Jamaica Survival Guide!

[NatPatBen 3]

I went to www.skyauction.com and got Rooms at the Beach for $60us a night after taxes.....They are always on that site and you can bid on the rooms....just an FYI...I won the bid at $35 a night but they have fee's and taxes that brought it up to $60 which is still great as the regular rate is somewhere around $100 a night.

Thanks for the link. I bookmarked this one for my May trip to Negril. Are the taxes & fees fixed at $25 or does it depend on the amount you win the bid?

[jamerican 2]

I went to www.skyauction.com and got Rooms at the Beach for $60us a night after taxes.....They are always on that site and you can bid on the rooms....just an FYI...I won the bid at $35 a night but they have fee's and taxes that brought it up to $60 which is still great as the regular rate is somewhere around $100 a night.

Thanks for the link. I bookmarked this one for my May trip to Negril. Are the taxes & fees fixed at $25 or does it depend on the amount you win the bid?

No, it was $15 for high season and $10 for fee's...so it could possilbly be lower by going in may.

[sus 70]

Dopes anyone haave any Ocho Rios hotel recommendations?

Rooms on the Beach, or Sunset Jamaica Grande. These are a bit more pricey, but I'm sure the Ochie crew will have some info for you.

I went to www.skyauction.com and got Rooms at the Beach for $60us a night after taxes.....They are always on that site and you can bid on the rooms....just an FYI...I won the bid at $35 a night but they have fee's and taxes that brought it up to $60 which is still great as the regular rate is somewhere around $100 a night.

I would not stay at Sunset Jamaica Grande -

I have used skyauction before too - I stayed at Negril Beach Resort through them.

[TRELAWNY PARISH 10]

Dopes anyone haave any Ocho Rios hotel recommendations?

Rooms on the Beach, or Sunset Jamaica Grande. These are a bit more pricey, but I'm sure the Ochie crew will have some info for you.

I went to www.skyauction.com and got Rooms at the Beach for $60us a night after taxes.....They are always on that site and you can bid on the rooms....just an FYI...I won the bid at $35 a night but they have fee's and taxes that brought it up to $60 which is still great as the regular rate is somewhere around $100 a night.

I would not stay at Sunset Jamaica Grande -

I have used skyauction before too - I stayed at Negril Beach Resort through them.

I second that...we were treated HORRIBLE both times...they gave us vouchers to come back and we left it at the front desk. With my experience they treated us "Jamaicans" like we didn't belong there...security followed us constantly and this upset my family so much that we moved my uncle's cousin offsite.

[JQ Smiley BOOM 3]

Hello all I've been on Visa Journey to try to figure out this K3, but never checked in or registered. So now here I am. I stay in las Vegas and my husband as of 7/2008 is in Ochi- I sent off the I130 on February 25, 09 and recvd the NOA1 on March 1st. So I sent off the I 129F on March 7th. Yesterday I recvd the APPROVAL for the I130 petition. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!! It was our 3 year anniversary to the day that we met. So I want to know what is the next step? Do I wait for the I129 to be approved or can we go forward with the VISA. The paper says they are forwarding the info to the NVC.

I am so excited Please give the info so I can be prepared.

[^KK^ 3]

JA Queen - Did you find the Yardie thread? There will be more information there.

[Thompson2 1]

This thread was SUCH a good idea!! It has been soo helpful to me! I just wish I could add something.

[sus 70]

Copied from Roxcie's post and saved where I know I can find it when I need it, lol!

Yes, I did call them directly, I will give you the number it's 1-800-375-5283. You will need your case number, when the status of your case is being given press 134 and it will take you directly to a service Rep in Vernmont.

[^KK^ 3]

Awh...Sus...I'm so happy for you. Can't wait for the wedding pics!!

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

Whats the number you use to get to the Embassy? I know someone who is desperately trying to reach them without success. (not the number on the website)

We have gotten through on 876-702-6450.

[NatPatBen 3]

Making a JA LDR Easier

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: 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

Contact Numbers

- Embassy: 876-702-6450

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.cellularblowout.com; www.wirelessgalaxy.com; www.ebay.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

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

Fun Holiday - http://www.funholidaybeachresort.com/

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

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

Trelawny:

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

Starfish

Ocho Rios:

Rooms On the Beach

Sunset Jamaica Grande

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

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

Ocho Rios Internet Hot Spots

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

Techie Website

http://www.techjamaica.com/</a>

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

Connecticut: http://www.westindianfoundation.org/://http://www.techjamaica.com/</a&g...foundation.org/://http://www.techjamaica.com/</a&g...foundation.org/://http://www.techjamaica.com/</a&g...foundation.org/://http://www.techjamaica.com/</a&g...foundation.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

[Marie876 0]

Making a JA LDR Easier

Embassy Contact Number: 876-702-6450

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

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

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

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

Edited April 16, 2009 by Marie876

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

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[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

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[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

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