Jamaica is known for its mix of beaches, mountains, and music culture, with popular spots like Montego Bay, Negril’s long beaches, Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios, and the Blue Mountains for hiking. The local currency is the Jamaican dollar, though U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Prices vary a lot—resorts and imported goods can feel expensive, while local food and transportation are more affordable. The weather is generally warm and humid year-round, with a rainy season and a higher chance of storms from late summer into fall.
Jamaica’s transport infrastructure is a mix of reliable main roads and more uneven local routes, so travel can feel straightforward in some areas and slow in others. Within cities, licensed taxis and minibuses are common but can be crowded and loosely scheduled; outside major towns, options thin out. Intercity travel is mostly by road, with coach-style buses covering the main corridors, though travel times can be longer than expected due to traffic and road conditions. Renting a car offers flexibility but requires comfort with narrow roads and assertive driving norms.
