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Amstar Representatives are located in most hotels. The Hospitality Desk is most often in or near the main lobby. Amstar Representatives have lived in the local community most of their lives, and are eager to share knowledge of their home with you. Representatives hold informational briefings daily for newly arriving guests, keeping you up to date with the latest happenings in the area. Amstar Representatives are eager to hear what your interests are and will be happy to help organize your adventures. Optional excursions and activities are arranged directly with your Amstar Representatives, ensuring quality and safety. It is important to see your representatives as soon as you arrive at the resort. For assistance of a representative outside of working hours, please call: TOLL FREE: 1(877) 329-4461 OFFICE: (876) 979-0824 24 HOUR EMERGENCIES: (876) 836-113 or (876) 550-2318 Our office is open daily 8am – 6pm *Amstar Representatives are provided by Amstar DMC, an independent destination management company in Jamaica.
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About Amstar DMC Celebrating our 30th anniversary!! Amstar Destination Management Company is the leading DMC in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. The first Amstar office opened its doors in Cancun, Mexico in 1989 with a pioneering staff of 20. During these 30 years, Amstar DMC has grown into a team of 1,600 dedicated staff across 5 countries, 13 offices, and 26 destinations including Costa Rica and Hawaii, the latter operated by our sister company Worldstar.
Our Products and Services From deluxe VIP transportation to the most memorable excursions, adventure activities, visits to archaeological sites and cultural experiences, we offer the most complete destination services. We proudly boast the most extensive range of exceptional customer service and maintain a sharp focus on our customers’ needs.
The Future The Amstar DMC team is committed and inspired to providing each and every one of our clients the best travel experience of their lives. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we are excited about the future and will continue to strive to maintain our position as one of the leading Destination Management Companies in the industry.
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W
elcome to Montego Bay, the capital of the parish of St. James and Jamaica’s second largest city. One of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Montego Bay offers pristine beaches, various activities, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious hotels sure to make your visit a most memorable one. There are two main ways to get to Montego Bay: via cruise ship through its bustling port or by airplane to Donald Sangster International Airport, where visitors are transported to their hotel of choice. Once settled in, the excitement begins! Montego Bay is home to many beautiful beaches featuring white sands, crystal blue waters and the warmth of the constantly shining Caribbean sun. If you’re not a beach person, don’t worry:
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Montego Bay is overflowing with activities sure to please even the most discerning traveler. Among the offerings are sailing, sightseeing, water sports, shopping and cultural activities. When the sun falls, Montego Bay’s invigorating nightlife rises. Walk through the famous Hip Strip, showcasing its impressive collection of shops, hotels, clubs and bars. Enjoy the fine wining and dining at Montego Bay’s many acclaimed restaurants and eateries.
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Croydon In The Mountains
Capture the spirit, history and flavour of Jamaica by visiting the only:
• Prize winning Pineapple and Coffee Plantation. • Sample exotic fruits and Juices • Delicious Barbequed lunch School visit on Fridays
• A MUST SEE FOR THE VISITOR WHO WANTS MORE THAN JUST BEACHES
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stablished in the year 1770, Trelawny is Jamaica’s fifth largest parish, named after Sir William Trelawny, then governor of Jamaica. Modern Trelawny is known for its calm seaside, well preserved architecture, and its capital port city, Falmouth. In the past, Falmouth was the busiest port on the island, exporting tons of sugar annually, among other goods. Gradually, the port grew too small as ships grew larger, and eventually, most sea traffic was diverted to larger ports that could accommodate them. In 2011, the reopening of Falmouth Pier and Cruise Port catapulted Trelawny from a serene seaside village town to a booming tourist destination. This lucrative project has the capability to
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accommodate 2 of the largest cruise ships simultaneously and features a state-of the-art terminal. Just moments away from the terminal, tourists are sure to be enthralled by Falmouth’s wonderful shopping district. Here, they can find the perfect locally supplied souvenirs and keepsakes. Also featured is fine dining at Falmouth’s many restaurants. Perhaps most notable about Falmouth is its pristinely preserved architecture, with many locales dating back to the 1700s. Worthwhile sites to visit include Falmouth Court House, Falmouth Parish Church, the Monument Erected to a Slave, and the Falmouth Presbyterian Church.
HISTORY OF FALMOUTH The history of Falmouth, Trelawny, is both fascinating & intriguing. In the 1700’s, as planters in St. James acquired more land, many were forced to migrate to the northern interior of the island. However, by 1733 these same settlers found it increasingly difficult to get their produce from the remote areas to the old parish capital (Montego Bay). As such, they called for the creation of a new parish. In 1770, their request was finally granted with the formation of Trelawny, aptly named after Governor Sir William Trelawny. Martha Brae was appointed its first capital. However, after just a few years, it became clear that it was ill-fitted as the parish capital. The small seaside village of Martha Brae Point was later chosen as a more suitable alternative. This was later renamed Falmouth and around 1790 took over as the official capital of Trelawny. Trelawny was prosperous in its early years and was renowned for having the most sugar estates and sugar factories on the island. Falmouth was also the only town in Jamaica built in accordance with the gridiron plan. It was celebrated as one of the first areas on the island to enjoy piped water. According to historians, it had piped water before the citizens of New York City did!
Tubing
Rafting
Ride nʻ Swim
Kayaking
Hike nʻ Bike
Book Your Adventure Today!
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n the parish of Westmoreland you will find Negril, a fabulously beautiful beach resort town on the northwest coast of Jamaica. Roughly a 1-hour drive from Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Negril has a distinct appeal sure to please even the most discerning traveler. Rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world, Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is utterly breathtaking. Despite its name, Seven Mile Beach is in actuality roughly only 4 miles in length. With white sands embraced by the sparkling blue Caribbean Sea and
radiant tropical sunshine, thousands of visitors flock to this renowned beach annually. Negril is home to many other activities, including various water sports, horseback riding, and vastly popular cliff diving at Rick’s Café. With multiple heights for various levels of expertise, cliff diving at Rick’s Café is sure to invigorate the senses. After diving, be sure to cool off with some refreshing cocktails and take in the world famous Negril sunset.
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TOUR INCLUDES
. . . .
3.5 - 4hrs Guided Tour Transfers from Negril Hotels & Resort Beach Time on 7-Miles Beach Swim/ Snorkel
. . . . .
Snorkling Equipment Entertaiment Pre-Recorded Music Sweet Treats Stop at Rick’s Cafe
WHAT TO BRING
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Cash or Credit Card Towel Sunglasses Sunscreen
ADDITIONAL INFO
.. .. .
Not wheelchair accessible Not suitable for pregnant women Minimum age: 5 years Souvenirs & photos are available for sale Not accessible for the physically challenged
contact your tour representative for more details
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panish for ‘Eight Rivers’, Ocho Rios is situated on the central northern coast of Jamaica in the parish of Saint Ann. Ocho Rios is bursting at the seams with attractions for the many travelers who come here annually. No tourist’s trip is complete without a climb up Dunn’s River Falls, perhaps Jamaica’s most popular destination. Dunn’s River Falls is about 180 feet high and 600 feet in length. Guests enjoy a breathtaking climb up to the top, hands joined in a giant human chain. For those who are physically unable to make the climb, stairs alongside the falls are available for dryer, more sure-footed travel.
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Mystic Mountain, a theme park located within a real tropical rainforest, is another must-see Ocho Rios attraction. Rocket through the jungle at amazing speeds on the Bobsled ride. Witness Mystic Mountain’s beautiful scenery high above from the Sky Explorer, or glide through the canopy on an exhilarating Zip Line Tour. Swim with the dolphins, sharks and stingrays in their natural environment at Dolphin Cove, truly the experience of a lifetime. Also featured is a fascinating glass-bottom kayak ride and a jungle trail walk, where you can make your acquaintance with exotic birds, snakes and iguanas.
IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION OPTIONAL TOURS Amstar DMC has pre-screened all tours for quality and safety. Amstar DMC does not recommend the rental of motorized scooters, parasailing, or jet skis. Amstar DMC is also not liable, and/or responsible for any injury you may incur while participating in water sports, bicycling, driving a car, or engaging in other optional tours and/or activities not included in your vacation. Amstar DMC assumes no responsibility for tours, activities or services purchased through other companies. Secure your optional activities by purchasing through Amstar DMC. TRANSPORTATION The easiest way to get around is by taxi and by bus. Taxis: Rates are set and are based on the zone to which you are traveling. Rates cover one to four persons, plus an additional fee for extra persons. Catching a cab from the hotel is always a bit more expensive than flagging one down on the street, but is recommended. Taxi rates are generally posted at your hotel or you can ask your Amstar Representative. Taxi rates go up after midnight. Buses: Jamaica has a public bus system for getting around the island. The cost is quite reasonable. However, buses can be unreliable and crowded. DRESS Dress in the Caribbean is very informal. Jackets, ties and formal wear are not usually required. However, some nightclubs and restaurants do not allow men to wear shorts, tank tops or tennis shoes. DOCTORS Most doctors speak English, allowing you to communicate in case of a medical emergency. Please check with the Front Desk of your hotel or the hotel telephone operator for more information. DRINKING WATER Most hotel water has been purified. You may drink water in hotels, bars and restaurants as they have purified water on hand. Do drink plenty of liquids after a day in the sun to avoid dehydration. MAIL To mail postcards or letters to your friends back home, you must use Jamaican stamps, which can be obtained at your hotel gift shop. You can mail postcards at the reception desk of your hotel.
CREDIT CARDS & CURRENCY EXCHANGE Credit cards, including American Express, Mastercard and Visa are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Most hotels or local banks provide currency exchange facilities, where you can convert your U.S. money to Jamaican money. There is a daily maximum exchange of U.S. currency at some hotels. We urge you not to exchange all of your money at once. The rate of exchange used to convert your unspent Jamaican dollars back to U.S. dollars will be much lower than the original exchange from U.S. dollars to Jamaican dollars.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS WEATHER Apply high factor sunscreen to yourself and your children regardless of your skin type. Ideally, you should avoid the midday sun altogether, particularly as it is easy to underestimate the power of the sun’s rays with a cool tropical breeze. If you get heat stroke, rehydrate. Aloe vera gel is great for treating sunburn. ROADS When driving, keep left! When on foot and crossing a road, look right! As in Great Britain and its other territories, vehicles in Jamaica travel on the left-hand side of the road. Drunk driving laws are enforced. Seatbelt laws are also enforced and require the driver and all passengers to buckle up. Children’s seats are strongly recommended. Speed checks occur frequently. Speed limits are 50 kph (30 mph) in built-up areas and 80 kph (50 mph) on most highways FOOD & WATER Food and water are considered safe. The majority of accommodations are connected to ‘city water’ that is great to drink, but a few places still have ‘cistern’ or ‘well water’. In these situations, check with the owner on its drinkability. MEDICAL Public hospitals are inexpensive but crowded and below expectations, aesthetically. Private hospitals are expensive. Ensure you have adequate travel and medical insurance as Jamaica does not operate a national ‘free’ health system. Serious cases may be transferred to Miami via air ambulance. LAND There are few dangerous animals in Jamaica and they are rabies free. Snakes are rare and none are poisonous. In the unlikely event you are stung by a bee, wasp or scorpion, call a doctor for advice. There are some plant species that contain skin irritants that should be avoided. Crocodiles exist in our swamps but are rarely in tourist areas.
BANKS Most banks are open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 2:30pm and Friday 9am to 4pm. Banks are closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
MOSQUITOES/SAND FLIES Mosquitoes are typically active at sunrise and sunset, so keep a bottle of mosquito repellent close by. If bitten by another insect, use an anti-inflammatory cream. Jamaica does not have malaria.
MONEY The basic unit of Jamaican currency is the Jamaican dollar, which is issued in paper bills and coins. You can exchange your money at your hotel, at exchange bureaus or at the bank. The rate will be similar at all places. The paper bills are issued in denominations of $50, $100, $500, $1,000 and $5,000. Denominations of coins are $1, $5, $10 and $20. Cent coins are rarely seen. U.S. dollars are generally accepted almost everywhere; however, your change will likely be given in Jamaican dollars.
SEA Jellyfish stings and sea itch are rare but not fun, so be careful snorkeling and diving. Sea itch is an invisible larvae of the thimble jellyfish, and appears from late March to June. You can use safe sea cream to prevent any issues from both. If it’s too late, a splash of vinegar will soothe. For serious cases, get antihistamine from the pharmacy or a steroid shot from the doctor. Be wary of sea urchins on the rocks, too.
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We don’t want to see you go, and we hope you don’t want to go either! But when you do go, please refer to the following tips to help ensure a hassle-free trip home
Please be sure that you are familiar with your departure flight and transfer times. If you are not sure about these details, please check with your Amstar Representative upon arrival at the resort. If you need to request a special seat or require assistance because of a medical requirement, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance. We will be happy to send your request to the airline. Please note, your request cannot be guaranteed. Likewise, any special meal request needs 48 hours’ notification and cannot be guaranteed. Please allow plenty of time to check out of your hotel: 45 minutes before your pick up time is appropriate. Check-out time at most hotels is 12 noon. To avoid a late check-out fee, please check out on time. To avoid any problems with your transfer back to the airport, please plan accordingly. Regular
transfers are not private, and will not wait for guests who are still settling their hotel account, waiting for luggage or purchasing a last souvenir. Before checking out, take a look around your accommodations. Check all drawers and closets, look under the bed, and clear out your safety deposit box. If you need assistance with your luggage, call for a bellhop. Remember, give the bell staff sufficient time to collect your bags according to your transfer pick-up time. Try to avoid large or heavy carry-on luggage. The flight crew might insist that your bag be placed below. In your carry-on bag you should pack: airline tickets, passports or other travel documents, the Jamaican immigration form you filled out when arriving, any medication you may need during the flight and cash for souvenirs and refreshments at the airport.
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Advertising & Editorial comments to: Jamaica Travel Guide Amstar DMC – Jamaica 1214 Providence Drive Ironshore Industrial Estates Montego Bay W.I. E: rbourke@amstardmc.com T: (876) 971-9887 PUBLISHER: Amstar DMC EDITOR: Richard Bourke CO-EDITOR: Bruce Grayson Yee Local Graphic Design Provider: Oneil Thompson Graphics PRINTERS: MAPCO Printers Limited
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The TRAVEL GUIDE is published by Amstar DMC for the use and benefit of travelers to Jamaica. Every effort has been made to verify information; however, the JAMAICA TRAVEL GUIDE and Amstar DMC assume no liability for errors in the publication. The Travel Guide is not responsible for the content of the advertisements published therein. Information in this guide can change from time to time and the publication will not accept responsibility for such changes. All rights to the JAMAICA TRAVEL GUIDE are reserved by Amstar DMC.
You may find porters or carts to assist you with your luggage. Please note: These options are not complimentary. The latest going rate has been $1 USD per bag or cart.
If you still have Jamaican dollars to exchange back to US dollars, the rate is generally better at exchange windows before the checkpoint.
An Amstar representative will direct you toward the assigned check-in counters. Please help the process by keeping your bags in an orderly fashion. If you are traveling with small children or need assistance, please notify an Amstar representative as soon as you arrive to the airport. Have all passports, travel documents and tourist cards ready when you step up to the counter. Remember to wait for your boarding pass and luggage receipts before leaving the counter. If you wish to be seated together with other passengers, hand in your documents all together. Please note: Seating groups together is not guaranteed. Have your boarding passes and passports handy when proceeding to the departure area. You will need to present them to proceed to the x-ray checkpoint. There are restaurants, snack bars, small shops and restrooms inside the terminal and in the waiting areas. Duty-free shopping is available after passing the x-ray checkpoints.
Amstar DMC and your tour operator would like to thank you for choosing to travel with us. We look forward to seeing you again here in Jamaica or in one of our many other exciting destinations.
U.S. citizens returning from international travel are allowed $800 USD worth of merchandise duty free. 100 cigars and 200 cigarettes (1 carton) may be included in your total exemptions. If you are 21 years and older, 1 liter of alcoholic beverage is permitted. Alcoholic beverages over this limit are subject to duty and internal revenue tax. Please refer to your customs declaration provided to you during your return flight for further details.
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