Jamaica
Things To Know Before You Go
ENTRY REOUIREMENTS:
As of January of 2007, all visitors to Jamaica will require a valid passport to re enter the United States.
DEPARTURE:
For international flights it is recommended that you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure. Passengers arriving later than one hour prior to departure may be denied boarding. (Please check the air schedule information on your "Confirmation and Itinerary" form carefully to make sure it corresponds with all flight numbers and arrival and departure times on your airline tickets.)
ARRIVAL:
Upon arrival you will be directed to the immigration hall where you will present proof of citizenship, immigration form (provided by airline), and return airline ticket. (There is an exchange bank in the immigration hall if you wish to convert your currency.) After clearing immigration, proceed downstairs to the baggage claim area. After collecting baggage, locate the appropriate customs counter ("nothing to declare" or "goods to declare") where you will present your declaration form (provided by airline). After clearing customs proceed to the dispatchers / information desk outside in the ground transportation area where you will be met by your prearranged driver or auto rental representative ( See enclosed "Confirmation and Itinerary" form ). If you do not see a sign with your name, simply give the information desk attendant your drivers name.
CURRENCY:
The U. S. and Canadian dollar is legal tender in Jamaica, however, change will be given in local currency on most all purchases, so it is best to know the exchange rate beforehand. Merchants typically accept major credit cards as well. You can check the exchange rate in the immigration hall on arrival and, if you choose, exchange your money at that time, or later at a local bank, hotel, or point of purchase retailer.
GROCERIES:
An initial supply of groceries for lunch, dinner, breakfast the following morning, snacks, and beverages will be placed in the villa, as per your request, as well as some household and personal goods such as paper towels, detergent, soap, tissue, etc., and an itemized bill presented on arrival. There is no charge for this service. After breakfast on the day after your arrival, you may discuss further menus with your cook, who will take care of the shopping and bills, which may be paid by travelers checks or cash. If you wish, you may accompany your cook to the market. (Please note we do not offer a grocery checklist to select from, as most any items you request, both local and imported, are readily available as long as you are not brand specific. We will, however, be happy to make suggestions and recommendations. )
PHONE CALLS:
If your cellular phone service is with Bell South, Cingular Wireless, or AT&T, and you are signed up for "roaming service", your phone will work in Jamaica, albeit expensive. You may also establish service for any cell phone at a DIGICEL store in your area. However, the simplest way to place long distance calls is to dial collect, or purchase a pre paid phone card (a staff member or your driver will be happy to assist you with this). If you have a long distance phone card, it will not work in Jamaica.
COMPUTERS:
Most all villas have DSL or other form of internet connection for your laptop. Many villas come equipped with a computer for your convenience. However, if not, internet service may be established in advance or on arrival by contacting INFOCHANNEL: PH: 876 978 2960, FAX: 876 978 2966, or EMAIL icquery@infochan.com. Simply give them your villa phone number and major credit card and you will be up and running in no time. Remember to advise your staff when you are on line so they won't pick up an extension and break your connection.
ACCOMMODATIONS & STAFF:
If you are a Passport, Ltd. Regular, you already know the joys of villa living. If this is your first experience, we hope you'll become a regular. Although our villas vary in price, size, and location, each combines the attractions of the Caribbean with all the comforts of home, and the personal service of a dedicated staff, ensuring a relaxing, carefree, memorable vacation. The number of staff members usually depends on the size villa you have selected, but always consists of a cook or chef to prepare all meals, snacks, and hors d' oeuvres, a butler or server to assist with meals and prepare your favorite beverages, and a housekeeper to make your beds, wash and change linens, and keep your villa clean and orderly. Your gardener, who sometimes doubles as butler in the evenings, will maintain the grounds, pool, and pool area. In addition, a laundress or other staff member will provide complimentary laundry service for your personal items. Tipping is customary, and the recommended gratuity for staff services, based on the villa only rate, is 10% high season and 15% low. If arrangements have been made for a driver, or if a driver is included with your villa, an additional gratuity for his services is recommended.
VILLA CHECK IN / CHECK OUT:
Villa check- in time is 1:00 pm and check- out 11:00 am. If we do not have guests in the villa on the day of arrival, we will make every effort to arrange for early check- in. If there are no guests arriving on the day of your departure, we will make every effort to arrange for late check - out.
TOURS AND EXCURSIONS:
There are numerous tour companies which offer a variety of excursions featuring river rafting, horse back riding, great house tours, rum distilleries, and botanical gardens, and of course Dunn's River Falls, among others. Phone numbers and detailed information is included in your package and also may be found in your villa. However, if you have prearranged personal transportation, your driver will be happy to provide most of the same services.
ACTIVITIES:
Some villas, depending on location, have special arrangements for guest privileges at a nearby resort including water sports, golf, tennis and entertainment. Your Confirmation and Itinerary form will specify if such privileges apply. Otherwise, you are never far from public facilities providing all of the above and more.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST:
We sincerely hope you enjoy your villa vacation, and will do our utmost to see that you do. If you encounter any difficulties that require special attention, please call our local property manager or Passport, Ltd. collect ( See phone numbers at bottom of "Confirmation and Itinerary" form). HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP!
