FAQs and other information
If we haven't answered all of your questions, please use the contact us page and we will get back to you with the answer as soon as possible!
Airport Tips
Check in & Luggage:
Check in typically closes one hour before an international flight. You must check in one hour before boarding begins. Curbside & Kiosk Check in are not allowed on most international flights you must wait in line for a representative to check you in.
Boarding begins thirty minutes before departure.
Customs & Immigration:
After landing you will go through customs and immigration inspections. Be sure to obtain and complete the proper forms (2) during your flight. Be sure to retain the bottom half of your immigration form after inspection, for departure. After landing, the wait for immigration can take up to 90 minutes. Customs will follow for an additional 40 minutes.Travel with small bills for quick exchanges and singles for tipping, $2 goes a long way.
Communications
You can make collect calls, credit card calls, and use calling cards at the hotel (charges/fees may still apply and be added to your bill at checkout). You can buy calling cards in Jamaica. Some cell phone services (T-Mobile, & AT&T) do work, although you may incur high roaming and international charges. Please check with your cell phone carrier regarding international coverage.
You can also rent a cell phone in Jamaica. Many tour companies sell them at the airport.
The resort does have internet access and computers are available for use at $9.00 for 30 minutes.
What is Jamaica's currency?
The exchange rate is roughly $72 JA dollars to $1 US dollar.
Please keep in mind that US dollars are accepted in Jamaica. Therefore, you do not need to convert your US dollars into Jamaican dollars.
www.gocurrency.com can provide daily conversation rates.
What is Jamaica's time zone?
Jamaica is in the Eastern time zone, but does not observe daylight savings time.
Jamaica's Climate
Jamaica's climate is tropical with constant hot temperatures year round. The average temperature is around 83 degrees. The wettest time of year is around late Spring and early Fall. Hurricane season is in the Fall. Showers still occur at other times of the year, but they are often very short and late in the evening.
Language
The official language is English but a local patois is also spoken, a mixture of English, Spanish, and various African languages.
Payment at the Riu
The Riu accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, & Amex). There are also ATM's located in the main lobby but please note that the ATM's charge a hefty fee.
We recommend bringing small cash for tips, though not required, and a major credit card. Please remember to call your bank and credit card companies prior to your departure to inform them that you will be using your cards in Jamaica. If you do not do this they may freeze your accounts due to suspicious activity.
Getting Around
Traffic drives on the left. If you need to leave the resort there will be taxi's lined up outside the lobby entrance for you to use they are authorized by the Jamaican Union of Travellers Association (JUTA). These are identified by red-and-white "PP" licence plates and a lime green JUTA sticker on the window. Since taxis are not metered, travellers should determine the fare in advance.
Tipping?
Gratuity to your servers is included in your rate; but tipping your maid, bellman, and driver is customary. So tip at your own discretion
