Language: English is the official language. Also common is the English English-African Creole dialect called Jamaican Patois.
Currency: Jamaican dollar
Climate: tropical, with more temperate climate in higher elevations
Religion: predominantly Christian
Food:
Jamaica is famous for jerk cooking, which combines a hot spice mixture and slow cooking of pork, chicken or seafood over pimento wood or charcoal. Try the jerk chicken sausage, yum! The country is also known for Red Stripe beer and Blue Mountain coffee. Blue Mountain coffee is some of the best we've had during our travels. The national dish is saltfish (codfish)and ackee, a fruit native to West Africa. Also popular: curried goat and rice, bammy (a flat, baked bread made from cassava), rice and “peas” (beans), and patties, a turnover-type pastry typically filled with spiced meat, chicken or seafood. Be sure to try some of the local "holey bulla," a sweet ginger bread from Coronation Bakery in Port Antonio, on the A4. The rastas eat vegetarian, so that's another popular cuisine on the island. Woody's in particular is known for their veggie burgers, such as the plaintain burger.
Is Jamaica safe?
Tourists should take customary precautions wherever they travel. Crime targeting tourists is comparably rare in and around Port Antonio than that of Montego Bay and Kingston. Most violent crime takes place in the impoverished areas of those cities. During our travels there, we never felt unsafe.
Portland is relatively isolated, will their be other tourists?
Of course! Families, back packers, retirees, honeymooners, many Europeans and some returning Americans such as ourselves too. Port Antonio is alluring to those whom want private seclusion. Most are glad that it has retained it's authenticity and abhor the idea of the mega-resorts that you'd find in Mo'Bay and Negril.
Will I be hassled?
It is not uncommon in Jamaica to be approached by someone offering you "ganja" or jewelry for purchase, sometimes aggressively to get you to buy. While it is less common in Portland than at the tourist hubs on the island, it's not unlikely. Usually a "no, thank you" is enough if you are uninterested. It is not advised you give out any information, and be vague with your answers to deter hustlers. Be wary of those whom give you something and say it's a "gift" as they may expect payment later.
But I want a surf lesson! Oooh, look at these pretty earrings!
Unemployment is high in Jamaica. You may be approached by those offering a tour, surf lessons, jewelry, a beer run, etc! Most are just looking to provide for themselves and their families like us all. If you'd like a surf lesson, some handmade jewelry etc, negotiate a price. Islanders have a warm and friendly demeanor, and nearly everything is up for barter. Furthermore, you are helping the local people. Jamaicans take pride in their arts and crafts, including paintings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, wood carving, fabrics and straw weaving.
Is Jamaica expensive?
How much you spend depends on your sense of style. Even hard-core budget travelers will need to spend at least US$35 a day. Roadside stalls and budget restaurants sell patties for less than US$1 and jerk pork and other local meals for as little as US$2. A hand of bananas or half a dozen mangoes will cost about US$1. More touristy restaurants, however, can be expensive, as many of the ingredients they use are imported: expect to pay at least US$10 per person and, for the finest restaurants, as much as US$60. Car rentals begin at about US$45 a day for the smallest vehicle. Public transport is inordinately cheap, although the tourist taxis can get very expensive (usually US$8 minimum for even the shortest journey.) It's important to ask or negotiate a price before hand.. The budget accommodations cost US$20 or more, even for spartan conditions. Midrange hotels range from about US$60 to US$150, while luxury resorts can charge US$300 or more. Most excursions range from US$10 to US$75. Private beach fees range, from US$3 to US$10, although there are nice, free public beaches as well.
Tipping:
A 10% tip is normal in hotels and restaurants. Some restaurants automatically add a 10% to 15% service charge to your bill. Check your bill carefully, as the charge is often hidden. Outside Kingston, tourist taxi drivers often ask for tips but it is not necessary; Juta (route) taxis do not expect tips.
Cash or credit?
We would definitely recommend withdrawing cash from an ATM while at the airport, or exchanging your USDs there for the local Jamaican Dollar. Much of your transactions in Portland will be done in cash. Do not expect to be able to purchase that roadside jerk with your debit card. Only will the finer restaurants and gift shops likely will accept credit. If you do require more cash while in Portland, your lodge may be able to assist you, or direct you to an ATM in nearby Port Antonio.
Is the water safe to drink?
The tap water is generally good and safe to drink. All piped water in Jamaica is treated to international standards, and will be of the same quality you could expect to find in North America or Europe. Bottled water is also widely available.
Links:
Lonely Planet on Port Antonio
TripAdvisor on Portland Parish
How to exchange your money.
Articles on Port Antonio:
Travel and Leisure
Afar highlights
Island Buzz on Portland, including "Mon di road" episodes!
"Jamaica? We went of our own accord" - Article from UK Guardian about Portland Parish.
Articles on Port Antonio:
Travel and Leisure
Afar highlights
Island Buzz on Portland, including "Mon di road" episodes!
"Jamaica? We went of our own accord" - Article from UK Guardian about Portland Parish.