Currency
The local currency is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and resorts, but you'll get a worse rate than exchanging into JMD. Change money at banks or official exchange bureaux, not on the street. ATMs are available in Kingston, Montego Bay, and most larger towns but are sparse in rural areas — carry cash when heading off the main routes. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and bigger restaurants but rarely at local businesses.
Language
English is the official language. Jamaican Patois (Patwa) is a creole that blends English with West African languages and is the everyday speech of most Jamaicans. You'll have no trouble being understood in standard English, but learning a few Patois expressions goes down well.
Safety
Jamaica has a high homicide rate, concentrated in specific garrison communities in Kingston and a few other urban areas. Tourist zones — the north coast resorts, New Kingston, Port Antonio — see relatively little violent crime directed at visitors, but petty theft and scams are common. Keep valuables out of sight, be alert at ATMs, and avoid walking in unfamiliar areas after dark. Don't use street money changers. The hustling around tourist sites (beach vendors, unofficial tour guides) can be intense; a firm but polite "no thank you" usually works.
Health
No vaccinations are required unless you're arriving from a yellow fever zone. Tap water in Kingston and resort areas is generally safe, but bottled water is cheap and widely available. Pharmacies are well stocked in all main towns.
Electricity
110V/50Hz, with US-style two-pin plugs. Visitors from the UK and Europe need adapters.
Time Zone
Jamaica does not observe daylight saving time and runs on UTC-5 year-round. This means that from March to November Jamaica is in the same time zone as US Eastern Standard Time, and one hour behind Eastern Daylight Time.
Telephone
Country code is +1-876. Mobile coverage is good in populated areas; less reliable in the mountains. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and available from Digicel and Flow at the airports and in towns.