Jamaica has holiday attractions that extend far beyond the stretches of Negril's Seven Mile Beach. Among the many great things to see and do in Jamaica, there are destinations such as Kingston's Bob Marley Museum and Spanish Town, or the Montego Bay Marine Park and Rose Hall (said to be haunted by beautiful Annie Palmer, the 'White Witch of Rose Hall').

In Ocho Rios, visit Dolphin Cove and Dunn's River Falls, or explore the Green Grotto Caves. Fans of the movie Blue Lagoonwill find the actual site near Port Antonio, while rum enthusiasts will enjoy the Appleton Rum Estate on Jamaica's South Coast. All this sightseeing is made more enjoyable by year-round good weather, but storms and hurricanes can occur between July and November.

Business in Jamaica is surprisingly formal, with proper titles used and suits and ties the norm despite the tropical climate. Introductions are usually made with a handshake and an exchange of business cards. Punctuality is key, and socialising is an important aspect of the business meeting. Business hours are usually from 8.30am to 4.30pm or 5pm on weekdays, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Jamaica's climate is tropical with constant warm to hot temperatures all year round, though cooler in the higher, central areas. The wettest months are between May and November, when short sharp showers can be expected. The heaviest rains occur in September and October and the hurricane season runs from June to November; however, despite the powerful Hurricane Ivan of September 2004, relatively few hurricanes touch Jamaica.

The international access code for Jamaica is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 876. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code is not needed when calling the US or Canada. City or area codes are not required. Direct international telephone services are available, and operators can also facilitate calls. The local mobile phone operators use various networks, including GSM, which is compatible with most international networks. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts, and access is also available from most hotels and parish libraries.

Contrary to popular belief, smoking ganja(marijuana) is illegal in Jamaica. Homosexuality is prohibited.

Travellers to Jamaica over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g of other tobacco products; 946ml alcoholic beverages and wine; perfume up to 150g; and goods for personal consumption to the value of US$500. Prohibited items include products made from goatskin (e.g. drums, handbags and rugs).

Electrical current is 110 volts, 50Hz. Flat two- and three-pin plugs are in use.

Dengue fever and Leptospirosis are travel health risks in Jamaica, so visitors should use mosquito nets and insect repellant and avoid rivers and dams. There is a small malaria risk, and visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites, though prophylaxis is not considered necessary. Although generally safe, the tap water can cause stomach upsets and visitors are advised to drink bottled water if on short trips. Private medical facilities are of a reasonable standard but can vary throughout the island, and facilities are limited outside Kingston and Montego Bay. Medical treatment can be expensive so insurance is advised. No vaccination certificates are needed for entry into Jamaica, but yellow fever certificates are required for travellers coming from an infected area.

The official language of Jamaica is English but a local patois is also spoken, a mixture of English, Spanish, and various African languages.

The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is divided into 100 cents. The island is well supplied with ATMs, banks and bureaux de change. Banking hours are usually Monday to Thursday from 9am to 2pm, and Friday from 9am to 4pm. Cambio exchange offices are found throughout the country, open later than banks and often offering better exchange rates. Retain receipts as proof of legal currency exchange. Exchange bureaux at the airports and hotels also offer better rates than banks. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Both cash and travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars.

All foreign visitors to Jamaica must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, return/onward tickets to their country of permanent residence, and the necessary travel documentation for this next documentation. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Jamaica, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

There are high levels of crime and violence in Jamaica, especially around Kingston, and tourists should be alert, not resist in the event of attempted robbery, and avoid walking or using public transport at night. If you are self-driving do not give lifts to strangers. When travelling to or from the airport in Kingston avoid the Mountain View route. Travellers on the Hummingbird route should also be cautious at night. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas or on beaches, even in daylight hours. Jamaica is prone to hurricanes between June and November.

Outside the all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, where tips are part of the package, visitors should tip 10-15% for taxis, personal services, room service and restaurants where a service charge is not already included in the bill. Parking attendants, bellboys and porters also expect a tip.