Time Difference
The United Kingdom is six hours ahead of Jamaica where they have only one time zone and do not observe daylight saving time. During winter, Jamaican Time is equivalent to North American Eastern Standard Time, whereas in the summer it is equivalent to Central Daylight Time.
Money
The official currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar but most hotels and key tourist areas will also use US dollars (USD). Credit and debit cards are accepted in major tourist areas too and you can withdraw Jamaican dollars from ATMs, or you can get Jamaican dollars at banks, cambios (currency exchanges), and at most hotels.
Electricity
Jamaica runs on a 110V supply voltage and there are two associated plug types, types A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Meaning you will need a power plug adapter and a voltage converter when travelling here from the UK.
Shops and Amenities
Supermarkets and most shops open between 8.30am and 9.30am but close anywhere from 5pm (in smaller towns) to 11pm (in major towns and cities).
Media
The "Gleaner" is one of the oldest publications, first going to print in 1834. It is still published daily, and it is the leading newspaper on the island, along with The Jamaica Star a daily newspaper. There are multiple TV stations, subscription cable services and radio stations available to watch in Jamaica too.
Post
Post Offices are open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday and in selected locations Saturday 9am to 1pm.
Phone
011 is the international prefix used to dial somewhere outside of Jamaica. 44 is the international code used to dial to United Kingdom. 20 is the local area or city code used to dial to London.
Internet and Mobile Coverage
Jamaica has good internet coverage in most areas and the two most prominent mobile phone providers are FLOW and Digicel. Both of which have excellent mobile phone coverage throughout Jamaica.
Currency
Jamaican dollar.
