountains. That is, Jamaica can be considered both a country and an island.

I was surprised by the lack of accessible, established ferry service between the neighbors. You can only get there by plane or by car. cruise ship, although short distances make it possible to organize regular water transport connection. Tourists are often disappointed without knowing this nuance, hoping to visit several countries in one trip.

Top attractions

Personally, I consider the main attraction of Jamaica to be its nature. But I will adhere to generally accepted rules and tell you about the most famous:

Bob Marley Museum. You will see it one of the first in any guidebook. It is located in Kingston, in the house where the musician lived and worked. Tourists are shown the house and its room with a guitar shaped like a star. This excursion is mainly visited by music lovers and fans of reggae music. I liked it there too.

James Bond Beach in northern Jamaica near Ocho Rios. This is a private and closed beach with an entrance fee (about 3 EUR per person). The popularity of the beach is associated exclusively with the name of James Bond; there are many beautiful and more scenic spots on the coast. Music festivals and other events are often held here. Personally, I don’t recommend this attraction as a must see, but I do include it on the general list.

Dunns River Falls and Park. Definitely worth a visit! It is very beautiful in here. The height of the waterfalls is about 180 meters, the water flows directly into the Caribbean Sea. Eat observation decks and climbing with an instructor. The park has a lot of palm trees, orchids, bamboo, breadfruit trees, and there is a beach below.

Rose Hall. This is a mansion in Montego Bay that is associated with interesting legend, all the locals know her. According to legend, the estate belonged to wealthy planters. Their nephew married a girl, Anna, who grew up there and mastered voodoo magic there. All her husbands died, and then she herself was found dead in her bed. The book “The White Witch of Rose Hall” by Guy De Lisser is dedicated to this legend.

Dolphin Cove. This more attraction than a tourist attraction. Here in a natural bay live dolphins, crocodiles, stingrays, and sharks. They are in natural environment habitat, so the impressions are much brighter than after visiting a zoo or dolphinarium.

Weather

Jamaica has a tropical humid climate. Proximity to the Equator affects the length of daylight; it gets dark very early. But what amazing sunsets there are! And with the sunrise, tropical nature awakens of extraordinary beauty.

During the year, the air temperature fluctuates between +25...+33 °C, dropping to +15 °C in mountainous areas. Like other Caribbean countries, Jamaica experiences a tropical rainfall season, lasting from May to October. But such rains occur mainly at night and do not interfere with rest. The water temperature is almost always the same: about +25 °C.

Jamaica is located in a hurricane belt Atlantic Ocean. September is considered hurricane season, one of which I encountered during one of my travels, when the country was subjected to significant destruction and flights were cancelled. It is most comfortable to relax during our Russian winter, when it is dry and warm. In July and August it is quite hot and stuffy; moving around the country and visiting excursions will be very difficult. The sun is very active at any time of the year, I highly recommend not being on the beach after noon and before 4 p.m., there is a high risk of getting serious burns (I definitely recommend putting anti-burn medication and antihistamines in your travel first aid kit).

Moving around the country

Traveling around Jamaica is an absolute pleasure. It doesn't matter which mode of transportation you choose! I'm sure any of them will turn exploring the area into an exciting adventure.

Public transport

The most convenient way to travel within Jamaica is by bus. minibus taxis and regular taxis. Bus connections between cities are well developed, routes are varied, and prices are fixed. The bus schedules of major companies are respected.

Taxi cars most often do not have meters; each trip initially has a certain cost. If you use the services of private drivers, it is better to agree on the price in advance, before boarding, otherwise misunderstandings may occur during the calculation. For intercity travel, the fare doubles. Domestic flights are also very popular among locals. local airlines, they are low cost and short in duration (on average from 15 to 40 minutes). The taxi ride from Montego Bay is very tiring, but the flight is short and affordable.

Rent a Car

Any tourist over 23 years of age and under 70 with an international driving license and a credit card can rent a car in Jamaica. Points are located in all hotels and other tourist areas. You can see price options.

However, I do not recommend renting a car. The fact is that there are practically no road signs in the country, and local drivers are characterized by sloppy and extreme driving, so there is a high probability of damaging a rented car and getting into an accident. It is better and safer to take a taxi. At the very least, you will be driven by someone familiar with the national driving style and local roads. In Jamaica, when traveling on the road, there is one interesting feature: very often mongooses cross the roadway; all drivers, without exception, stop and let them pass. There are even special road signs with the image of an animal.

Connection

Currently, almost every traveler is familiar with the services Viber, Whatsapp and Skype, so I’ll say briefly about telephone communications: if such a need arises, you can use telephone booths in hotels or post offices. They work by coins and cards (I haven’t used them myself), there is also a local mobile operator Digicel (a minute of a call to Russia costs approximately 0.17 USD or 20 JMD). I categorically do not recommend calling from your hotel room: the bill for communication services can be unpredictable.

I also advise, if necessary, to purchase a local SIM card (its cost is about 5500 JMD, 3000 of which will be on the account), but for a one-time trip this is not a very profitable solution.

Wi-Fi is available in all hotels (in the lobby or throughout the hotel), the quality is stable, and can sometimes deteriorate during tropical rainfall. IN resort areas There should be no problems with communication, but in remote areas where locals live, there may be interruptions. To call Jamaica, you need to dial the combination 8–10–1–876–subscriber number. Cities do not have separate telephone codes; they are the same for the entire country. Using the roaming service of Russian mobile operators is very expensive; it is better to connect to the Internet only via Wi-Fi. And even better - turn off all gadgets altogether and enjoy a carefree vacation :). This is exactly what I usually do. And let the whole world wait.

Language and communication

English is considered the official language in Jamaica, but it will be extremely difficult for you to communicate in it, especially with local residents not employed in the tourism sector. In the 17th century, large numbers of slaves were brought to Jamaica from West Africa that were brought into culture local peculiarities, resulting in the formation of Jamaican Creole, based on a mixture in English and African dialects. In addition, in Jamaica there is a local dialect "Patois". It was formed by mixing English and loanwords of Spanish and African origin. Each of these mixtures is unique and does not belong to a particular language.

After living in the country for a few days and talking with the locals, you will quickly get comfortable and learn to understand what they say. At first, everyone has some difficulty trying to communicate in traditional English. Airport and hotel employees speak most clearly, since they work with large numbers of people every day from different countries. The main means of communication in Jamaica is a sincere, friendly smile; do not hesitate to ask again if you did not hear or understand something. Jamaicans are very polite and conservative, adhering to generally accepted norms of communication.

For everyday needs, a vacationer needs only a basic set of phrases in English from a standard phrasebook; of some special phrases in everyday life, only “yo, man” comes to mind, which they use everywhere and on any occasion.

Here are 10 phrases that I think are useful in various situations:

Hey (similar to the greeting hello or hi), for some reason they say this in Jamaica.
Please, give me a local sim card - Please give me a local sim card.
I would like to try national food – I would like to try national cuisine.
Where can I find coffee and rum for the best price? – Where can I find coffee and rum at the best price?
I need a doctor/medicine for headache, stomachache, flu - I need a doctor/medicine for headache, stomachache, cold.
How much is this? Will you make a discount? - How much does it cost? Will you make a discount?
Can I change money in a hotel? What is the rate? – Is it possible to exchange money at the hotel, what is the rate?
Which bus goes to the city center/mall/airport? – What bus goes to the city center/shopping center/airport?
Jamaica – no problem! – Jamaica – no problem! :).

Features of mentality

Upon arrival in Jamaica, you are immediately imbued with an atmosphere of serenity and
leisurely: no one is in a hurry, local residents are lazy
looking at tourists, airport employees are clumsy and relaxed,
but at the same time always smiling.

In Jamaica it is customary to repeat "no problem"! This phrase perhaps most fully reflects the essence local mentality. The absence of problems, rather the concentration on them, which is usually noticeable in Russia, is surprising at first. After all, people also live there, experiencing difficulties and disappointments, but they approach it completely differently. I believe this is largely due to the year-round warm climate. The further north and colder it is, the more gloomy people are. The fact is well known, but climatologists should study this phenomenon more deeply in the context of the influence of the climate zone on human character and temperament. I think this could make for some interesting research.

Jamaicans are very friendly and at the same time a little arrogant. Do not use the word "Negro" in their presence or discuss the colonial past. Just enjoy the communication and get positive from them. Jamaicans love music and dance a lot, anywhere. The airport employees, looking at my passport, hummed something quietly and danced :). My Russian seriousness vanished! At the hotel, the staff will often chat with you, asking about you, life in Russia, your opinion about the country and your vacation.

The girl who organized our wedding ceremony then wrote to me and asked if we liked it and when we would come to relax again. Above her desk, I saw many cards and drawings with warm words and wishes from married couples, it really touched me. In Russia, as a rule, everything happens more officially and somehow without a soul. Creepy women in the registry office with incredible hairstyles and nasty voices are unlikely to create a festive atmosphere. I only want one thing: for the ceremonial part to end as soon as possible or be reduced to a minimum.

It is often striking that in Jamaica many locals use narcotic smoking mixtures like regular cigarettes. You must be careful when communicating. But in general, these are very nice, cheerful people who love guests from different countries. They came up to me several times and asked what happened to me. When I answered that it was nothing, they were surprised, because I don’t have fun and don’t sing! Jamaicans are lazy. Here I can note a general similarity with the inhabitants of other hot countries. Even institutions usually work until 2 p.m., then everyone rests. If you need to resolve some urgent issue or make an appointment, be prepared for a long wait for the result and do not think that they have lost interest in the matter. In this case, it is more productive to communicate informally and the process noticeably speeds up.

I also cannot help but mention taxi drivers. They are VERY talkative! You are unlikely to be able to drive in silence. The taxi driver will definitely ask where you are from and what you do, why you came, what kind of family and job you have. In response, you will have to listen to a similar story from him. The Jamaicans left a very pleasant impression on me, and I maintain friendly contact with some of them.

Food and drink

The cuisine of Jamaica, like the country itself, is very colorful and diverse; it has absorbed the influence of Spanish, African, Indian and English traditions. It features exotic combinations of products and a large number of spices. Dishes made from goat and pork, seafood, fruits and vegetables are common. Jamaicans also love rice and often cook it as a side dish for the main dish.

Red beans and breadfruit are also used. Exotic fruits here they are consumed not after the main meal for dessert, but along with it or even instead of it. The most popular is oranik, something between an orange and a tangerine, very pleasant to the taste.

As for the national drink, you will be surprised to know that it is cocoa! Yes, yes, that’s it, and not coffee, as is commonly believed. Jamaicans also drink tea, but mostly with herbal additives. They don't know much about good varieties of tea here. So if you are a connoisseur of an elite quality drink, better concentrate on cocoa or coffee :). Ask the bartender to make you one of the coffee-based cocktails. There are several types of them, and each one is worth trying.

The most popular alcoholic drink, as you may have guessed, is rum and cocktails with it. One gets the impression that it is added everywhere and even given to children.

Wine is imported from Latin America and Spain; local wine is not produced. There is also a national light ginger beer, which is very popular among teenagers.

5 dishes worth trying

Briefly about the most delicious things. Food in Jamaica, like Jamaica itself, is very exotic and unpredictable. I want to tell you about what I tried:

Saltfish. This is cod served with bananas as a side dish. A very tasty and unusual combination.
Local omelette, or rather Ackee fruit, fried with beaten eggs, tomatoes and peppers. This dish is often served at hotels for breakfast; take a closer look at the chef's dishes on the serving line.
Jerk. This is the name for marinated chicken on the grill, the coals for which are made from local Pimento wood. The sauce for meat is most often served the same, I noted the absence in Jamaica great variety sauces, which is usually not typical for southern countries.
Goat meat curry. It is notable for its large number of spices and seasonings.

Rastafarian cuisine deserves special attention, its dishes are prepared without salt, milk, meat and alcohol. Vegetables and fruits, soybeans are mainly used.

Shopping

Jamaica is a small country and not very rich, so lovers of luxury brands and boutiques will have a hard time here. Shops and shopping centers are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and you can find clothes, shoes, Jewelry, watches and other goods. But I recommend that you leave a visit shopping centers before returning home and head to one of the local markets in Kingston or Montego Bay, such as Hustle. Don't deny yourself the pleasure of bargaining and getting to know the local culture. However, be careful, there are petty thieves and pickpockets there.

What to bring from this country

There are also many duty-free shops and small souvenir shops on the island, where the most good prices. Most often in the assortment you can find T-shirts and other items of clothing and shoes with national symbols (from 7 Jamaican dollars), but much more interesting (and a little more expensive) are folk items made of wood: figurines, images of animals and other symbols (from 15 Jamaican dollars) . The influence of African culture is felt.

One that is really worth it is Blue Mountain coffee (it costs 0.11 USD or 15 JMD for a 500 gram package). You definitely need to bring it! You will not find such coffee anywhere else in the world and for a long time you will regret that you brought so little :).

Jamaican rum is also very good, there are several types, the most expensive and high quality is Appleton. I bought rum from a factory, but prices throughout the country are approximately the same everywhere (from 0.2 to 0.25 USD / from 25 to 30 JMD per bottle). You can bring some spices and seasonings.

All tourists usually have the same problem: excess luggage at the airport. Each airline has its own rules, which it is advisable to familiarize yourself with before departure; there is no universal advice. There are return points at Kingston and Montego Bay airports Tax Free, but I didn’t use this service.

Vacation with children

Jamaica - no the best choice for traveling with children. There are several reasons for this: firstly, a very long flight with a transfer will be extremely tiring for both you and the child. Changing time zones and time differences also have an adverse effect on well-being. Secondly, the adaptation process and temperature changes when visiting Jamaica in winter can negatively affect the immature children's immune system, plus the aggressive tropical sun. It’s not worth taking risks; it’s better to choose a direction closer and with a climate more familiar to us.

However, if you still decide to fly with a child, the hotels have created all the infrastructure for children's recreation, and the Caribbean coast is distinguished by a gentle entrance into the water with a gradual increase in depth. As for entertainment outside the hotel, it is mainly intended for adults. Jamaica, in my opinion, is more suitable for romantic trip or active recreation.

Safety

In general, Jamaica cannot be classified as a safe country for tourists, but in tourist regions and on hotel grounds there is no danger. There are security and police patrols everywhere. You should be vigilant outside resort areas when interacting with local residents.

The fact is that the standard of living in the country is low, and they strive to make money from visitors, often quite successfully. Do not agree to dubious offers to travel individual excursion V unique places islands. Stories like this often end in a drug den.

In the evening and at night, it is better to refrain from walking around the city and the beach. Keep your money and documents in the hotel safe, and carry small amounts with you for small expenses and a copy of your passport. Indigenous people behaves kindly with tourists; it is enough to exercise reasonable caution. The country occupies a leading position in the prevalence of HIV, and blood-sucking insects cause a lot of trouble. Women should not dress openly and provocatively; Jamaica is a country of conservative traditions and norms of behavior. Crabs run along the beach and near the shore, which can bite painfully; in this case, it is better to go to the first aid station or doctor’s office at the hotel and not attempt treatment on your own.

5 things you definitely shouldn't do

Holidays in Jamaica will bring you a lot of positive emotions, you can relax and enjoy the trip. It is quite enough to exercise reasonable caution; I will give only a few recommendations that seemed important to me:

do not agree to spontaneous excursions organized by local residents;
refrain from drinking large quantities of alcohol on the beach; the active tropical sun can increase concentration significantly;
do not go outside the hotel alone dark time days;
It is wise to leave large sums of money and valuables in the room safe;
do not try smoking mixtures, they all contain hazardous and illegal drugs.

Nearby countries

Jamaica's closest neighbors are 145 km away and an island approximately 200 km away. Cruise companies, developing routes in the Caribbean, include nearby states and islands in their vacation program. However, American airliners do not enter Cuban ports due to strained diplomatic relations.

Currently, the political situation has changed. Perhaps this will also affect the tourism sector. Jamaica, in my opinion, is the most colorful of all its neighbors in terms of the Caribbean mentality and natural diversity. Unfortunately, it is also more expensive. In addition, you can fly directly to Cuba and the Dominican Republic from Moscow, bypassing transfers in Europe, which reduces the overall travel time.

If you have free time and means, you can go to Dominican Republic and see the capital Santo Domingo. The flight will cost approximately 50,000 JMD or 25 thousand rubles per person one way or 80,000 JMD or 40 thousand rubles round trip.

Money

The national currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar (JMD).

When going on a trip, take with you credit cards popular payment systems Visa or MasterCard, as well as cash dollars, which are accepted along with Jamaican ones in many places. By personal experience I can say that exchanging foreign currency for local currency is not very profitable, and you will lose a lot on conversion. The most convenient two options: withdraw cash from an ATM from a Russian bank card (will issue in local currency at the current rate) or pay in dollars on the spot. I do not recommend taking euros with you. I prefer the first method in any country.

In many hotels you can exchange currency and use an ATM; cards are accepted in restaurants and shops, with the exception of small souvenir shops, where it is preferable to pay in cash.

I also want to warn you against possible cases of fraud in exchange offices and stores: check your change carefully; with unfamiliar currency it’s easy to make mistakes in calculations, and this is how scammers make money. Another tip: be sure to notify the bank which country you are going to. This is due to the fact that when conducting payment transactions from afar, the bank becomes suspicious about security and the card is blocked. Unblocking in most cases requires time and nerves, which depends on the specific bank. It’s unlikely that anyone will want to clarify the circumstances with managers and communicate with the bank by phone throughout their vacation. This situation happened to me, but, fortunately, I had some money on a card from another bank and cash, this saved me. Keep all receipts for purchases, currency exchanges, and cash withdrawals until you return to Russia; this can also be useful in resolving controversial issues.

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Anything to add?

It is not enough to obtain a foreign passport in order to find yourself in the arms of Jamaica within a few days.

Also, for this you will still need to make a plan for your movement - getting to Jamaica is not possible from every city.

As a rule, the beginning of the journey is located in large cities. The St. Petersburg-Helsinki transfer, or a number of Moscow-London-Kingston flights, can be used.

How to get to Jamaica from Moscow

To fly from Moscow to the city of Kingston, you will first need to develop a special route for your movement. It is best to choose London as a connecting point. It won’t be difficult to get there not only from Moscow, but also from other major cities such as, for example, Kyiv.

If Moscow was chosen as the start to Jamaica, then the route for the traveler could be like this:

Flight to London on a British Airways plane.
Flight from London on board Virgin Atlantic Airways.

The total number of hours spent traveling will be twenty-eight hours and 10 minutes.

It is important to pay attention to the fact that arrivals from Moscow to London and departures from London to Kingston are made from different airports in the city:

Heathrow (arrival);
Gatwick (departure).

How else can you get to Jamaica from Moscow?

The traveler can also use another route to visit Jamaica: Moscow-Montego Bay. But, as in the case of Kingston, there are no direct flights to this city. Using the services of British Airways, the traveler will only have one connection on the way to his dream. For two transfers, you can use the services of Delta AirLines. As for other companies, they offer transfers on two or more flights, which will significantly increase the passenger’s travel time.

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