Jamaica Survival Guide!

[JAPrincess 27]

den a so onoo chat dat onoo use off 4000 minutes in one month?

at least 3000 a month

[JAPrincess 27]

I add the place we stayed in Kingston for our interview. It was a nice place and I really liked it. It was right down the road from the Embassy. It was easy to get a taxi and we paid for the visa to be shipped their were plenty of taxis to get back. THE PLACE WAS VERY VERY NICE.

Christar Villa Hotel - http://christarvillashotel.com/

Thanks

[JAPrincess 27]

Making a JA LDR Easier

Embassy Contact Number: 876-702-6450

Email address: kingstonivinfo@state.gov

General Information on Jamaica:

www.VisitJamaica.com (new tourist board web site!)

Jamaica Dream Vacation: www.jamaica-dream-vacation.com

www.jamaicans.com

www.seejamaicacheaply.com

www.top5jamaica.com

Jamaican Word Glossary: www.speakjamaican.com/glossary.html

Jamaican Recipes with Video: www.jamaicatravelandculture.com/food_and_drink.htm

Jamaica Florist: http://worldwide-florist.com/Jamaica.html

Documents

- Police Record (good for one year): http://www.mns.org.jm/ApplyingforPoliceRec...79/Default.aspx

- Dual Citizenship - http://www.congenjamaica-ny.org/citizenshi...20by%20Marriage

- Passport: Application http://www.congenjamaica-ny.org/Applications/ppapp.pdf

- From the US after he's here - http://www.jamaicanconsulatechicago.org/#Passport%20Renewal:

- Birth/Marriage Certificate: (Get at least 1 or 2 extra to bring to US )

- From JA: In person at local RGD office http://www.rgd.gov.jm/?q=locations

- From US: Online at http://www.rgd.gov.jm/

- Make sure to locate vaccination records

- Locate high school graduation certificate

- A recommendation from recent employer is helpful

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS CONCERNING VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

United States immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations (listed below) prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa. Panel physicians who conduct medical examinations of immigrant visa applicants are required to verify that immigrant visa applicants have met the vaccination requirements, or that it is medically inappropriate for the visa applicant to receive one or more of the listed vaccinations:

-- Acellular pertussis

-- Hepatitis A

-- Hepatitis B

-- Human papillomavirus (HPV)

-- Influenza

-- Influenza type b (Hib)

-- Measles

-- Meningococcal

-- Mumps

-- Pneumococcal

-- Pertussis

-- Polio

-- Rotovirus

-- Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids

-- Varicella

-- Zoster

In order to assist the panel physican, and to avoid delays in the processing of an immigrant visa, all immigrant visa applicants should have their vaccination records available for the panel physician's review at the time of the immigrant medical examination. Visa applicants should consult with their regular health care provider to obtain a copy of their immunization record, if one is available. If you do not have a vaccination record, the panel physician will work with you to determine which vaccinations you may need to meet the requirement. Certain waivers of the vaccination requirement are available upon the recommendation of the panel physician. Only a physician can determine which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate for you, given your age, medical history and current medical condition. For more detailed information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Panel Physician Technical Instructions for Vaccination.

Monetary

Banks:

- ScotiaBank http://www.scotiabank.com/jm/cda/index/0,,LIDen,00.html

- NCB Bank - http://www.jncb.com/index.asp

Sending Money:

- Greendot (Prepaid Debit Card): $10 for the card, $5 monthly fee www.greendotonline.com

- Western Union – http://www.westernunion.com

- Senvia - http://www.senvia.com/

Communications

Digicel:

- Chip $400

- Web text messages from their phone to their phones via the internet - http://webtext.digicelgroup.com/sendSMSForm.do

- International Calling Plan: 16 hours for $20USD per month - LINK

Ezetop: Send credit to mobile phones in Jamaica EZETOP

Cell Phones - Buy unlocked if you are purchasing in US: www.wirelessgalaxy.com; www.ebay.com; tigerdirect.com

* www.cellularblowout.com - NOT RECOMMENDED

- To send a text via email: 1876xxxxxxx@digitextjm.com

Calling Card Options:

Ringyard www.ringyard.com

Sprint International Phone Cards

Rebtel phone cards

SoSoChat

News

Jamaica Gleaner - http://jamaica-gleaner.com

Jamaica Observer - www.jamaicaobserver.com

Power 106 - www.go-jamaica.com/power

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/

www.jumptv.com (CVM for free or TVJ for monthly fee)

Yellow Pages - http://jamaica.jamaicayp.com

Online Bill Payment

http://www.billexpressonline.com/bxonline/index2.aspx

https://www.paymaster-online.net/

Shipping

Barrel - Food/Toiletries/Supplies

- Dial A Barrel - online - www.dialabarrel.com

- Pack A Barrel - online - RIPPED OFF A VJ MEMBER!!!

- Finlays - Sells empty barrells and will also ship them for you - www.shiptojamaica.com

USPS vs FedEx vs UPS

Air Jamaica Cargo - http://airjamaica.com/Cargo

Order From US - PickUp in JA

Courts - Free Islandwide Delivery - www.courts.com.jm

SuperPlus Supermarket - www.superplusfoods.com

Hotel Recommendations

Trip Advisor - traveler reviews & opinions of hotels, vacations & more - www.tripadvisor.com

Skyauction.com - Good travel deals

Negril: Detailed Map of Negril businesses / hotels - http://www.negrilinfo.com/

On the beach:

Beach Club Condos (studios available)- http://www.negrill.com/

Country Country - http://countryjamaica.com/

Kuyaba - (beautiful, great food!) http://www.kuyaba.com/

Rondel Village: http://www.rondelvillage.com/

Charela Inn: http://www.charela.com/

Hidden Paradise: http://www.hidden-paradise.com/

Seasplash- www.seasplash.com

Our Past Time- www.ourpasttimenegril.com

Negril Beach Resort

Fun Holiday Beach Resort (mixed reviews)

On the cliffs:

Blue Cave Castle - http://www.bluecavecastle.com/

Samsara - http://www.negrilhotels.com/

Xtabi (beautiful) www.xtabi-negril.com

Foot Prints www.footeprints.com

Kingston:

The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites - http://www.courtleigh.com/

Mikuzi Guest House - http://mikuzijamaica.com/index.html

Christar Villa Hotel - http://christarvillashotel.com/

Mandeville:

Mandeville Hotel - www.mandevillehoteljamaica.com

Golf View Hotel - www.thegolfviewhotel.com

Tropics View Hotel - www.tropicsviewhoteljamaica.com

Montego Bay:

Holiday Inn Sunspree - http://www.caribbeanhi.com/jamaica/

Royal Decameron - http://decameron.com/Eng/jamaica/montego/overview.html

Verney House Hotel- http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-4015914-verney_house_hotel-i (mom and pop place off the beaten path)

El Greco: http://www.elgrecojamaica.com/

Trelawny:

FDR-Pebbles - http://www.fdrholidays.com/pebbles/index.php

Starfish

Ocho Rios:

Rooms On the Beach

Sunset Jamaica Grande (not recommended)

Little Shaw Park Guesthouse

http://www.littleshawparkguesthouse.com

The Blue House

http://www.thebluehousejamaica.com/

SeaCrest Beach Hotel

http://www.seacrestresorts.com/

Hibiscus Lodge

http://www.hibiscusjamaica.com/

High Hope Estate

www.highhopeestate.com

Villas across the Island:

Just tell Lisa what you are looking for at - http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/

Wedding Coordinator

Wedding Coordinator for any part of the Island Carolyn Barrett please go to -http://www.carolynscaribbeancottages.com/W...dexweddings.htm

These sites have hotel info for many areas

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/jamaica/93_indacc.html

www.homeaway.com

Negril Internet Hot Spots

Easy Rock Internet Cafe (West End) www.negril.com/ezrock

Blue Waters Internet Cafe (West End) www.negril.com/BlueWaters/2

Surf N Talk (Beach Road) www.surfntalk.com.jm

Possible wifi: Selinas, Fun Holiday, Alfreds

Margaritaville & Time Square Mall - Free wireless

Ocho Rios Internet Hot Spots

Atmosphere - 1 Sandcastle Plaza, 1 Main Street 876-974-6676

Techie Website

www.techjamaica.com

US Caribbean Links: (restaurants, associations, etc…)

Connecticut: http://www.westindianfoundation.org/

Florida: http://www.jamaicanamericanassoc.com/

Georgia: www.ajaatlanta.org/

Maryland:

- Muffin Man http://www.gazette.net/stories/121406/ente...326_31981.shtml

- www.hotcalaloo.com/jam.htm

Michigan: Michigan Jamaican Association http://www.jam1.org/

US Shopping

Sam's 24-7 - Online Caribbean shopping for food and misc. items - Runs specials with free shipping - www.sams247.com

Golden Krust - Great patties, many locations and an online store - www.goldenkrustbakery.com

http://wifglobal.com

[dillon 6]

FYI I stayed at Mikuzi Guest House in Kingston for our interview. It was very nice and the staff was great. A friend of mine told me about a week or two ago that a tourist couple was just killed there. Not sure of the entire story but wanted to let you all know.

[TRELAWNY PARISH 10]

I add the place we stayed in Kingston for our interview. It was a nice place and I really liked it. It was right down the road from the Embassy. It was easy to get a taxi and we paid for the visa to be shipped their were plenty of taxis to get back. THE PLACE WAS VERY VERY NICE.

Christar Villa Hotel - http://christarvillashotel.com/

Thanks

We also stayed there. I made sure I looked at the room before we took it...it was a two bedroom suite with a kitchen nothing fancy...because they messed up our reservation they only charged us for single occupany even though it was 4 of us...and you can walk to the mall or the bus park...we were all over the place and we cooked...they had pots and pans, jus wash dem good. Tons of places to eat, but him and his friends wanted to cook and cook they did and had a little party. They staff was cool and laid back.

[BelwinMills 0]

I add the place we stayed in Kingston for our interview. It was a nice place and I really liked it. It was right down the road from the Embassy. It was easy to get a taxi and we paid for the visa to be shipped their were plenty of taxis to get back. THE PLACE WAS VERY VERY NICE.

Christar Villa Hotel - http://christarvillashotel.com/

Thanks

We also stayed there. I made sure I looked at the room before we took it...it was a two bedroom suite with a kitchen nothing fancy...because they messed up our reservation they only charged us for single occupany even though it was 4 of us...and you can walk to the mall or the bus park...we were all over the place and we cooked...they had pots and pans, jus wash dem good. Tons of places to eat, but him and his friends wanted to cook and cook they did and had a little party. They staff was cool and laid back.

We just got a standard room and ate upstairs at the dinning area for our meals. Whatever they had made was very good. The staff was nice.

[NatPatBen 3]

ATTENTION current FILERS!!!!! If you are going through the process now, fill out the DS-230 pt 1 and have the Jamaican sign it next time you see him/her! Scan it so you have an electronic copy. That way, when it's time, you can send in the scanned copy with the signature & save a trip to Kingston to drop it off.

[NatPatBen 3]

bumped for review

[NatPatBen 3]

FYI I stayed at Mikuzi Guest House in Kingston for our interview. It was very nice and the staff was great. A friend of mine told me about a week or two ago that a tourist couple was just killed there. Not sure of the entire story but wanted to let you all know.

I liked this hotel because of the price, but I researched this shooting Dillon mentions. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/jamaica/news/art...jectid=10583835

Guess I'll be paying a lot more to stay at the Hilton or Christar Villas.

[My4rmylife 0]

very good info

[BunzTheMagicSnail 2]

FYI I stayed at Mikuzi Guest House in Kingston for our interview. It was very nice and the staff was great. A friend of mine told me about a week or two ago that a tourist couple was just killed there. Not sure of the entire story but wanted to let you all know.

I liked this hotel because of the price, but I researched this shooting Dillon mentions. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/jamaica/news/art...jectid=10583835

Guess I'll be paying a lot more to stay at the Hilton or Christar Villas.

stay at christar

it is LITERALLY down the road from the embassy and it's quite central

i'm sure (or i would like to hope) it is cheaper than the hilton

[sus 70]

Making a JA LDR Easier

Embassy Contact Number: 876-702-6450

Email address: kingstonivinfo@state.gov

General Information on Jamaica:

www.VisitJamaica.com (new tourist board web site!)

Jamaica Dream Vacation: www.jamaica-dream-vacation.com

www.jamaicans.com

www.seejamaicacheaply.com

www.top5jamaica.com

Jamaican Word Glossary: www.speakjamaican.com/glossary.html

Jamaican Recipes with Video: www.jamaicatravelandculture.com/food_and_drink.htm

Jamaica Florist: http://worldwide-florist.com/Jamaica.html

Documents

- Police Record (good for one year): http://www.mns.org.jm/ApplyingforPoliceRec...79/Default.aspx

- Dual Citizenship - http://www.congenjamaica-ny.org/citizenshi...20by%20Marriage

- Passport: Application http://www.congenjamaica-ny.org/Applications/ppapp.pdf

- From the US after he's here - http://www.jamaicanconsulatechicago.org/#Passport%20Renewal:

- Birth/Marriage Certificate: (Get at least 1 or 2 extra to bring to US )

- From JA: In person at local RGD office http://www.rgd.gov.jm/?q=locations

- From US: Online at http://www.rgd.gov.jm/

- Make sure to locate vaccination records

- Locate high school graduation certificate

- A recommendation from recent employer is helpful

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS CONCERNING VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

United States immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations (listed below) prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa. Panel physicians who conduct medical examinations of immigrant visa applicants are required to verify that immigrant visa applicants have met the vaccination requirements, or that it is medically inappropriate for the visa applicant to receive one or more of the listed vaccinations:

-- Acellular pertussis

-- Hepatitis A

-- Hepatitis B

-- Human papillomavirus (HPV)

-- Influenza

-- Influenza type b (Hib)

-- Measles

-- Meningococcal

-- Mumps

-- Pneumococcal

-- Pertussis

-- Polio

-- Rotovirus

-- Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids

-- Varicella

-- Zoster

In order to assist the panel physican, and to avoid delays in the processing of an immigrant visa, all immigrant visa applicants should have their vaccination records available for the panel physician's review at the time of the immigrant medical examination. Visa applicants should consult with their regular health care provider to obtain a copy of their immunization record, if one is available. If you do not have a vaccination record, the panel physician will work with you to determine which vaccinations you may need to meet the requirement. Certain waivers of the vaccination requirement are available upon the recommendation of the panel physician. Only a physician can determine which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate for you, given your age, medical history and current medical condition. For more detailed information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Panel Physician Technical Instructions for Vaccination.

Monetary

Banks:

- ScotiaBank http://www.scotiabank.com/jm/cda/index/0,,LIDen,00.html

- NCB Bank - http://www.jncb.com/index.asp

Sending Money:

- Greendot (Prepaid Debit Card): $10 for the card, $5 monthly fee www.greendotonline.com

- Western Union – http://www.westernunion.com

- Senvia - http://www.senvia.com/

Jamaica National Money Transfer: JN Money Transfer

Communications

Digicel:

- Chip $400

- Web text messages from their phone to their phones via the internet - http://webtext.digicelgroup.com/sendSMSForm.do

- International Calling Plan: 16 hours for $20USD per month - LINK

Ezetop: Send credit to mobile phones in Jamaica EZETOP

Cell Phones - Buy unlocked if you are purchasing in US: www.wirelessgalaxy.com; www.ebay.com; tigerdirect.com

* www.cellularblowout.com - NOT RECOMMENDED

- To send a text via email: 1876xxxxxxx@digitextjm.com

Calling Card Options:

Ringyard www.ringyard.com

Sprint International Phone Cards

Rebtel phone cards

SoSoChat

News

Jamaica Gleaner - http://jamaica-gleaner.com

Jamaica Observer - www.jamaicaobserver.com

Power 106 - www.go-jamaica.com/power

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/

www.jumptv.com (CVM for free or TVJ for monthly fee)

Yellow Pages - http://jamaica.jamaicayp.com

Online Bill Payment

http://www.billexpressonline.com/bxonline/index2.aspx

https://www.paymaster-online.net/

Shipping

Barrel - Food/Toiletries/Supplies

- Dial A Barrel - online - www.dialabarrel.com

- Pack A Barrel - online - RIPPED OFF A VJ MEMBER!!!

- Finlays - Sells empty barrells and will also ship them for you - www.shiptojamaica.com

USPS vs FedEx vs UPS

Air Jamaica Cargo - http://airjamaica.com/Cargo

Order From US - PickUp in JA

Courts - Free Islandwide Delivery - www.courts.com.jm

SuperPlus Supermarket - www.superplusfoods.com

Hotel Recommendations

Trip Advisor - traveler reviews & opinions of hotels, vacations & more - www.tripadvisor.com

Skyauction.com - Good travel deals

Negril: Detailed Map of Negril businesses / hotels - http://www.negrilinfo.com/

On the beach:

Beach Club Condos (studios available)- http://www.negrill.com/

Country Country - http://countryjamaica.com/

Kuyaba - (beautiful, great food!) http://www.kuyaba.com/

Rondel Village: http://www.rondelvillage.com/

Charela Inn: http://www.charela.com/

Hidden Paradise: http://www.hidden-paradise.com/

Seasplash- www.seasplash.com

Our Past Time- www.ourpasttimenegril.com

Negril Beach Resort

Fun Holiday Beach Resort (mixed reviews)

On the cliffs:

Blue Cave Castle - http://www.bluecavecastle.com/

Samsara - http://www.negrilhotels.com/

Xtabi (beautiful) www.xtabi-negril.com

Foot Prints www.footeprints.com

Kingston:

The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites - http://www.courtleigh.com/

Mikuzi Guest House - http://mikuzijamaica.com/index.html

Christar Villa Hotel - http://christarvillashotel.com/

Mandeville:

Mandeville Hotel - www.mandevillehoteljamaica.com

Golf View Hotel - www.thegolfviewhotel.com

Tropics View Hotel - www.tropicsviewhoteljamaica.com

Montego Bay:

Holiday Inn Sunspree - http://www.caribbeanhi.com/jamaica/

Royal Decameron - http://decameron.com/Eng/jamaica/montego/overview.html

Verney House Hotel- http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-4015914-verney_house_hotel-i (mom and pop place off the beaten path)

El Greco: http://www.elgrecojamaica.com/

Trelawny:

FDR-Pebbles - http://www.fdrholidays.com/pebbles/index.php

Starfish

Ocho Rios:

Rooms On the Beach

Sunset Jamaica Grande (not recommended)

Little Shaw Park Guesthouse

http://www.littleshawparkguesthouse.com

The Blue House

http://www.thebluehousejamaica.com/

SeaCrest Beach Hotel

http://www.seacrestresorts.com/

Hibiscus Lodge

http://www.hibiscusjamaica.com/

High Hope Estate

www.highhopeestate.com

Villas across the Island:

Just tell Lisa what you are looking for at - http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/

Wedding Coordinator

Wedding Coordinator for any part of the Island Carolyn Barrett please go to -http://www.carolynscaribbeancottages.com/W...dexweddings.htm

These sites have hotel info for many areas

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/jamaica/93_indacc.html

www.homeaway.com

Negril Internet Hot Spots

Easy Rock Internet Cafe (West End) www.negril.com/ezrock

Blue Waters Internet Cafe (West End) www.negril.com/BlueWaters/2

Surf N Talk (Beach Road) www.surfntalk.com.jm

Possible wifi: Selinas, Fun Holiday, Alfreds

Margaritaville & Time Square Mall - Free wireless

Ocho Rios Internet Hot Spots

Atmosphere - 1 Sandcastle Plaza, 1 Main Street 876-974-6676

Techie Website

www.techjamaica.com

US Caribbean Links: (restaurants, associations, etc…)

Connecticut: http://www.westindianfoundation.org/

Florida: http://www.jamaicanamericanassoc.com/

Georgia: www.ajaatlanta.org/

Maryland:

- Muffin Man http://www.gazette.net/stories/121406/ente...326_31981.shtml

- www.hotcalaloo.com/jam.htm

Michigan: Michigan Jamaican Association http://www.jam1.org/

US Shopping

Sam's 24-7 - Online Caribbean shopping for food and misc. items - Runs specials with free shipping - www.sams247.com

Golden Krust - Great patties, many locations and an online store - www.goldenkrustbakery.com

http://wifglobal.com

[TRELAWNY PARISH 10]

Not a big fan of resorts, but;

"Sunset Beach Resort and Spa" (Montego Bay) GREAT if you have young kids...waterpark is great (will post pictures later)...cause mi no membah ow fi do it

warning: if you can't swim, they have signs posted all over the place that "no lifeguard on duty" -- I didn't like that, so be CAREFUL and watch you kids.

Food: YUCK (but I think it's because it's the yard in mi)

Entertainment: Okay

Kids Club: FABULOUS/WONDERFUL Staff

Book the waterpark room it's near the waterpark and the beach can be noisy if you want to sleep during the day, but if you have kids (you'll love it)

There is another property in Ocho (Jamaica Grande)....HATED IT

[sus 70]

Not a big fan of resorts, but;

"Sunset Beach Resort and Spa" (Montego Bay) GREAT if you have young kids...waterpark is great (will post pictures later)...cause mi no membah ow fi do it

warning: if you can't swim, they have signs posted all over the place that "no lifeguard on duty" -- I didn't like that, so be CAREFUL and watch you kids.

Food: YUCK (but I think it's because it's the yard in mi)

Entertainment: Okay

Kids Club: FABULOUS/WONDERFUL Staff

Book the waterpark room it's near the waterpark and the beach can be noisy if you want to sleep during the day, but if you have kids (you'll love it)

There is another property in Ocho (Jamaica Grande)....HATED IT

Me too - Had items stolen from the room at Jamaica Grande - nasty security, absolutely would not go back

[BunzTheMagicSnail 2]

Making a JA LDR Easier

Embassy Contact Number: 876-702-6450

Email address: kingstonivinfo@state.gov

General Information on Jamaica:

www.VisitJamaica.com (new tourist board web site!)

Jamaica Dream Vacation: www.jamaica-dream-vacation.com

www.jamaicans.com

www.seejamaicacheaply.com

www.top5jamaica.com

Jamaican Word Glossary: www.speakjamaican.com/glossary.html

Jamaican Recipes with Video: www.jamaicatravelandculture.com/food_and_drink.htm

Jamaica Florist: http://worldwide-florist.com/Jamaica.html

Documents

- Police Record (good for one year): http://www.mns.org.jm/ApplyingforPoliceRec...79/Default.aspx

- Dual Citizenship - http://www.congenjamaica-ny.org/citizenshi...20by%20Marriage

- Passport: Application http://www.congenjamaica-ny.org/Applications/ppapp.pdf

- From the US after he's here - http://www.jamaicanconsulatechicago.org/#Passport%20Renewal:

- Birth/Marriage Certificate: (Get at least 1 or 2 extra to bring to US )

- From JA: In person at local RGD office http://www.rgd.gov.jm/?q=locations

- From US: Online at http://www.rgd.gov.jm/

- Make sure to locate vaccination records

- Locate high school graduation certificate

- A recommendation from recent employer is helpful

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS CONCERNING VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

United States immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations (listed below) prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa. Panel physicians who conduct medical examinations of immigrant visa applicants are required to verify that immigrant visa applicants have met the vaccination requirements, or that it is medically inappropriate for the visa applicant to receive one or more of the listed vaccinations:

-- Acellular pertussis

-- Hepatitis A

-- Hepatitis B

-- Human papillomavirus (HPV)

-- Influenza

-- Influenza type b (Hib)

-- Measles

-- Meningococcal

-- Mumps

-- Pneumococcal

-- Pertussis

-- Polio

-- Rotovirus

-- Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids

-- Varicella

-- Zoster

In order to assist the panel physican, and to avoid delays in the processing of an immigrant visa, all immigrant visa applicants should have their vaccination records available for the panel physician's review at the time of the immigrant medical examination. Visa applicants should consult with their regular health care provider to obtain a copy of their immunization record, if one is available. If you do not have a vaccination record, the panel physician will work with you to determine which vaccinations you may need to meet the requirement. Certain waivers of the vaccination requirement are available upon the recommendation of the panel physician. Only a physician can determine which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate for you, given your age, medical history and current medical condition. For more detailed information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Panel Physician Technical Instructions for Vaccination.

Monetary

Banks:

- ScotiaBank http://www.scotiabank.com/jm/cda/index/0,,LIDen,00.html

- NCB Bank - http://www.jncb.com/index.asp

Sending Money:

- Greendot (Prepaid Debit Card): $10 for the card, $5 monthly fee www.greendotonline.com

- Western Union – http://www.westernunion.com

- Senvia - http://www.senvia.com/

Jamaica National Money Transfer: JN Money Transfer

Communications

Digicel:

- Chip $400

- Web text messages from their phone to their phones via the internet - http://webtext.digicelgroup.com/sendSMSForm.do

- International Calling Plan: 16 hours for $20USD per month - LINK

Ezetop: Send credit to mobile phones in Jamaica EZETOP

Cell Phones - Buy unlocked if you are purchasing in US: www.wirelessgalaxy.com; www.ebay.com; tigerdirect.com

* www.cellularblowout.com - NOT RECOMMENDED

- To send a text via email: 1876xxxxxxx@digitextjm.com

Calling Card Options:

Ringyard www.ringyard.com

Sprint International Phone Cards

Rebtel phone cards

SoSoChat

News

Jamaica Gleaner - http://jamaica-gleaner.com

Jamaica Observer - www.jamaicaobserver.com

Power 106 - www.go-jamaica.com/power

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/

www.jumptv.com (CVM for free or TVJ for monthly fee)

Yellow Pages - http://jamaica.jamaicayp.com

Online Bill Payment

http://www.billexpressonline.com/bxonline/index2.aspx

https://www.paymaster-online.net/

Shipping

Barrel - Food/Toiletries/Supplies

- Dial A Barrel - online - www.dialabarrel.com

- Pack A Barrel - online - RIPPED OFF A VJ MEMBER!!!

- Finlays - Sells empty barrells and will also ship them for you - www.shiptojamaica.com

USPS vs FedEx vs UPS

Air Jamaica Cargo - http://airjamaica.com/Cargo

Order From US - PickUp in JA

Courts - Free Islandwide Delivery - www.courts.com.jm

SuperPlus Supermarket - www.superplusfoods.com

Hotel Recommendations

Trip Advisor - traveler reviews & opinions of hotels, vacations & more - www.tripadvisor.com

Skyauction.com - Good travel deals

Negril: Detailed Map of Negril businesses / hotels - http://www.negrilinfo.com/

On the beach:

Beach Club Condos (studios available)- http://www.negrill.com/

Country Country - http://countryjamaica.com/

Kuyaba - (beautiful, great food!) http://www.kuyaba.com/

Rondel Village: http://www.rondelvillage.com/

Charela Inn: http://www.charela.com/

Hidden Paradise: http://www.hidden-paradise.com/

Seasplash- www.seasplash.com

Our Past Time- www.ourpasttimenegril.com

Negril Beach Resort

Fun Holiday Beach Resort (mixed reviews)

On the cliffs:

Blue Cave Castle - http://www.bluecavecastle.com/

Samsara - http://www.negrilhotels.com/

Xtabi (beautiful) www.xtabi-negril.com

Foot Prints www.footeprints.com

Kingston:

The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites - http://www.courtleigh.com/

Mikuzi Guest House - http://mikuzijamaica.com/index.html

Christar Villa Hotel - http://christarvillashotel.com/

The Prestige Hotel a.k.a. Sandhurst Hotel - theprestigehotel@hotmail.com (876)-927-8244 rates are between 4000-6000 per night

Mandeville:

Mandeville Hotel - www.mandevillehoteljamaica.com

Golf View Hotel - www.thegolfviewhotel.com

Tropics View Hotel - www.tropicsviewhoteljamaica.com

Montego Bay:

Holiday Inn Sunspree - http://www.caribbeanhi.com/jamaica/

Royal Decameron - http://decameron.com/Eng/jamaica/montego/overview.html

Verney House Hotel- http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-4015914-verney_house_hotel-i (mom and pop place off the beaten path)

El Greco: http://www.elgrecojamaica.com/

Trelawny:

FDR-Pebbles - http://www.fdrholidays.com/pebbles/index.php

Starfish

Ocho Rios:

Rooms On the Beach

Sunset Jamaica Grande (not recommended)

Little Shaw Park Guesthouse

http://www.littleshawparkguesthouse.com

The Blue House

http://www.thebluehousejamaica.com/

SeaCrest Beach Hotel

http://www.seacrestresorts.com/

Hibiscus Lodge

http://www.hibiscusjamaica.com/

High Hope Estate

www.highhopeestate.com

Villas across the Island:

Just tell Lisa what you are looking for at - http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/

Wedding Coordinator

Wedding Coordinator for any part of the Island Carolyn Barrett please go to -http://www.carolynscaribbeancottages.com/W...dexweddings.htm

These sites have hotel info for many areas

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/jamaica/93_indacc.html

www.homeaway.com

Negril Internet Hot Spots

Easy Rock Internet Cafe (West End) www.negril.com/ezrock

Blue Waters Internet Cafe (West End) www.negril.com/BlueWaters/2

Surf N Talk (Beach Road) www.surfntalk.com.jm

Possible wifi: Selinas, Fun Holiday, Alfreds

Margaritaville & Time Square Mall - Free wireless

Ocho Rios Internet Hot Spots

Atmosphere - 1 Sandcastle Plaza, 1 Main Street 876-974-6676

Techie Website

www.techjamaica.com

US Caribbean Links: (restaurants, associations, etc…)

Connecticut: http://www.westindianfoundation.org/

Florida: http://www.jamaicanamericanassoc.com/

Georgia: www.ajaatlanta.org/

Maryland:

- Muffin Man http://www.gazette.net/stories/121406/ente...326_31981.shtml

- www.hotcalaloo.com/jam.htm

Michigan: Michigan Jamaican Association http://www.jam1.org/

US Shopping

Sam's 24-7 - Online Caribbean shopping for food and misc. items - Runs specials with free shipping - www.sams247.com

Golden Krust - Great patties, many locations and an online store - www.goldenkrustbakery.com

http://wifglobal.com

hotel added which is close by the embassy

Edited September 9, 2009 by Bunzarelli