Jamaica Survival Guide!

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

((BUMP))

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

((BUMP))

[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/

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

[^KK^ 3]

Thats so good information!!!

[JAPrincess 27]

Does anyone here use Claro

http://claro.com.jm

Digicel shut down one of our chips for non-use and we just used it this morning

He says that with Claro he can top up the same chip more than once in 30 days...

Anyone know if this is true?

[NatPatBen 3]

He says that with Claro he can top up the same chip more than once in 30 days...

Anyone know if this is true?

We used Claro for a while, for that very reason. But once I found out about getting multiple Digicel chips, we went with that (and have 4 chips). I never found a way to top up Claro online, so it wasn't as convenient as Digicel.

[BelwinMills 0]

My favorite hotel spots for Montego Bay

Hotels:

Verney House Hotel - it’s a mom and pop run hotel and your significant other can visit or stay with friends visiting. Its on top of a hill off the beaten path. http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-4015914-verney_house_hotel-i

El Greco: convent right above the hip strip. Jamaican friends can visit they just need to sign in at the office. They have Jamaican and American prices too. http://www.elgrecojamaica.com/

Want to take a whole bunch of friends our the family try a VILLA

Villas: Just tell Lisa what you are looking for. www.jamaicantreasures.com

Here is the villa we got married at http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/prp101.php

Here are the ones we are trying to decide on for Christmas: http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/prp204.php

http://www.jamaicantreasures.com/prp218.php

Mrs. Brooks Apartments. No Air or pool but good for winter -50 bucks for a room with a tiny kitchen - off the beaten path. But she is so nice

They have all different price ranges.

Wedding Coordinator for any part of the Island

Do you need a wedding coordinator? Carolyn Barrett she might be on a excursion so give her a few days to get back to you. She is awesome just email her!! She also has excursions you might want to do. She is on time and is also married to Jamaican.

http://www.carolynscaribbeancottages.com/W...dexweddings.htm

We are the wedding picture on the bottom of the page.

Don’t forget to eat at the Pork Pit on the hip strip...

[BelwinMills 0]

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

This link doesn't work? Do they still have this plan?

[BelwinMills 0]

I am just asking about the plan cause hubby is going to JA for two weeks and this would be a better way to communicate I think than ring yard.

[sus 70]

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

This link doesn't work? Do they still have this plan?

Yes, they still have it with a slight change - you can get 1000 minutes for 1000JA, or 1250 for 1250 JA -

Activate International Plan (1000 minutes for a month for 1000J)- Add 1000J or 1250J and dial *134* Send, wait for text back with instructions... will tell you to txt *134*1# to confirm (or *134*9# to cancel), just follow the instructions.

[BelwinMills 0]

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

This link doesn't work? Do they still have this plan?

Yes, they still have it with a slight change - you can get 1000 minutes for 1000JA, or 1250 for 1250 JA -

Activate International Plan (1000 minutes for a month for 1000J)- Add 1000J or 1250J and dial *134* Send, wait for text back with instructions... will tell you to txt *134*1# to confirm (or *134*9# to cancel), just follow the instructions.

Thanks Sus..

[JAPrincess 27]

I think we should include more hotels around the Kingston Embassy on this list...

Anyone care to list the place they stayed and if it was good/bad/okay??

He says that with Claro he can top up the same chip more than once in 30 days...

Anyone know if this is true?

We used Claro for a while, for that very reason. But once I found out about getting multiple Digicel chips, we went with that (and have 4 chips). I never found a way to top up Claro online, so it wasn't as convenient as Digicel.

Thanks for getting back to me Nat!

I was hoping we could top up the Claro phone @ ezetop.com but no such luck

[BunzTheMagicSnail 2]

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

[BelwinMills 0]

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

[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/