Jaela Gentry &
Bobby Porche’s Wedding

HOW IS THE WEATHER IN JAMAICA, SPECIFICALLY IN THE MONTEGO BAY AREA?
Montego Bay, Jamaica, enjoys warm and tropical weather throughout the year. The average high temperature ranges from around 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 32 degrees Celsius), while the average low temperature typically falls between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius).
The rainy season in Montego Bay runs from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall generally occurring in September and October. Despite the rain, the region remains warm, and there are often long stretches of sunshine during the day.
The dry season in Montego Bay runs from November to April. During this period, the weather is usually sunny with very little rainfall, making it the peak tourist season. Visitors flock to Montego Bay to enjoy the warm, pleasant weather and escape the colder climates of other regions.

WHAT CURRENCY IS USED IN JAMAICA?
The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar (JMD).
When visiting Jamaica, it's best to exchange your home currency for Jamaican dollars, as many businesses may not accept foreign currency. However, US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, and you may be able to pay for goods and services with them, though you might receive change in Jamaican dollars.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Montego Bay, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it’s a good idea to check with your bank or credit card company to see if there are any international transaction fees or foreign exchange fees. ATMs are also readily available in tourist areas, and they typically dispense Jamaican dollars. Just be aware that fees may apply for international withdrawals.

WHAT LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN IN JAMAICA?
The official language of Jamaica is English, which is widely spoken throughout the country. However, many Jamaicans also speak Patois, a local dialect that blends English with African, Spanish, and other languages. While English is the primary language used in business, education, and government, you'll often hear Patois spoken in everyday conversations, especially among locals.
In Montego Bay, as in many tourist areas in Jamaica, English is commonly spoken, and visitors can easily communicate with locals. However, learning a few phrases in Patois can enrich your experience and make interactions with locals more enjoyable and authentic.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO JAMAICA?
Yes, a valid passport is required for all foreign nationals (including U.S. citizens) traveling to Jamaica, regardless of the purpose of their visit. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Jamaica. If your passport will expire within six months of your planned departure, you will need to renew it before traveling to Jamaica.

DO I NEED A VISA TO ENTER JAMAICA AS A TOURIST?
The visa requirements for entering Jamaica as a tourist depend on your nationality and the length of your stay.
If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, or New Zealand, you do not need a visa to enter Jamaica for stays of up to 90 days. You will be granted entry as a tourist upon arrival and can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. However, you will need a valid passport for entry.
If you are a citizen of a country other than those listed above, you may need to apply for a tourist visa before traveling to Jamaica. It's best to check with the Jamaican embassy or consulate in your home country to determine the specific visa requirements that apply to you.
As visa requirements may change, it's always a good idea to verify the latest information with the Jamaican embassy or consulate before traveling.

WHAT IS THE TIPPING ETIQUETTE IN MONTEGO BAY?
Tipping is a common practice in Montego Bay, as it is throughout Jamaica, and it’s generally appreciated by service workers. Here are some general guidelines for tipping in Montego Bay:
- Restaurants: It's customary to tip 10-15% of the total bill for good service. Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so it’s a good idea to check before adding a tip.
- Bars: It's common to tip 100-200 Jamaican dollars per drink, or around 10-15% of the total bill if you're running a tab.
- Hotels: Tipping hotel staff such as bellhops, housekeeping, and valet parking attendants is customary. A good rule of thumb is to tip around 100-200 Jamaican dollars per service, depending on the quality of service.
- Tours and Activities: Tipping tour guides and drivers is appreciated, especially for good service. A tip of 10-15% of the total cost of the tour is generally a good guideline.

ARE THERE ANY RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS OR HEALTH PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE BEFORE TRAVELLING TO MONTEGO BAY?
Before traveling to Montego Bay or anywhere in Jamaica, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist to determine what vaccinations or health precautions are recommended based on your individual health status and travel plans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all travelers to Jamaica be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and flu.
In addition, the CDC recommends that most travelers to Jamaica also get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid, which can be contracted through contaminated food or water.
For travelers who plan to engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping, vaccination against diseases such as rabies may be recommended, especially if there's a risk of animal bites.
It's also important to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as there is a risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and chikungunya in some areas of Jamaica, including Montego Bay. You can reduce the risk by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using insect repellent, and staying in accommodations with screened windows and doors.

ARE AIRPORT TRANSFERS INCLUDED IN MY RESERVATION?
Yes, roundtrip transportation to and from the MBJ airport is included in your reservation (unless declined upon booking). In order to arrange for the transfer, we kindly request that you submit your flight information no later than 30-60 days prior to your trip. This will allow us to ensure that your transportation is scheduled and that you have a smooth and hassle-free arrival and departure experience.

HOW DO I KNOW WHO TO LOOK FOR UPON MY ARRIVAL IN MONTEGO BAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MBJ)?
You will be receiving your travel documents with detailed instructions on how to locate your transfers upon arrival. Rest assured that both the airport team and the transportation company will be monitoring your flight and will make arrangements to be waiting for you outside the airport terminal in the event of any delays or early landing. This will ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free arrival experience in Montego Bay.

ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED IN MY RESERVATION?
Flights are not included in your reservation but they can be added. We do however recommend booking your flights directly through the airlines to ensure the best possible rate and booking/payment terms.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR MY TRIP TO MONTEGO BAY?
Remember to check with your resort ahead of time to see what amenities and services they offer, as they might provide items such as beach towels or toiletries. Here are some essential items to consider packing:
- Formal attire: Since you'll be attending a wedding, make sure to pack appropriate formal attire such as a suit, dress, or dress pants with a dress shirt.
- Comfortable shoes: Bring comfortable shoes to wear during the wedding ceremony and reception. You might also want to pack sandals or flip-flops for the beach or pool.
- Sunscreen: The sun can be strong in Cabo, so make sure to pack sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Swimsuit: If you plan to spend time by the pool or at the beach, don't forget to pack a swimsuit.
- Beach bag: Bring a beach bag to carry your towel, sunscreen, and other essentials to the beach or pool.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in the tropics, so pack some insect repellent to avoid getting bitten.
- Casual clothing: Since you're staying at an all-inclusive resort, you might want to pack casual clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses.
- Hat and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun and bring a hat and sunglasses to shade your face.
- Toiletries: Pack your toiletries, including toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, and conditioner. Most all-inclusive resorts provide soap and other basic toiletries.
- Travel documents: Don't forget to bring your passport, visa (if applicable), and any other important travel documents you may need.

HOW IS THE CELL PHONE RECEPTION AND INTERNET CONNECTIVITY IN MONTEGO BAY?
In general, cell phone reception and internet connectivity in Montego Bay are reliable and widely available. Many resorts, including hideaway resorts, offer free Wi-Fi to their guests, and there are also internet cafes and public Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the city.
As for cell phone reception, major mobile carriers in the US and Canada have roaming agreements with Jamaican carriers, so you should be able to use your phone as usual while in Montego Bay. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your carrier to confirm their international roaming policies and fees.
That being said, some more remote areas or locations outside of the city may have limited or no cell phone reception or internet connectivity. If you plan to use your phone or the internet heavily while in Montego Bay, it may be worth investing in a local SIM card or purchasing a data plan to avoid unexpected charges or data roaming fees.

APPS RECOMMENDED TO DOWNLOAD PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP TO JAMAICA:
- Google App: Google has a special text-translation feature that is very useful when wanting to translate writing.
- Maps or GPS App: Google Maps or Apple Maps are the most reliable in Mexico and are helpful if you are leaving the resort for excursions, activities or just exploring.
- Translate App: Very helpful when you want to communicate with the locals and are having trouble.
- WhatsApp: Most Mexican companies and locals communicate mainly via this app. It is not very common to call or text in Mexico.